Summer is coming to an end and the new school year is right around the corner! I’m full of mixed emotions about it. Sad because another summer with my kids while they are young has passed by, but on the other hand excited to watch them learn and grow during another year in school.
Recently, I saw a post on social media with tips for sending your kids back to school. I agreed with a lot of them, so I thought I’d share those with you.
The first and most important tip, I think, is to smile and be happy to see your kiddos at the end of the school day. Remember that it can take them a while to get used to being away from you all day again and they probably missed you. Even if you had a tough day at work, try to put it aside and be present with your kids, asking them about their day and showing them you care and missed them, too.
The second tip goes hand-in-hand with them getting used to being away from you. They also have to get used to or re-adjusted to a long day of concentrating. Getting back into the swing of things isn’t always easy. Most of the time it’s tough, so make sure to give them grace and patience. They are going to be tired and probably a little grumpy the first week or two. Give them time to adjust to the early hours and expectations of focusing for a whole day.
The third tip made me chuckle when I read it because it is definitely true with my kids. Always make sure to pack a snack in the car for when you pick them up. Lunch times vary in schools and depending on when they had lunch, they could need something to eat before you can get them home. They will inevitably get in the car and immediately say they are hungry and want a snack. So, always pack a little something for them and for your sanity.
Last tip is to understand that they will be exhausted and full of energy at the same time. They will be mentally exhausted from focusing and learning new things all day, but probably need to burn off some energy from sitting still (hopefully) most of the day. So, if it’s nice outside let them play in the backyard for a little bit and run some of that energy off. If the weather isn’t cooperating, put Just Dance videos on Youtube and let them dance it out.
I know all of these tips definitely ring true for me and my kids, so I hope they help you as well.
Just remember, they are only little once. They will only be in school for so many years and then it’s over.
Try to enjoy it while you can!
Ann Burns is a Morgantown native, raising two young children with her husband, Drake. She writes weekly columns for The Dominion Post. Contact her at Columns@DominionPost.com.
