Prepare
Help your child prepare for the new school year. Make an effort to attend all orientation sessions for parents and children. Consider making an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher before the school year begins. Introduce your child to his teacher, talk to the teacher about what your child’s daily routine will be like, how much homework he will have, etc. If your child is new to the school, tour the school and show your child where the library, bathrooms, gym and playground are to help him get acquainted. If your child is riding a bus or walking to school for the first time, find out the bus route or safest walking route and go on a test drive or walk together. Take some time to talk to your child about the upcoming school year and try to answer any questions your child has. Spend some time helping your child get his school supplies together, and write his name on all his supplies. Be positive. Sometimes parents are more anxious about their child heading off to school than their child is. Children pick up on their parents’ feelings, so try to be enthusiastic!

Establish a Routine
Ideally you can start to form your family’s morning routine for the school year, before school begins. Experiment with bedtimes, getting up times, breakfast and getting dressed. You will find that a child who wakes up on his own with a smile on his face will be easier to deal with than one who must be awakened to get ready for school.

Bus and Walking to School Safety
Whether your child takes the bus, walks or bikes to school, let your child know that you expect her to go straight to school and back unless she makes you aware of some change. Know the route your child will take to get to and from school. If your child has a problem on the bus, tell her to talk to the driver and then to you when she gets home. If your child walks or bikes to school, remind her to travel on designated paths and sidewalks when possible, to go with another child if possible, to obey traffic rules and to stay away from strangers.

Talk to your child
Once the school year starts, many parents and children find themselves busy with homework and after-school activities. Don’t let busyness get in the way of taking time to talk with your child. Ask your child about his day at school everyday. If you get little response from your child, ask more specific questions to help him open up. Even if your child doesn’t open up, the fact that you asked shows your child you care, and gives him the message you will be there if he does want to talk.

Be involved
Talk to your child’s teacher regularly to see how she is doing. If you think your child is having a problem don’t wait until the next scheduled conference. Call the teacher and make an appointment to meet with him or her. Attend as many school functions as you can; this will help you to get a sense of what your child’s school life is like, as well as help you connect with your child, his teacher, friends, and other parents.

Be Positive
Children learn best in a positive atmosphere. Focus on your child’s strengths, not his weaknesses. Notice what your child is good at and encourage him to take part in after-school activities that build on his strengths. If you are upset with your child’s teacher, avoid putting the teacher down in front of your child, and make an appointment to discuss your concerns with the teacher.

Homework
Sometimes homework can feel like a bigger burden for parents than for children. But homework is important because it allows your child to review and practice what she has learned and helps your child learn self-discipline and responsibility. You can help your child successfully complete her homework by providing a quiet, well-lit area for her to work, with all the needed supplies readily available. Don’t allow your child to have the TV on while she is working on homework; this is too distracting and makes it hard for your child to develop good study habits. Refrain from helping your child unless she asks. Set a regular study time, with a beginning and end, and stick to it.

The new school year can be an overwhelming but exciting time for both children and parents. By following these tips, you will be able to ease your way into the new school year and set your child up for a successful school experience.

Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin is a statewide, nonprofit organization that builds community resources, provides training and public awareness, and carries out advocacy activities in order to strengthen child abuse prevention efforts in Wisconsin. Founded in 1978, Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin is a state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America. For more information, please call 1-800-CHILDREN or visit www.preventchildabusewi.org.