"Back to School" Recommendations

Recommendations for "Back to School" The holiday period has now ended for both parents and children. School shopping has been done, supplies have been completed, but is your child ready for the new school year? Liv Hospital Clinical Psychologist Selenay Yücel Keleş answers these questions and also provides recommendations for children starting first grade.

Psychological preparation for the "back to school" concept is important

With the end of the long summer vacation, returning to school may not be easy for every child. While some children eagerly await the opening of school, others may feel anxious. For this reason, it is very important to psychologically prepare children for the "back to school" concept. Tell your children that schools will be opening soon, that they will return to school and be together with their friends and teachers. Reminding them of the fun and educational times they will spend with their teachers and friends, asking them about their favorite games to play at school and the subjects they enjoy most will help you and your child prepare mentally in a positive way. If starting first grade… Providing detailed information to your child who will be starting school for the first time strengthens your child's sense of control. You can provide information about what happens at school. By describing what they might encounter on the way to school, what happens in the school yard and inside the school, and by sharing your positive thoughts, you can create a conversation. Understanding your child's feelings, creating an environment where they can express their thoughts, and talking with them about any anxiety or concerns related to school will help your child feel good.

Organize your home environment

After mental preparation is done, reorganizing the home environment where routines and rules have changed during the summer vacation is very important. During the holidays, children have a more relaxed, flexible and irregular daily routine. However, it is now necessary to re-establish the sleep times of the school period, breakfast and meal times, and to re-establish the order and behaviors of the school period. While immediate adaptation to the school period may be challenging for some children, it is possible with the parent's firm and positive discipline. Organizing your daily routine together with your child can make adaptation easier and faster.

Re-establish rules regarding technological devices

You should re-establish rules with your child regarding technological devices used by all family members. Limiting the time spent on what we call the 3Ts—phones, tablets, and televisions—plays an important role in preventing possible attention problems and creating a positive impact on academic success.

Prepare one corner of the home as a reading area together

You can create a space by preparing study and book reading areas for your child together with them. You can discuss questions about what hours should be spent studying and doing homework, and get their input.

Do school shopping together with your child

Choosing new school supplies together with your child will be beneficial in making them feel that you value their opinion and taste, and that you are cooperating with them regarding school.

Treat their struggles as normal

It is normal for them to struggle with homework and sleep initially and try to bend the rules. In the face of these reactions, it is very important that you do not pressure your child, do not use harsh and strict language, and remain understanding and firm. Involving your child in the process for the new period and adopting a supportive approach as a parent will positively affect both your relationship with your child and the relationship your child will build with school.