Back to School
For the first time in recent memory, we are preparing for our children to go back to school. Last year we had to create a system of remote learning and home schooling on the fly. This was a unique challenge and some of the progress we made will continue forward with us; however, we must start to think about what is needed to get our families ready for the school season to start again.
Transportation
When we were growing up it was always exciting to get the school bus schedule. We would learn where and when we were to be picked up and our parents had to ensure we were always ready to go. We would be eager to see which of our friends were on our bus with us and we would get hopeful in the possibility of making new friends as well. For the first time in two years many of us will be getting a bus schedule to plan around. We will have to adjust our whole routine to accommodate this schedule and make it a fact of our daily lives. It is important to point out that not everyone takes the bus to school. Some children walk while others are driven by a parent. How we get to the school building is irrelevant. What matters is we arrive on time and are ready for class. Either way, our children going back to school full time is a huge adjustment no matter how they get there. We must plan and schedule to ensure they are taken care of and get to school safely.
Supplies
Most retailers, both online and brick and mortar stores, have already started their back-to-school advertising campaigns. This is going to be big business for most companies. They are betting that children have grown and that most will not have usable supplies anymore. Remote learning was very dependent on computers. Although learning will always utilize technology, the need for traditional classroom items will once again be necessary. Pencils, paper, books, binders, back packs, and countless other supplies will be in high demand. The best way to be prepared is to start shopping early. Stores will likely sell out as the start of school approaches, so do not procrastinate. As soon as you get the list of supplies from your school district, go shopping. Ensure you get everything you need without too much hassle and smile knowing that your children are properly equipped.
Style
Another staple of the back-to-school season is shopping for the latest clothing, shoes, and accessories. As stated prior, our children have grown and most of them will need new clothing that fits them. This can be challenging or fun. It all depends on your individual stress level, your budget constraints, and how difficult your children are. Some kids are easy and do not care about brand and style, while others will demand the latest and greatest. It is easy to go broke spending all your money on these shopping trips. The best advice when going back to school clothing shopping is to set limits and be reasonable. It is okay to spend a little extra on certain items, but it is important we do not go overboard. We must remember to be modest and teach our children how to be responsible with their possessions and money. So be firm and same no when it is appropriate too but remember to have some fun. It is sometimes worth it to waste a bit of money just to see the look of joy on a child’s face.
Expectations
This will be a school year unlike any other and we must set our expectations accordingly. It is likely to take some time for us and our children to adjust to a daily school routine once again. We will make some early mistakes and that is okay. What is important is that we partner with our children, our teachers, and our school districts to ensure we learn and improve. A school year is a journey, and we will walk it together as a family.
It is important that we do not need to abandon our home school set ups either. These places can be transformed to work areas we utilize to ensure homework gets done. Additionally, they could be used if the school building must be shut down for a short period of time. Snow days and other logistical issues will come up over time. Having the ability to do class remotely should be a tool that can be employed if the situation presents itself. We can use these temporary home classrooms set ups for several things going forward and abandoning them now serves no purpose.
The final thing we must do is set the proper expectations for our children. Education is important and we must get our children to understand this. It is often hard for a child to see what must be done to accomplish a goal and it is up to us to help them. It is okay to use incentives or punishment when it is called for; however, we must always focus on the message that we are doing it for their own benefit. Our children do not like being told what to do. Truthy, most people do not like it. We must be mindful of this and help educate our children about their future. A partnership relationship is always more productive them a dictatorship. Be mindful of this when dealing with children. It is easy to get frustrated. We love them and care for them so much it is easy to lose focus. Just remember there is no mistake that cannot be fixed and no problem that cannot be solved. If we do the best we can, our children will be alright.
No one really knows what the upcoming school year will be like. It will be a challenge and, as we have in the past, we will rise to meet it. Just remember we are all still learning. School is not just for our children; it helps teach us about responsibility. Embrace the challenge and work hard. That is the everlasting key to true success.