Top Tips for Back to School

No one sums up the bitter/sweet, back-to-school feeling better than Joe Fox in that beloved movie "You've Got Mail":

"I would send you a bouquet of neatly sharpened pencils."

Each year, I feel pulled from my all-too-brief-summer-vacation-way-of-thinking by the clamour of the Back-to-School push from shops, big and small. Is it really necessary? What are the essentials you need to pack with your child to start them off with the best chance of success this year?

Something New

In pre- and middle school you might be given class supply lists; glue, scissors etc. Whenever possible include your student in buying these, particularly if you are on a tight budget. Nothing says "I'm invested in your success" and "go for it!" better than taking the time to put these items together. Even in the high school years, mark the new school year with a small gift that is a "tool" for them to use in their success. It could be a pen they want, a pencil case or an inexpensive pair of headphones.

"Hello. My name is ..."

Primarily for the earlier grades, but also in high school, well after your child has stopped being taught by just one teacher, make an appointment. Get in there and engage with someone who is responsible for the success of students. Ask them how you can support their work from home. It could be a class your child is really eager to do well in, or one that they are concerned about. Make an appointment to discuss the class with the teacher. If they're worth their salt, you'll leave with a much clearer view of what YOUR home-work will be each evening, to support your child.

Pack a Care Package

Particularly for the first week, and this goes for a student in any stage, make sure they have something for unexpected downtime. As the new school year is finding it's rhythm there may well be some waiting periods with minimal supervision, while logistics are sorted out for the first time. Food and snacks might not be appropriate at this time. Pack one or two of your child's favorite used books with them, so they have something to do should there be any unscheduled stoppage. Thrift Books is handy here because it's really easy to shop by binding, in this case, paperbacks, to save weight and I think you'll be shocked by how small the price difference between different bindings is.

PS. How Are You Doing?

I don't care if you have a senior in high school or a college student. A note from Mom or Dad is a home run on a long day of academics. It can be a nice quote or just an 'I love you'. Any kind note from a parent can be a day changer.

Be More Than the Best Sandwich Maker

The success of any student is linked to the support they get outside school. Our job as care-givers to school children doesn't stop at packed lunch creation and chaperoning them to the bus stop. I hated it when my lowly math skills were outstripped by my growing children (I won't tell you which grade that was, other than it was early), but I found other ways to contribute. Things like how to prioritize, plan days ahead, budget time, and instill good habits, such as proof reading and using a thesaurus.

Sleep

Of course there's no substitute for this, we all know that. 8 to 10 hours minimum for all active kids, 9 to 11 if they are seriously into sports. But did you also know that around 14 to 18 years of age, developmental changes make it harder for kids to fall asleep until very late? The National Sleep Foundation says that can be after 11:00 pm and consequently their bodies want to keep sleeping when it's time to be in school in the morning. Added to that we, as parents, have a major awareness problem. The same organization (NSF) says that 80% of adolescents don't get enough sleep, while another survey they conducted says over 90% of parents believe their kids ARE getting enough sleep? Now you all know the math skills of my kids are better than mine, but that doesn't add up! You can do several things to combat this biological difference. Inform yourself, be tolerant of organized cat-naps and plan "catch-up" sleep at the weekend.

Read more by Billy Doux