Getting Your Child Prepared For School
Starting a new school year can often be intimidating for children. Getting them used to a new routine, a new environment and a change of pace can be a daunting experience. Preparing yourself, your nanny and especially your child, is essential for a seamless transition into the new school year. In this blog, we give you some helpful tips and ways to prepare your child for school.
1. Getting them used to a schedule prior to their first day.
It’s helpful when you are able to communicate with your child what their first day is going to look like, who their teachers are going to be and showing them a visual of their schedule. Once they understand more or less what their day will look like, it’s easier to get them on schedule for their daily tasks.
2. Get your child excited for school
To a child, starting a new grade can make them feel a little anxious. Making new friends, having a new teacher and learning something new can be scary. It’s very helpful when their parent and nanny can get on board the excitement train and make them feel comfortable and ready to start a new year. Asking your child about any fears, doubts or thoughts on starting school, can help you effectively ease their minds about it. Children often mimic the energy that’s exuded around them, so if you get excited for them about school, they will too!
3. Early to bed, early to rise
When school starts, so does the early bedtime. Transitioning from summer vacation to school can be harder to get them on an earlier nighttime schedule. Your child might have a harder time going to bed and waking up earlier, which could also make mornings a challenge for everyone. By getting them on a set sleeping schedule a week or so before school starts, getting up and starting their day earlier will be a lot easier. This is also great for the nanny to be involved in. By having everyone on board with bedtime, it makes the atmosphere less stressful and more like a team effort!
4. Get them involved in their lunches
School lunches can sometimes make your kids turn away, because they don’t know what to expect when they open up their lunch. By getting your child involved in their lunch preparation, it brings an element of fun to both your child and yourself. It’s also a great time to promote healthy eating habits, that they can carry on with them throughout their life. Giving your child different healthy options for a lunch/snack, provides a sense of responsibility, and also teaches self-sufficiency.
Sometimes, the task of packing a lunch for your child, especially if you have multiple children in school, can seem like it is never-ending. A great way to cut that lunchtime prep in half, is to make it a nightly activity. Maybe cut a few extra veggies/fruits with the kids the night before, or bake a healthy treat so they can have it for a snack throughout the week. Lunch prep doesn’t have to be complicated, but can be a great opportunity to bond with the kids and get them involved!
5. Seek out extracurricular activities
A great way for your child to get active and get involved in school, is to explore different extracurricular activities that your child would like to be involved in. This is a great way for them to not only stay active, but to also meet and bond with other kids. Whether their activity is sports, music or the arts, letting them have their own time to be a part of something, gives them a sense of independence.
6. Arrange a carpool/ walking buddy
Going to school at the beginning of the year can be scary for kids, especially if they don’t know anyone. A great way to ease them into the first few days of school, is to find out if any of their friends, or other kids in the neighbourhood would be willing to carpool with them. By having a buddy with them going to school, they may feel less anxious about walking in alone. It’s also a great way to ensure that your child isn’t walking by themselves for their safety.
7. Get involved in homework time
Homework can become complex to kids and can feel like a constant uphill battle. It’s important for them to know that their parents are always there for support and to give them a helping hand when they need it. However, it’s very easy to get in the habit to do a little more than help with homework. It’s essential that their little minds get to work and develop as independent learners with the tasks they are given.
To make homework time easier on them, ease into it. Perhaps having a snack before will get those wheels turning, or letting them have playtime for a bit. Giving kids space is essential to letting them problem solve on their own, but if they’re having trouble with their work, let them know you are there to help. It’s also important to be involved in what your child is learning. If they see you interested and invested in their education, it encourages them to be involved too.
How can your nanny help?
The entire family should understand the school time schedule. It’s important to sit down with your nanny and discuss with them what your child’s schedule looks like for the school year ahead. It’s essential they’re on board with bedtime and wake up time, lunches, morning carpool/bus schedules and homework time. When your nanny is familiar with the schedule, transitions become a lot easier for your child.
How NannyTax can help you!
We understand that the first few days of a new school year can be hectic. You are often so busy running around trying to get your children ready for school that preparing pay statements for your nanny can seem like a task you simply can’t squeeze in the time for. Let us take care of the payroll for your nanny, so you can get back to your busy schedule. At NannyTax, we take care of every aspect of payroll for your nanny/caregiver so you can have the peace of mind you deserve. We bring the knowledge and expertise to ensure that you get the highest quality service. Get in touch with us today to learn more about the different packages we offer!
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