It Really is Time to Get Ready for September?

Have you noticed all the "Back to School" ads? They actually started in early July just weeks after the last day of school so it sort of became white noise. But now that it is August it really is time to be thinking about the new school year. Some parents are happy to see the summer end and see kids back in school with the school year routines. Others love summer and want to see the less structured days continue. However, there is no stopping the clock and whichever category you fall into, you must deal with the reality of September. So, how best to prepare your child for the inevitable changes?

First, always talk positively about the new school year and the fun things to expect, whether your child is just moving up to the next level or starting in a totally new school building. The idea is to get your child mentally and physically ready for the new school year. Review the school day routine, especially how they will get to school and back home. Discuss what they will take to school for meals and snacks. Start shopping for new school clothes, shoes, backpacks, lunch boxes and school supplies - but not all at once. Do it a little at a time so it is not overwhelming and continues to be fun, not a chore.

Review what friends will be in their class and set up a few play dates or meet-in-the-park dates in the weeks leading up to the start of school to reconnect with those kids. Start about 2 weeks before to move bedtime closer to what it will be in September. It will already be hard enough the night before the first day. Try to make the end of summer days more structured with a daily routine for wake ups, meal times and bed time. If possible, try to visit the classroom, meet the teacher, see the playground, gym, lunchroom, etc. so your child can be familiar with it before the first day. Practice self help skills like buttoning, zipping, putting on own shoes, jacket, boots and opening their own lunch foods. All of these skills will make your child feel more confident so practice them at home as much as you can until mastered.

Visit the library and get books about starting school. These can be useful to encourage conversation about it in a positive way and can reveal any worries your child has about going to school. First day jitters are natural and to be expected. Talk about anxieties now - weeks before school begins - whether it is just a new classroom, a new teacher or a whole new building with a lot of unknowns. Parents play an important role in shaping a child's attitude toward school so make sure you are not communicating any of your own anxieties about the new school year - that will only exacerbate any separation issues.

If your child is especially anxious do a first day of school practice run - getting up early, picking out first day clothes, first day breakfast, pack a lunch and drive to school (if your child takes a bus pretend you’re the bus driver!) or walk to the bus stop. Talk about who else they might see and how they will get home. Play school at home pointing out all the things your child already knows, always talking positively about all the new FUN experiences they will have at school. The most important thing parents can do to prepare their child is to spend quality time together - reading, singing rhyming songs, talking a lot and encouraging the child to show you what they are interested in. All this will help make the transition to a new class or a new school an easy one.

Karen Horowitz
Parenting Resource Network Director

Get Outside!

Do you find that kids are easier to keep occupied in the summer? Now that we have reached the mid-point of the summer (really? Is it August already?), it is time to take stock of all the parks, playground, beaches and family attractions still left to explore. Check out the new website of the Early Years Institute, www.pickapark.org, for a wonderful database of Long Island's 700 parks (yes, 700!) listing their locations and facilities.

Outdoor exercise has been in the news a lot recently as the nation focuses on the obesity epidemic and the importance of getting kids up and moving. Newsday recently reported on the focus in Great Britain that all children under age 5 need daily exercise for at least 3 hours every day. Research by neuroscientists is confirming that "exercise can make kids smarter". Now who wouldn't want a physically fit, emotionally resilient, smarter child! There's even overwhelming evidence showing that the higher the fitness level of a child, the higher the test scores. So let's get everyone outside and exploring Long Island's wonderfully rich natural environment. When the weather isn't cooperative be sure to come to the JCC and use our fabulous indoor pool, play room and gym.

Karen Horowitz
Parenting Resource Network Director