Going back to school can be a stressful time for both kids and their parents. A lot needs to be prepared and discussed to be ready for the new school year, and whether our kids take it with joy or a bit of stress, they still need to be prepared for the year ahead.
These few tips are a good start for a fruitful year, insha’Allah.
Despite what we may think, our opinions and views incredibly affect our kids. So, in this phase, we should pay attention to how we talk about going back to school and mind our reactions to all school-related stuff. Be positive and show them how excited you are; this makes a huge difference.
The key to going through any phase smoothly lies in planning. That’s why it is better to discuss what we need to do and what we have to plan with our kids. Engaging them in this process boosts their enthusiasm, helps prepare them for the upcoming stage, promotes their self-confidence, and raises their sense of responsibility. Plus, it is a great way to spend quality time together!
Kids love this part! Allowing them to be in charge has a magical effect on their feelings, personalities, and also their sense of responsibility. You can get them involved by helping make a school shopping list. This keeps them excited and looking forward to buying what they wanted and planned for. Better yet, let them manage the supplies budget. This will unlock a much fuller experience and will teach them a lot in the process.
Boosting our kids’ self-confidence reflects on how they express their feelings, how they deal with others, how they react to different situations, and most importantly, how they see themselves. It is our role, as parents, to let them know how precious and loved they are; by showing our love to them, praising them on every deserved occasion, and trusting them to manage some minor decisions on their own. This also makes them confide in us and turn to us lovingly for advice and guidance; because they know we believe in them.
Teaching our kids how to understand and validate their feelings is the main brick in building their personalities. They should learn that their feelings and thoughts matter, but they should be expressed clearly and politely. Discuss how to react in different scenarios and how to stand against discomforting situations, including bullying with them. Moreover, we should highlight the importance of considering other people’s feelings and explain how something like bullying affects both parties negatively.
It is vital and healthy for our kids’ development to know that there are some rules to be taken seriously. To apply this correctly, we have to communicate these rules with them clearly, explain them thoroughly and let them know why they should follow them, and answer their questions and concerns. Next, we set the consequences of breaking these rules. This teaches our kids to own up to their mistakes and understand that these mistakes have consequences that they’ll have to face.
This is where our kids get creative! After selecting a place, allow them the merit to choose, print, and hang their favorite motivational quotes in this special area. Boost the positive vibes by dropping supporting and loving notes on their desks from time to time; they’ll love it. Just make sure that this place is well-lit and away from distractions. Then, help them create a daily schedule that includes enough free time for them; to practice their hobbies and have some fun.
Last but not least, we should keep checking on them by asking about their day in a friendly manner. At this stage, befriending them is the best strategy. After you’ve cleared everything and gone through the rules together and everything is good, let them be assured that you will always be here for them and that you will always want what’s best for them. It is important to let them know that you will never judge them, but together, you can both learn and make things right.
We wish you a happy new school year insha’Allah! We hope you’ve found this article helpful.