Schools
The Parenting Corner: Back to School Groove
As families ready for the first day of school, Patch has some tips to get back into the groove.
As families ready for the first day of school, Dover-Sherborn Patch has some tips to get back into the groove.
Wake up
In order for your child to do their best in school, they’re going to need sleep. Experts say children ages 5-10 need 10 hours of sleep a night; ages 11-13 need 9.5 hours; and ages 13 and older need 9.2 hours. Keeping a watchful eye on your children's sleep is as important to their overall health as the food they eat and the exercise they get. Start setting a bedtime and stick to it. Establish a sleep routine. Keeping the same schedule (brush teeth, read a story, say goodnight) makes it easier for children to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning.
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Start talking
A new school year means a lot of changes and your child may be anxious about some of them. Take an opportunity while in the car or some other quiet time to talk. Is your child concerned about not having their best friend in the same class? Are they nervous about a new teacher? Listen to their concerns and try to focus on the positive. For instance, talk about what they may learn this year or remind them of their past successes. What will they be studying this year? Take out some books from your local library to pique their interest.
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Go shopping
Instead of treating back to school shopping as a chore, turn it into a fun outing to mark a new beginning. Prior to your shopping day, sit down with your child, flip through some catalogs and talk about what they need. Be sure to take a close look at what they already have and make a day of it.
Create a space
Clear the dining room table or rework another space in your home to serve as the designated homework station. Personalize the area by hanging up fun posters or inspiring quotes.
End on a Happy Note
Throw a ‘School is Cool’ gathering at your house and invite over some classmates for games and ice cream sundaes. My family hosts a back to school movie night at our house. It’s an annual event we all look forward to.
Here's to a great school year!