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It’s that time again—our kiddos, tweens, and teens are returning to school. Back-to-school is a great time to reset your mindset, map out workable routines, and build strong relationships with your child’s teachers.
Nicole is diving into how moms can lean in for a successful school year. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, middle, or high school, going back to the classroom can be exciting and stressful for you and your son or daughter.
But don’t worry! Nicole is here to share some tips to help you and your child have a smooth and successful start to the school year.
In this epsidoe, we’re diving into how to lean in for a successful school year. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading to middle or high school, the transition back to the classroom can be exciting and stressful for you and your son or daughter.
But don’t worry! I’m here to share some tips to help you and your child have a smooth and successful start to the school year.
We’re going to LEAN IN together. What do I mean by that? LEAN IN is an acronym that stands for:
Listen
Engage
Adapt
Nurture
Investigate
Navigate
Let’s dive in. . .
Listen
The first step in preparing for back to school is to listen to your child. Every child has different feelings about returning to school. Some are excited to see their friends and meet new teachers, while others may feel anxious about the change in routine. By listening to your child’s concerns, fears, and hopes, you can better support them during this transition. Ask open-ended questions like, “What are you looking forward to this year?” or “Is there anything you’re worried about?” Listen without interrupting, and let them know you’re there to help Sometimes we are in the let me fix it mode – but many times children just want to be heard. That means putting down our phones and really listening to them. Ask your child, “Is there anything you need me to do?”
Be prepared to listen to what teachers share with you this year too. It is sometimes hard to hear when your child is struggling. Listen to the facts so that you can partner with the school or other educational experts to determine your child’s needs. If you have had bad school experiences yourself or in previous school years, this is a great time to reset your mindset and allow the teachers to get to know your child. I also caution you from listening to what other parents are saying or sharing about a teacher. Everyone’s experience is different but if you start the year with a mindset and other’s perceptions about the teacher then you are setting yourself up for a difficult school year.
Engage
Next, engage with the school and your child’s education. This means attending parent-teacher meetings, staying updated on school policies, and familiarizing yourself with the curriculum. But it also means engaging with your child’s learning at home. Encourage and discuss what they’re learning, and make education a part of everyday conversations. The more involved you are, the more your child will see the value in their education. Our children take cues from us – good and bad. You are not always going to agree with the school, but we should do our part so our kids feel that the adults they spend their day with care about them and their development.
Adapt
One thing we know about life, especially when it comes to parenting, is that things don’t always go as planned. Flexibility is key. Be ready to adapt to new schedules, changes in school policies, or your child’s evolving needs. Maybe your child needs more time in the morning to get ready, or perhaps they’re struggling with a subject and need extra help. For your dyslexic child, it may be spending time before or after school with a reading tutor. Adapting doesn’t mean lowering your expectations, but rather adjusting your approach to ensure your child feels supported and understood.
Nurture
Back to school isn’t just about academics—it’s also about nurturing your child’s emotional and social well-being. Encourage friendships, help them manage stress, and create a positive home environment where they feel safe and loved. Remember, kids pick up on our stress too, so try to model a calm and positive attitude. Simple routines like having dinner together or a bedtime chat can make a huge difference in helping your child feel secure during this transition. For many families, time in the car is a great place for conversations.
Investigate
It’s important to stay informed. Investigate the resources available at your child’s school, whether it’s tutoring, counseling, or extracurricular activities and in your community – where can you find support for your child especially if you are still remediating your child’s dyslexia. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or reach out to teachers if you have concerns. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to support your child. Also, keep an eye on any behavioral changes or academic struggles that might indicate your child needs extra help. Early intervention is key.
Navigate
Finally, navigate this journey together. Back to school is a team effort, and your child needs to know you’re in this with them. Help them set goals, manage their time, and balance schoolwork with play, activities, and downtime. Teach them how to navigate challenges, whether it’s making new friends, handling a tough subject, or managing projects, homework, and studying for a test. Encourage independence, but also let them know you’re there to guide them when they need it.
Are you ready to lean in for the school year? By listening, engaging, adapting, nurturing, investigating, and navigating, you can help your child have a successful start to the school year.
Remember, you’re not just sending your child back to school—you’re leaning in and supporting them every step of the way.
You are not alone. You got this!
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
- Episode 130: Understanding Your Child’s Dyslexia Workshop
- Subscribe to the Better Together Newletter
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