How to Prepare Kids for Back to School: Tips for Parents Who Want to Survive and Maybe Shine
Summer is coming to an end and you might feel like the best thing to do at this point is to stock up on liters of coffee and kilos of patience for the next school year. But don't worry, I've prepared a guide for you to help you survive this often stressful process with grace and humor.
- Back to the routine (fun but effective)
We all know that routine is key. It even has the seal of scientific studies that confirm to us that a structured day makes children more confident and happy individuals. But let's be honest, you are not a general in the army and your children are not recruits. So why should the routine be some sort of military operation?
Instead of making the beds sound like an order, why not make the whole process something like the "Peace Olympics"? There could be one "discipline" every night - from "quick storage of stuffed animals" to "sprint to bed in pajamas". Make it a show, and don't forget small prizes for small winners. For example, if the child successfully completes all disciplines, he can choose a bedtime story.
- Repetition by game
But instead of boringly practicing addition and subtraction or memorizing capital cities, try making the repetition a real show. As? How about playing a homemade version of 'Want to be a Millionaire' with maths, geography or language questions? Trust me, your kids will go to school feeling like learning can be really cool. And for the right answers? Well, this is where the reward system comes into play. Each correct answer can mean a small reward, whether it's a favorite snack, a trip or an extra half hour in front of the TV.
Repetition doesn't have to be a pain; with a little creativity, it becomes a fun game for everyone to enjoy!
- Sleep is a friend, not an enemy
Sleep isn't just something that stops your kids from exploring the world and playing games. Lack of sleep can seriously impair the ability to learn and concentrate, as a number of scientific studies have shown. But even though it sounds boring and many children don't want to sleep, it's the holidays after all, it's good to start preparing for a sleep routine a week before starting school. To help children fall asleep better, read to them before bedtime, talk about experiences or try our evening ritual: "Sleep with a Superhero," when the boys choose which superhero will protect them in the evening.
- Breakfast is not only for champions, but also for mathematicians
Science speaks clearly: children who eat breakfast do better in school. But how do you convince a little scientist who thinks that pancake batter is more fun and better than ready-made pancakes? Simply, make it an experiment! "What is the best pancake consistency for maximum deliciousness?" - Even the most grumpy little Einstein will do something like that.
- Psychological tricks (or how to tell them that school is cool)
What about the psychological tricks marketers use to get us to buy the latest toy? Why not use them to our advantage? For example, instead of saying, "You have to go to school," try, "You have the honor of being the hero of the day at school today!"
Therefore, dear parents, the time has come to put on your best heroic cloak and prepare your offspring to conquer the school desks. And remember, even if you don't have powerful tools like laser swords or superhero powers, you have something much more powerful: determination and love. And science-based tips, of course!
So, embrace rewards, incorporate humor and positive reinforcement, and most of all, don't forget to have fun. Because when learning is fun, anything is possible. Enjoy back to school!
Written with love and (an incredible amount of) coffee,
Soldering Betty