Mornings help to set the tone for your child’s school day. Consider these ideas for a routine that will send him off to school relaxed and ready to learn:
- Add a “cushion.” Does your youngster need to walk out the door at 8 a.m.? Have him pretend he has to leave by 7:45 a.m. and adjust his routine accordingly. If he’s ready early, great! The cushion of extra time will make the morning feel more relaxed—and maybe even give him time to read for pleasure or review spelling words.
- Simplify breakfast. Make healthy, ready-to-eat breakfast items ahead of time with your child. Overnight oatmeal, hard-boiled eggs, cheese cubes with fruit, and favorite sandwiches are all good bets.
- Use a musical countdown. Suggest that your child create a song playlist that fits the amount of time he has to get ready for school. Then turn on the music when he wakes up. Once he’s familiar with the order of the songs, he’ll know how much time he has left just from listening to the music.
Back to School ... for Parents
- Check in at the office as soon as you enter the school building, and be prepared to show identification.
- If you drive your child to school, be familiar with drop-off and pick-up procedures. For instance, stay in your car, obey staff and patrol officers, and help your youngster exit the car quickly and safely.
- Follow rules for sending food to school. Is there a no-peanut policy? Are birthday treats allowed?
- Contact the teacher to arrange visits ahead of time rather than dropping in.
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