At home we do not talk about the 'back to school' although the children already know that there are few weeks left before classes resume, and we share with them - even indirectly - of some of the preparations.
I think such a remarkable change requires good planning and (above all) a progressive adaptation to schedules. For the parents they are also busy days because we have to buy new clothes for the fall, review the missing material and pick up the books we have ordered.
We present the most important aspects to take into account to make the return to school 2012 more bearable (to all):
Organize the closet
1.- Check uniforms and make a list of the robbery items they will need. In two months the children may have grown up and you will need to know if the uniforms are good for them, or if they need arrangements.
Many have already advanced the purchases of textile equipment for the next season, the next rise in VAT has forced us to do so. You still have time to anticipate the price increase ... until August 31, and remember that in a matter of two months you may need a long sleeve.
2.- Start school With good feet, we already know how to choose a good footwear, now we only have to look for new shoes and sneakers, which surely need them.
About books and 'how to manage' the purchase of school supplies
3.- If we manage to withdraw the books from the establishment where we have ordered them in time, we can line them up without haste and that they remain in good condition.
4.- That in July you kept the materials that were left over from last year well ordered? Well, now is the time to take them out and check what we have and what we need. This way we will avoid unnecessary trips to the stationery.
For these acquisitions we will also take advantage of the remaining days until September 1, in order to avoid as much as possible the price increase
5.- Backpack: If it is damaged and it is not possible to repair it, we will need a new one. Maybe your budget is limited, in this case the child should know that he will take to school a good backpack in which all his books will fit ... but without the drawing of his favorite character, nothing happens for this. If we use last year's we can spend it without repairs, and if only the 'car' has been broken we buy one (which will be cheaper than acquiring a new set).
The 'landing' in the routine implies a reorganization in habits
6.- All (or almost) we become a little more lax when it comes to food during the summer. But it suits go eliminating daily ice cream, and reintroducing fruits for snack: The general idea is to recover healthy foods (which give so much energy) so that our children start with strength.
7.- Breakfast at 11, eat at 15.30, do not snack (or do it wrong) ... and have dinner at 23.15 !: Let's finish this, because although it can be fun, after several weeks it is very chaotic Y our body suffers.
8.- We have time to start putting the children to bed sooner: every day 10 minutes before ... so the last week of vacation will already be going to bed at 10 pm to have time to sleep the recommended hours. What are the town festivities still? Then do like me and postpone this decision until next Monday, but don't let any more time pass.
Internal changes that are not always expressed
9.- Do we know how children feel about the reunion with classmates and classrooms?, The best way to avoid excessive stress is ask them, and above all let them express their fears. The kids are much better after talking, and especially after knowing that they have their parents to support them.
An example, are we facing a child who starts primary education and is worried about his literacy level? If we give him the opportunity to tell us, we can spend a few minutes daily to sit with him to write some lines and read his favorite stories , in our company
10.- Resume communication with the families of our children's classmates. Although children do not feel like seeing their friends from school before the day classes start, it will be good for us to call moms and dads to tell us how they are going to organize, and to anticipate the news they know. You already know that exchanging experiences helps us to be calmer.
And above all, consider something very important: It is important that we show normality and tranquility in the face of change, so we will transmit this feeling to the children and they can relax. In addition, the possible problems that arise once the course has started are best solved with a stable attitude.
We continue another day with the planning of the course, and without so much haste ... that today I urged you to lend a hand with the preparation before school.
