Back-to-School Tips for Parents and Families

.           Make a happy and easy environment for kids during the first days of school

• Take your child to visit the new school or classroom before the first day of school. Attend any available orientations and take an opportunity to tour the school.
• Remind your child that teachers know that students may be nervous about the first day of school; they will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
• Point out the positive aspects of school starting to help your kids look forward to the first day of class. Talk about how they will see old friends and meet new ones, for example.
• Find another child in the neighborhood you child can walk to school or ride with on the bus.

Have a healthy sleep routine

• Help your child adjust to earlier bedtimes a week or two before the new school year starts, just to help them ease into new routines. Set a consistent bedtime for your child and stick with it every night

• Create a bedtime routine that is consistent to help your child settle down and fall asleep
• Have your child turn off electronic devices well before bedtime. Try to have the home as quiet and calm as possible when younger children are trying to fall asleep.