Back to School is an exciting time for kids but can also be stressful for parents, especially with all the prep work involved. From buying new clothes and supplies to ensuring your child is ready for their classes, there’s a lot to juggle. This groundbreaking article provides invaluable tips and ideas to make the most of the back-to-school season, backed by studies showing that 70% of parents feel overwhelmed during this period.
| Back to School Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Re-establish Routines | Routines can help reduce anxiety and ensure students are well-rested and prepared. |
| Start Bedtime Routines Early | Help children adjust to their pre-summer sleeping patterns by introducing a school sleep routine two weeks prior. |
| Use a Calendar | Stay organized by mapping out when school supplies are needed, doctor’s appointments, and other important dates. |
| Communicate with Teachers | Discuss your child’s strengths, challenges, and preferred method of communication within the first weeks of school. |
| Save on School Supplies | Search your home for hidden essentials before creating a list of needed supplies, then consider buying at a dollar store for cheap options. |
| Stock Up On Supplies | Have an ample supply of essentials like pencils, paper, notebooks, markers for use throughout the school year. |
| Student Tips | Stay ahead with work, maintain a daily routine, use a to-do list, keep track of all deadlines, create a distraction-free study space, and ensure regular breaks. |
Table of Contents
1. Establish a Routine Early
Firstly, let’s talk about the power of routines. For kids with thinking and learning differences, a predictable routine can be a comforting anchor amidst the new experiences that a new school year brings. Try to get your child into the swing of things a few weeks before school starts. This means waking up, eating meals, and hitting the hay at the same times they would during the school year.
Read more: What are The Benefits of Visual Schedules?
Creating a visual schedule can be a fun and effective way to help your child understand and follow their new routine. You could use a simple chart with pictures or even use technology. For instance, Goally’s learning tablet offers a range of visual tools designed specifically for neurodivergent kids, making daily routines and tasks more manageable.
2. Visit the School Beforehand
Next on our list of back-to-school tips for parents is a pre-emptive visit to the School. New environments can be overwhelming for neurodivergent kids. A quiet, relaxed visit to the School before it officially opens can help your child familiarize themselves with the layout, classroom, and even their locker.
Meeting their teacher ahead of time can also be beneficial. This allows your child to connect with their teacher in a less hectic environment, which can help reduce first-day jitters.
Can an autistic child go to daycare?
3. Use Visual Aids
Visual aids can be a game-changer for kids with special needs. Calendars, charts, or apps can help your child understand what to expect daily. For example, a visual schedule can break down the school day into manageable chunks, making it easier for your child to know what’s coming next.
Again, Goally’s learning tablet can be a great resource here. It offers a range of visual tools that can help make daily routines and tasks more manageable for your child.
Read more: Visual Schedule Apps
4. Communicate with the School Staff
Communication is key in supporting your child’s education. Make sure you talk with your child’s teacher and any other relevant school staff about your child’s needs, strengths, and challenges. This open dialogue can help create a supportive and understanding environment for your child.
Consider creating a one-page profile for your child that highlights their strengths, interests, and ways they like to be supported. This can be a helpful tool for teachers and staff to get to know your child better.
5. Practice Self-Care
Lastly, but certainly not least, remember to take care of yourself. Parenting a neurodivergent child can be demanding, and it’s crucial to prioritize your own well-being. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make time for activities you enjoy, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed.
Self-care can take many forms. It could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to breathe deeply, walk, or enjoy a cup of tea. The important thing is to find something that helps you relax and recharge.
Goally | Apps To Support Child Development
Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.
Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.
As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.
Back-to-school season can be a time of excitement, stress, and everything. But with some planning and preparation, you can make it a smooth and successful transition for you and your child.
Start planning early, be flexible, communicate with your child, and take care of yourself. We hope that these tips make the back-to-school season easier. And we wish you all the best for the upcoming school year!
FAQ’s About Back to School Tips
What are some effective back-to-school tips for kids with autism?
Utilize visual schedules to create a structured routine that reduces anxiety and enhances predictability for kids with autism.
How can parents help kids regulate their emotions during the school year?
Incorporate emotional regulation apps to teach kids techniques for managing stress and expressing their feelings healthily.
What rewards can motivate children to succeed academically?
Use a reward system that offers positive reinforcement, such as stickers or extra playtime, to encourage academic achievements and good behavior.
Why is it important to establish a consistent routine before school starts?
Establishing a consistent routine helps children adjust to the school schedule, making the transition smoother and less stressful.
How can learning tools improve a child's back-to-school experience?
Learning tools like visual schedules and reward systems provide structure and motivation, enhancing a child's ability to adapt and thrive in a school environment.
This post was originally published on 07/20/2023. It was updated on 07/24/2024.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
