austin-moms-blog-back-to-school

Back to School is upon us, which I know evokes many different emotions in us mamas. Some are jumpingĀ for joy to get their stir-crazy kids back into a routine, some are singing the back-to-school blues knowing they’ll miss the spontaneity and lazy days that summertime brings, and some are sitting on pins and needles thinking about sending their babies off to navigate the wide, wide world on their own.

Being a teacher and having my summersĀ off allowsĀ meĀ to play “stay at home mom” for a few months a year, and I eat.it.up. I will definitely miss my lazy mornings filled with slow cups of coffee and endless snuggles, and afternoons at the pool or hanging out with friends. However, as much as I dread setting an alarm clock again, IĀ am so excited to start another school year doing what I love. Teachers have one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs out there. We have the privilege of your trust in us to take care of your most prized possessions. We understand the beginning of the school year is overwhelming for everyone (includingĀ us)!

Here are 10 tips from real teachers to help you get through the Back-to-School chaos:

1. When shopping for school supplies, stick to exactly what the list says. If it says “red, yellow, and blue folders,” please get those colors. We have a system for using the specific colors, etc.

2. While on the subject of school supplies, please do not label everything with your child’s name unless specifically asked to. Most of the time we use supplies in a community fashion, aka, we share everything. It becomes an issue (especially with little ones) when Johnny ends up with a pencil with Sally’s name on it, etc.

3. Come to “Meet the Teacher Night.” This is a time to meet your child’s teacher/teachers and familiarize your child and yourself with the school building. This is also a good time to bring school supplies if you have them already, as it’s one less thing to worry about on the first day. This is NOT the time to conference with the teacher about your concerns for the upcoming year or to give her information overload on your child. If you feel the need to speak with the teacher about special concerns before school starts, write them down or ask her for her email. If it can wait, request a conference on the second week of school when things have settled down a little.

4. Try to plan ahead to make everything on the first morning of schoolĀ as smooth as possible. (Clothes picked out the night before, lunches ready, breakfast choices prepared, etc.) Do your best not to rush, push, or argue with your kids that morning. Choose your battles and let the little things slide to keep the peace. Sending them off on a positive foot will be best for all involved!

5. On the first day of school, your child’s confidence level really feeds off of yours (especially younger babies). Be confident walking into school and talking about school to others. Your hanging around, peeking in windows, coming back in the room to give more hugs and reassurances gives the child a message that they should be uncomfortable with the situation and adds, or even creates stress on the first day. Talk to your child in a matter-of-fact way about their day. Don’t get him/her over excited or anxious- some kids can’t handle that kind of emotion and it comes out mixed up like crying or screaming.

6. You want to help, but not sure what you can do? Ask the teacher what supplies they might need more of… Teachers are notorious for spending their own money on supplies and often individual teachers use supplies not on the master list, so this would be a huge help!

7. Know how your child will be getting home the first day/week of school and try not to change it. The end of the first day is CRA-ZY! It’s understandable that sometimes things out of your control happen and you need to change transportation, but if that’s the case please call with as much advance as possible to ensure all parties get the message.

8. If your child is starting Pre-K or Kinder, put a piece of masking tape on their shirt with their name, teacher name, and the way they will be getting home that day. Often the younger kids are so overwhelmed and shy that if they get lost they clam up and won’t share their name with a teacher trying to help them find their way.

9. Pack a healthy and convenient lunch and snacks (if your teacher allows them). Try not to pack foods that your child has a hard time getting into or foods that make a big mess (and remember, most schools will not heat meals up.) If your child will be eating the school lunch, read the menu ahead of time to make sure it’s something your child will eat (a hungry child = a cranky child).

10. We know you are entrusting us with your most prized possession! We value your trust and ensure you that while your child is in our care they will be loved and taken care of as if they were our own. Remember, most teachers choose this profession because we love kids! We are human and will make mistakes, but we put our hearts and souls into what we do. We view you, the parent as our teammate! If there is something that arises as an issue, communicate with us FIRST.Ā Your child knowing we standĀ united will make a world of difference in their behavior and attitude toward school in general.

What grade are your little loves heading into this school year?

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