Guest Blog: Simple Steps for School Success

by Emily Dorrance, LCSW

It’s that time of year again! Somehow back to school always has a way of sneaking up on us. The start of a new school year can be met with both agony and excitement for parents and children alike. Here are a few tips to keep organized, create healthy routines, and start your year off right!

Home

●      Practice the school routine a few days prior to the first day of school.

●      Review supply lists with your child and have them help prepare their school bag with materials.

●      Implement nightly bedtime routines to promote healthy sleep hygiene.

●      Keep a large calendar to provide a visual cue for what children can expect.

●      Implement regularly scheduled family meetings to discuss expectations surrounding homework, screen time, schedules as well as family goals and values.

●      Promote peaceful mornings. Prepare what you can the night before to avoid starting the day with avoidable stress.

School

●      Create open lines of communication with teachers. Be sure to update the school on any changes your child may be experiencing at home (i.e. new sibling, deployment, family illness, etc.).

●      Schedule a tour, do a drive-by, or peruse the school’s website to help familiarize your child. 

●      Attend school events to build a network of supportive resources and services.

●      Provide the teacher with helpful information about your child, include your child in the process (i.e. “When I am upset, I like to take a walk.” or “I am scared of loud noises like fire alarms.”).

●      Confirm that the teacher, administration, and counselor are aware of any IEP or 504 accommodations.

Well-being

●      Validate your child’s feelings by simply labeling the feelings and behaviors they demonstrate.  Resist the urge to “fix it” as this can be perceived as minimizing.

●      Identify what is within your child’s control (i.e. asking for help, hand washing, mask wearing, arriving to school prepared).

●      Increase opportunities for choice and control (i.e. snacks, outfits, music on the way to school).

●      Allow for children to have downtime built into their daily routine.

●      Consider your child’s total wellness, and look for opportunities to increase their physical, social, emotional, occupational, spiritual and intellectual health.

●      Practice daily gratitude by sharing specific experiences from the day (i.e. “How did you help someone today?” or “What was something that surprised you today?”).

Children thrive in predictable environments so implementing these simple practices can promote a calm and manageable routine. When possible, create opportunities for children to demonstrate choice to increase feelings of control and self-management in this time of flux and uncertainty.  If you notice any changes in your child’s appetite, sleep, or social and/or academic functioning, be sure to seek support through your pediatrician or school counselor.

Lastly, please remember you are your child’s best advocate and ally.  Continue to model self-regulation and optimism in the face of change and your children will follow suit. Be sure to establish your own self-care routine so you can continue to thrive as the leader of your family. Adventure awaits, let the games begin!

by Emily Dorrance, LCSW

Emily Dorrance is a military spouse, mother, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been proudly serving military students and their families in the Hampton Roads area for the past 6 years.