This is a collaborative post
With many kids about to return to school after some time off, and others making preparations to return in September after a really long break, parents may be wondering how you can make sure your kid is having the best school year they possibly can.
Here are some tips:
Dealing with Back to School Blues
If you are suffering from back to school anxiety or depression, talk to a therapist. Online therapy makes it easier than ever to get the help that you need.
Sites such as ReGain.us can help you and your family get the help you need. They can even help your kids when they may need more than just a school counsellor to help them out.
Help Your Kid Write Their Desires This School Year
Brainstorm some ideas on what they want to see out of this school year.
Here are a few ideas:
- Does your kid want to read more?
- Does your kid have a skill they want to improve on?
- Does your kid have a subject they want to do better in?
- Does your kid want to make more friends?
Have your child write down their desires and order them by importance and size. Have them work on the smallest goal first, then the biggest. Practice ways to help them.
For example, if they want to do better in science, buy them a science kit or play some cool science videos. If they want to make new friends, look into clubs such as Cubs or Brownies which will help them socialise out of school.
Don’t Stress Them Out Too Much
With that said, don’t pressure them too much. A child, especially an older one, can develop anxiety and fear. Encourage good grades at school, but don’t act like it’s the end of the world if they slip up.
Instead, figure out what they did wrong and allow them to self-correct. As long as they make changes, they’re doing good!
Make Sure They’re Unwinding
We know that kids don’t want to go to bed. They’re having so much fun, and then they have to go to bed. If they go to bed right in the middle of video games, it can be hard for them to fall asleep, and they may try to stay up. Not getting enough sleep is certainly not good for the grades.
Limit electronic use before bed and have them unwind with a good story, a bath, or something else that relaxes them. Make sure they’re fast asleep before you go to bed.
The same applies to you. Being on your phone all night can make it harder for you to do good at work.
Try Special Needs Programs
Make sure you child is getting the help they need. Some children may feel a little talked down to when it comes to some of these programs aimed at children with autism, ADHD and other special needs, so don’t force it on them.
Just tell them that if they need to, these programs are available any time for them if they feel overwhelmed.
Spend Time With Your Kids
One way you can help your kids grow this school year is to spend time with them. There are plenty of activities you can do that can get them active, get them thinking, and get them ready to learn. For some interesting ideas, you can click here or go here for more information.