How To Get Your Kids Emotionally Ready For School

Back To School means time for a fresh start. This time it’s a little different start, yet a special one. As online classes are still going to continue into the future. Typically, after a long break, it’s usually a little tougher to motivate the children to go back to a routine. Here are few of the things which help in the long run. Experienced by me, it has worked for my students and for my daughter too.

Set a routine

A week before the school re-opening, gradually get them back into their routine. Start getting them to sleep earlier. And try to in a very subtle manner. So don’t be overly stern with them or get upset. Because that will only make them more defensive. Play a quick word game or narrate an interesting story while putting them to bed. Make bedtime a special time. After that, they themselves will be anticipating that special time. End each night with a bit of low key entertainment. So that they are eagerly waiting for the next day’s bedtime .

Go school shopping

I remember after a summer break, what used to excite me the most was buying my school things. For e.g. A new tiffin box, a pencil pouch, stationery, water bottle and satchel . The smell of the crisp new uniform would be enticing too. Make it special by taking them shopping and buying them something new. They’ll be excited for school because they will look forward to using their new supplies.

Journaling

It’s very helpful for children to get into the habit of writing in a journal. Because it kills two birds with one stone. When they practice creative writing without being forced to do so, they learn to pen their own thoughts. So go ahead and buy them a beautiful journal of their choice. Sit and practice journaling with them. You can start by asking them to write about what they are looking forward to learning at school. This way, you will unconsciously draw them towards telling you what they really want to learn.

Address their fears

The biggest mistake we make as adults is brushing off children’s fears.  As an adult, these fears may seem insignificant to us. For children, however, these are real fears. And ignoring them could cause children to start bottling their fears up. So speak with them and find out what is bothering them. By communicating freely with them you maintain a two way communication.

Make a study corner

This year it’s going to be truly different for them. Because of the fear of the unknown. And they will not be seeing their friends like normal. Which may be worrying them. So create a study corner for them. Decorate it in a special manner by maybe making a chart or putting up a cheerful poster.  If they have painted during their summer break, they could put those paintings up near their study table. Or keep a pretty pencil stand nearby. Have their books arranged well, iPad or laptop, and all of the things that they need. You are also teaching them manage their space and to be responsible.

The surprise

The day that they start school, get up early and surprise them with a gift or reward. Let them start their first day of school on a happy note. This way, you are setting a positive tone for them for the whole term. This little thoughtful gesture of yours will play an important role in the long run. You could make a card and leave it on their table too. Last but not the least, give them a warm hug. They’ll go in happy and cheerful for their classes.

All the Best to the moms, their kids and the teachers. 😊