How To Feel Good About Going Back To School

Lisa Navarra M.A. in Special Education with over 20 years of experience Lisa is the Founder/President of Child Behavior Consulting, LLC. For more insider tips and information, log onto
www.childbehaviorconsulting.com or contact Lisa at
Lisa@ChildBehaviorConsulting.com,  FB Child Behavior Consulting. Lisa can also be seen on Verizon Fios Push Pause LI Parenting: Setting Limits.

Has your child's attitude changed from adventurous to suddenly avoidant? Child Behavior Consulting offers suggestions for you and your child to amp up that adventurous side to look forward to going back to school! Try to talk with your child about how he/she feels about going back to school. You might be surprised by the response. But what if you have a child who is not expressive and you really don't know how he/she is feeling? Well, we have suggestions for you too!

Reviewing or creating a check list can be a fun and validating activity to help create that feeling of a fresh, smooth start to a new school year!

Here are 2 check lists. One for the parent and one child. However, you and your child may want to personalize them to make your very own unique check lists. 

Check List For The Child
Are you Quiet or Shy?
– Place a picture of yourself doing something fun over the summer that you can share with your classmates. 
– Wear your book bag and pretend you are going to school.
– Visit your class before the first day of school.

Are you worried you might get in trouble?
– Pick your favorite or a bright colored string and wear it as a bracelet. Look at it as a reminder to raise your hand or to check if you are following directions.

Need a happy thought?
– Ask your mom/dad to pack your favorite snack or bake one with your mom/dad.

Thinking of things to talk to other kids about can make you feel more comfortable in a new class.
Here are a few suggestions:
1- "What was your favorite part of the summer?"
2- "Did you go anywhere over the summer?"
3- "Do you play any sports or play an instrument?"

How do you feel about going back to school? 
– Excited  – Happy  – Worried  – Sad  – Terrified 

Can you think of something that you can do to make you feel happy about going to school?

You know your parents the best! Write what would make your mom or dad not worry about you while you are in school.

Check List For The Parent
For the busy parent:
– Pack the school supplies ready to go for the first day of school. 
– book bag   – lunch box   – pencils   – notebook   – folder
– label each item with your child's and teacher's name
– tell your child the bus number

For the forgetful parent:
– Hang a monthly wipe off board in a high traffic area for easy reference and updating.

Information to include on the wipe off board:
– Names of teachers
– Start and end times of school
– After school activities
– Meet the teacher date and other important dates 

For the worried parent:
– Talk with your child about your concerns.
– Call the principal 1 week before to express concerns.
– Contact the school nurse with any necessary documents/medications for your child's allergies