Back-to-school tips for parents
MANY WORKING parents dread the end of the summer holiday. It’s the end of a mental vacation, if not a physical one, and the transition from summer time to school time is not easy.
Experts and parents agree that a smooth transition from summer time to school time boils down to proper organisation. Here are some tips to help parents make a smooth transition from those lazy, hazy days of summer to the hustle and bustle of school days. Talk to your credit union early
about back-to-school loans, scholarships and bursaries which may be available. There will be more stress and strain if you are trying to do this at the reopening of school. Call the school well in advance of the first day to find out any requirements they have for the beginning of the school year. Get a complete list of health requirements, including any official school forms for the doctor to complete. Visit the clinic or paediatrician to get all necessary vaccinations. Discuss how the child will get to and from school. Take the child on a practise run if he/she will be travelling by public transportation. Take your child to school on the first day, meet his/her teacher and find out what additional material or supplies they will need to bring. Discuss your child’s lunch options with the teacher. Let your child help pick out the supplies, such as knapsack, lunchbox, folders. Branded items cost more. Label all clothing and supplies with your child’s name, especially if they are attending kindergarten and primary/preparatory schools. Set a regular school bedtime and a regular homework schedule. Limit TV viewing during the school year. Get your child adjusted to waking up to the alarm clock. Encourage reading for fun by starting an informal book club in your family. Coordinate extracurricular activities to allow ample study time. Start a savings account at your credit union for your child. It’s a great way for the child to develop a good saving habit.
Good luck to all credit union members and your children as you start or continue your school journey.