Starting School

There are certain topics that I feel are worth repeating on a yearly basis. One of these is a discussion of preparing for the beginning of the school year, an occasion that I think is very important for our whole society.

The education of our children needs to be one of our country’s highest priorities. It is not difficult to find advertising in print and other media sources reminding parents of the start of school and encouraging them to spend time and money on their children’s clothing and school supplies. Little, however, encourages the caregiver to focus on the physical and psychological well being of children that is necessary for a successful school year.

The first few days and weeks of school are very important in helping the student establish a positive perception and expectation for the academic year. Discuss the beginning of school in an enthusiastic way which will create a positive mindset for the child. Focus on exciting experiences that may occur rather than reflecting on the end of summer.

Recognize that the first days or even weeks of school may be stressful for some children. Some situations that produce stress and may need special attention are for those who have not gone to school before and are separating from their parents for the first time, those that are new in a town and don't have many friends, and those that are moving from one school to another.

Help your children develop good communication skills with their teachers and other school personnel. Become involved in PTA and other volunteer parent organizations at the school. Be able to assist, when needed, with homework.

Help your children pursue the most important element of education – the desire to learn for the sake of learning. Encourage curiosity and an investigative atmosphere in the home. Decrease high stress expectations and pressures to perform. Encourage the children to try new things and refrain from negative consequences if their efforts are less than hoped for. Instead, encourage them to see all efforts as opportunities to learn and experience new things rather than face a pass or fail mentality.

If television is a significant part of the family lifestyle, decrease this activity. When television is watched, promote interest in educational programming. Parents who watch a lot of television can expect their children to follow suit.

Finally, parents should view education as one of the cornerstones of their children’s life, an investment in their future, health and happiness.