Guiding Our Children Back to School

Read or Listen | Enjoy your Parenting Journey!

Thrive Your Kids

It’s the eve of the new school year, and excitement is at an all-time high. Each fresh start stirs emotions within us, particularly when we witness our children embarking on their school journey. It’s an emotion that deeply moves us and can often bring a tear to our eyes.

However, with all this excitement come numerous concerns, both for parents and our children. Let’s momentarily step into their world and imagine ourselves stepping into a new workplace. Undoubtedly, we would be thrilled but also filled with questions and anxieties. Will we fit in? Will we get along with our new colleagues? Our boss? Will they like and appreciate us? These natural queries are likely coursing through our children’s minds too.

Guiding Our Children Back to School

Typically, children express their fears through crying, reluctance to enter school, shyness, or refusal to answer questions posed by teachers or friends. Each child exhibits their concerns in their own unique way. At this juncture, as parents, we need to accept each child for who they are and how they express their feelings. More importantly, we can help them navigate their worries!

Let’s Dive In!

For children attending back to school daycare or preschool

Especially for those who haven’t been in any formal setting until now, we must provide them with as much reassurance as possible. We must make them feel they are entering a comfortable and secure environment. Engage in conversations with them leading up to the first day, share your excitement, and, more importantly, acknowledge their excitement too. Encourage them to voice their fears. Refrain from dismissing their concerns because, in reality, their fears might materialize – like feeling alone or misunderstood. Thus, it’s our responsibility to guide them in managing when they’re feeling sad.

Plan with them – pack their favorite blanket, a cherished doll they love to sleep with, and a family photo in their bag. Assure them that you’re always with them, in their hearts.

Last year, my daughter confessed she missed me in the afternoon, just before nap time. To ease her longing, I suggested that she place her hand on her heart and send me a message, like “I love you” or “I miss you.” I explained that I would receive the message instantly and return it with a strong surge of love. On days when she felt down, she would inquire if I had received her message, and we’d talk about it. This ritual remains with us to this day.

Children transitioning to kindergarten back to school

Children transitioning to kindergarten are stepping from their familiar preschool environment into a world of structured learning.

Most schools offer a settling-in period to ensure a smooth transition. Still, it’s our responsibility as parents to prepare our children for this shift. Emphasize the benefits of back to school to them – new friends, perhaps older siblings already attending the same school. Most importantly, address their fears. Ask, “What are you worried about?” Do not shy away from this question. Engage with it and assist them in articulating their fears. Be attentive and supportive. If they’re scared, validate their feelings rather than dismiss them. Empathize with them by saying, “I understand your fear. It can be scary. But remember, you can always share your worries with us, and we’re here to help.” Encourage them to share their fears with their teacher, reassuring them that their teacher might be feeling excited or anxious about the new back to school year.

On their return from school, pose this specific question: “How did you feel at back to school today?” rather than just asking, “How was your day?” Children need encouragement to express their feelings, and when they see you sharing your own, they’ll feel more comfortable reciprocating. Please make an effort to learn about their daily activities. For example, “Did you play outside? With whom? Which games or equipment did you enjoy the most?” Remember, don’t bombard them with questions, take a measured approach, and, importantly, don’t panic if they’ve spent some time playing alone. This is entirely normal, especially in the initial days when children may feel shy.

Academic Success and Learning Techniques: As we guide our children through their educational journey, it’s crucial to focus on their academic success and learning techniques. Foster effective learning techniques and study habits from an early age. Help them create a conducive classroom environment at home for optimal learning. Encourage participation in extracurricular activities, as they play a vital role in holistic development. Teach them time management and organizational skills to balance their studies and other activities.

Health and Well-being and Stress Management: A child’s health and well-being are paramount. In today’s digital age, with the rise of digital learning and hybrid learning, it’s essential to educate them about health and safety measures online and offline. Equip them with stress management techniques to cope with academic pressures.

Parent-Teacher Communication and Peer Relationships: Open lines of parent-teacher communication are key to understanding your child’s progress and challenges. Encourage your child to build positive peer relationships through simple conversation starters like “What’s your name?” or “Would you like to play together?” Address any concerns about bullying prevention and teach them to stand up for themselves and others.

Nutrition and Sleep Patterns: A balanced nutrition plan contributes to a child’s overall development. Teach them about the importance of a healthy diet. Additionally, establish consistent sleep patterns to ensure they’re well-rested for back to school.

Academic Challenges and Virtual Learning: Acknowledge that academic challenges are part of the learning journey. In the age of technology, embrace the benefits of virtual learning while ensuring a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.

Classroom Behavior and Friendships: Guide your child on appropriate classroom behavior to create a positive learning environment. Encourage them to make meaningful friendships based on shared interests and values.

Parenting Styles and Study Strategies: Understand different parenting styles and adapt your approach to suit your child’s needs. Teach them effective study strategies to enhance their learning experience.

Educational Goals and School Supplies: Set achievable educational goals with your child, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. Involve them in selecting their school supplies, making the process exciting and engaging.

School Activities and Creative Learning: Explore various back to school activities and encourage their participation. Nurture their creative learning through art, music, and imaginative play.

Positive Reinforcement and Building Relationships: Employ positive reinforcement to motivate your child’s efforts and achievements. Teach them the importance of building relationships based on respect, empathy, and understanding.

Peer Interaction and Health and Safety Measures: Guide them in their peer interactions, promoting inclusivity and kindness. Continuously emphasize health and safety measures in various contexts.

For children transitioning to a new grade level back to school

These children are in a familiar environment and likely know many friends from previous years. Still, remember that they might have fears too. They need to be engaged in conversations about their feelings. Ask them a day before how they’re feeling about the change. For older children, you can inquire about what helped them adjust during the previous year’s transition.

For children transitioning to Middle school/High School

At the age of 13, children are entering adolescence, and their fears may take on a different shape. Even introverted or extroverted children may have heightened concerns, often revolving around social dynamics. Sometimes, parents may find it challenging to engage in deep conversations with their teenagers and encourage them to open up. In these cases, it’s crucial to instill a sense of security in them and reiterate a clear message: “No matter what happens or has happened, we’re always here to support you.”

The Philosophical Journey of Parenting: Guiding Our Children Back to School

The philosophy of parenting is a profound journey that intertwines with the growth and development of our children. As they step into new phases of their lives, especially the significant transition of going back to school, we as parents are presented with an opportunity to reflect on our own beliefs, values, and approaches to guide them. The ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, once said, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” This perspective is especially relevant as we help our children navigate the challenges and joys of back to school life.

From the moment our children are born, we are their first teachers, their first guides, and their first source of comfort. As they grow, the world becomes their classroom, and every experience is a lesson. The return to school is one such pivotal experience. It’s not just about academics or making friends; it’s a rite of passage that shapes their understanding of the world and their place in it.

Plato, another great philosopher, believed that knowledge that is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind. As parents, our role is not to push, but to support. It’s essential to recognize that each child’s journey is unique. Some may embrace the school environment with open arms, while others might need more time to adjust. Our task is to provide them with the tools and the confidence to face each day with curiosity and resilience.

Aristotle, a student of Plato, emphasized the importance of virtue and moral character. As our children step into school, they will inevitably face moral dilemmas, from peer pressure to academic challenges. Our role as parents is to instill in them a strong moral compass, guiding them to make choices that align with their values and integrity. By engaging in open conversations about right and wrong, and by leading by example, we can help them navigate these challenges with grace and wisdom.

Moreover, the Stoic philosophy teaches us about the impermanence of life and the importance of accepting things we cannot change. As our children grow and face challenges in school, they will encounter situations beyond their control. Whether it’s a difficult test, a disagreement with a friend, or feeling out of place, these moments can be tough. By introducing them to the Stoic principles of acceptance and focusing on what they can control, we empower them to approach challenges with a calm mind and a resilient spirit.

In the grand tapestry of life, the school is but one chapter. Yet, it’s a chapter filled with growth, discovery, and transformation. As parents, our philosophy should be one of unwavering support, understanding, and guidance. We must remember that our children are not just students; they are young souls on a journey of self-discovery. By integrating philosophical principles into our parenting approach, we can provide them with a foundation that will serve them well, not just in school but throughout their lives.

To closer

As we stand at the threshold of a new school year, let’s embrace the philosophy of parenting with open hearts and minds. Let’s be the anchors our children need, guiding them with wisdom, love, and understanding. And as they step into their classrooms, let’s remind them of the words of Socrates: “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” For in the vast ocean of knowledge, every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve.

Here’s wishing us all, especially our children, a fruitful and enjoyable back to school year.

Yours,

Efrat.

Parents Reviews

5/5

"... She is there all the time, and she helps me a lot to understand my children, it may be absurd, but I was not taught that being a mother is the hardest job I will ever have to do in my life. It is indeed a process Long but how fun it is to have her, you can always cry to her, laugh with her and tell her everything. I highly recommend Efrat, she can be a wave of delegation for you as well!... " Review @ Google!

5/5

“ We want to say thank you! We wanted to learn how to deal with him without getting out of control and without being the shouting and threatening parent. Today, we know the right way to deal with the challenges that different situations present to us and set boundaries in a supportive rather than punitive manner.”

Choose the Course- Podcast or VOD version and start to learn on your own time.

Parenting online Courses

Makes Kids Happier Center Free Membership.
Start Your Joyful Parenting!

Schedule Appointment

Fill out the form below, and we will be in touch shortly.

Get Your Free Course Coupon to
your Inbox by Filling Out the Form

Unlock Your Tailored
Parenting Plan Today

🌟 For ThanksGiving, Get the Parenting Personalized Journey Plan FOR FREE! 🌟

** Our $99 valued Dedicated Parenting Plan is available for FREE.

Parent’s Questioner

Please kindly fill out the form below, and we’ll promptly send you the questionnaire via email.

Thank you for your collaboration.
We’re committed to serving you better.

Register to Event Live Q&A Event

The live Q&A event is FREE to Unlimited Members and In-Touch Members
If you haven’t upgraded to the Unlimited plan:
TRY IT NOW- 7-Day Free Trial, and join the Event for Free. 

Schedule the First Session for Free!

Fill out the form below, and check your Inbox for the link to schedule the best time for your first session. 

Contact the MKH Team

Please fill out the form below, and one of our MKH team will contact you within one business day.

[pmpro_checkout]