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1. Tour the School
Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading
off to a college campus, he or she will want to become familiar
with the new surroundings.
Younger Students
Before or during registration, bring your younger students to
their new school. Walk down the halls and show them their classrooms.
The teachers will already have them decorated in bright colors
in preparation for the students. Have a seat in the desks and
show your child where he or she could be sitting in a couple of
weeks. Show him/her the bathrooms, lunchroom, locker (if applicable),
specialty classrooms like music, PE, art, and most of all show
him/her the playground.
Older Students
For parents with kids going to high school or college for the
first time, don't forget that they might have fears too. There
is a lot of pressure placed on the youth today. You want them
to feel as comfortable as possible. Take a tour of the high school
or college campus. You and your spouse can go with your child,
but you might also want to ask an older sibling or friend in the
ward to tag along. Your teen might feel more comfortable with
someone their own age. If you child is heading off to college,
take the opportunity to help your child find the branch or ward
he/she will be attending. Whether he/she will be going to a church
school or public or other private university, there are many sources
for support. Many universities have single or student wards and
Institute programs. Institute is a great way for your child to
continue being a student of the scriptures and make good, eternal
relationships as well (This spoken from a former Institute Council
President that met her best friends at Institute...including her
eternal companion. And they said it couldn't be done at a state
school!) Many institutes will have an opening social to allow
other LDS college students to meet and find support while getting
an education.
2. Go Through
the Motions
Younger Students
Practice waking up early for a week prior to the start of school
and going through the getting-ready-for-school routine.
Older Students
During the spring or summer semester before your child starts
college, call the student ward that your child will be attending
and find a freshman or sophomore that your child can shadow for
a couple of days. Your child can go to some classes with the student,
hang out with friends, and go to church with them. This will help
ease the transition.
3. Go
Shopping
No matter what your student's age, a little back-to-school
shopping always puts kids in the mood to head to class. Loading
up on special pens, pencils, crayons, backpacks, etc, will get
your child excited about the upcoming year. Don't forget about
clothes. New school clothes also act as a good motivator for going
to school. Check with your local city and county to see if they
participate in any tax breaks for back-to-school shopping. In
some areas, cities or counties may have a no-sales-tax weekend
for items that pertain to school shopping such as pencils and
pens and clothes. Other communities might offer free or reduced
school supplies for lower income families.
4. Send
a Note
Younger Students
Put a note in your child's backpack or lunch box cheering them
on. For example, "We know you're doing great! Love Mom & Dad"
Older Students
A note in an older child's backpack or suitcase might seem a bit
cheesy, but they will appreciate the thought--especially when
they're miles away from home. This is especially true when candy
or money is attached. My mom was notorious for sneaking "M&M's"
in our suitcase with a note of inspiration. I also appreciated
my mother's book of postcards I got the first two weeks at college.
Each day she would send me a new postcard with a short, simple
message on it. It didn't take a lot of time, but it meant a lot
to me since she took the time to think of me when I was in an
unfamiliar place.
5. Father's
Blessing
No school year is complete without a Father's or
Priesthood blessing before the start of the term. If your child
doesn't have the luxury of getting a Father's blessing, a home
teacher, friend, or even the bishop can do the honors. It's nice
to include the Lord in your academic career.
6.
Remind them of your Reunion
Younger Students
Let younger students know you are coming to pick them up, or will
be waiting for them at the bus stop, when the school day is finished.
Having a special treat on the first day of school will also give
the child something to look forward to.
Older Students
If you can, try to visit your older student on campus a month
or so after he/she has arrived. Many colleges have a parents weekend
with special activities and events. This will help ease your mind
that your child is doing well, and will give your child a chance
to show responsibility and pride for how far he/she has come in
a month or so on their own.
Going back to school is an exciting and anxious
time for most students. My mother is a former English teacher
and a high school counselor. She says she still gets butterflies
in her stomach the day before school starts. By preparing a head
of time and giving your student a little extra attention you can
help eliminate stress of a new school year.
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Five
Ways to a
Better Morning
1. Make a Schedule
Set up a schedule and stick to it. Appoint a time to wake up,
eat breakfast, read scriptures, leave for school, etc. Make sure
you stick to a routine and your mornings will run a lot smoother--your
kids will already know what to do.
2. Be Prepared
Set out clothes the night before, make lunches, get homework done,
take your shower/bath at night if you can--it will save you time
in the morning.
3. Make a Homework Organization
Station
Create a bulletin board, complete with a white board or chalk
board for notes, clips for homework assignments and other special
notes and reminders, a laminated calendar you can write on and
wipe off, hooks for keys, backpacks, and school IDs. Check out
Mormonchic's Homework Board
project.
4. Eat Breakfast as a Family
Taking time to eat together will help your kids start their day
off right. You and your family will feel closer together and connected.
5. Scripture Study and Prayer
Start the day off with scripture study and prayer as a family
unit. Some families find better scripture study success in the
evenings, but some have found reading around the breakfast table
to be productive. Always start the day with the best defensive
against evil--family prayer--it only takes a second.
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