The back-to-school season is here again, and while the excitement of new backpacks and shiny school supplies fills the air, there’s much more to preparing your child for success. It’s easy to focus on the tangible items, but the real groundwork lies in how we equip our children academically, emotionally, socially and spiritually for the challenges ahead. Before the school bell rings.
Are you sure your child is truly ready to take on the new year?
As we begin to get our children ready for school, it’s clear that many children struggle with the new academic year. There’s pressure from new teachers, new classes, new faces, and learning something entirely new. You can tell this is true by the way some children talk about it, they can’t stop asking questions about their new class, and many of us don’t prepare our children enough.
Sure, we buy them all the things they need to go back, but the truth is that’s not all there is to it. It’s crucial to look beyond the supplies and focus on their overall readiness. After all, school success is built on a strong foundation in other more areas than just academics.
Let’s dive into five key ways you can make sure your child is truly ready for the school year.
- Academic Readiness
The first thing you should ask yourself is,
How am I going to help my child succeed this school year?
What do I need to do?
The new school year starts the very day the previous academic session ends. So, your readiness should begin immediately when the academic session ends. Start by talking to your child about what they should expect from their new school, and help them get used to starting somewhere new.
This includes having a preschool setting where they get to see the new school, new class, and their new teachers because this helps them transition easily.
Academic success starts with the kind of school your child attends. A school might be good, but not good for your child. A good school is not dependent on the amount of fees you pay or how beautiful the school is.
What makes a good school is one that meets your individual child’s needs, a school that makes your child feel safe and comfortable; otherwise, learning will not take place.
Have it in mind that, creating an effective study environment for your child, even in your home, is part of getting your child ready for school. In doing this, you need to understand your individual child’s learning style and temperament. Teach them how to study, how to do their homework, and not just do it for them. And remember, for them to attain this level of competence, three criteria need to be met: your child must have the knowledge, the ability, and the desire to do so without force.
Also, get involved in your child’s school. Attend your children’s school events, ask questions, and remember that it’s a partnership. Make time to attend, and make time to talk to your children daily. Remember, your availability is not enough; it’s the content and ability to connect with them that matters. Don’t neglect your children in the name of “I don’t have time.” For me, that is not the language of an intentional parent.
- Social Readiness
This is where you begin to ask yourself questions like, how will my child succeed socially?
Some children actually struggle socially. In our ever-changing world, social skill competency is vital to your child’s success in school and in life. This skill is first built at home. Give your children the opportunity to express themselves. Let them share their thoughts on things without you shutting them down. Let them play in your garden, take them to parks and play areas, because studies show that high-quality play experiences build social skills.
- Emotional Readiness
How will this child succeed emotionally?
Are they able to understand and manage emotions effectively?
Are they able to understand what they feel and why they feel the way they do?
For example, I feel cold, I feel sad, I feel excited, I’m hungry, I feel frustrated, I feel pressured, I feel happy, why?
It’s my friend’s birthday, because Grandma is coming this weekend, because my friend didn’t share his toy with me, because nobody wants to play with me. Your child being able to understand all of these will help them manage their emotions better.
- Physical Readiness
Also, check their diet.
What do they eat for breakfast, especially?
Studies show that children who have a healthy diet perform better academically. It also confirms that fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains boost a child’s cognitive functions, resulting in improved memory, attention, and focus, and leading to greater academic performance.
On the other hand, diets high in refined sugars and processed foods are linked to low academic performance and can aggravate behavioral issues. What about sleep? Are they getting the right amount of sleep? A child who sleeps well will behave and learn better in school.
- Spiritual Readiness
Preparing your children spiritually is the most important aspect of getting your children ready for school. I’d encourage you to lead them to God, their Father. Always make time to teach them the truth of God and your family values. This will help them negate any false teachings that show up in the classroom.
Also, model right living in the things you say and do; otherwise, if your children see compromise in you, it becomes very easy for them to be influenced at school. Also, pray for them, lay your hands on them, and bless their day.
Use scriptures like Proverbs 2:6 and Philippians 4:13.
Also, remove morning chaos for your children, because it shortens their thinking brain. Imagine a child starts their day with criticism, yelling, and tears, that’s you spoiling their day already. Set them up to learn by hugging them, kissing them, and telling them, “I love you.” Remember, they’ll face challenges. All of this is what will keep them going, knowing that whatever they face today, their mummy and daddy care for them.
Dear parents, like I’d normally say, it is not a mistake that your child has you in their lives because you’re full of wisdom to help them navigate every stage of their lives. “At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents,” says Jane D . Hull, former Governor of Arizona.
As the new school year approaches, remember that success doesn’t just happen in the classroom, it’s nurtured at home. By taking the time to prepare your child in all these areas, you’re not just setting them up for academic success; you’re equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in every aspect of life. The journey of education is a partnership, and your role as a parent is pivotal. So, let’s commit to making this school year the best one yet!
And also have it in mind that every small effort counts. Whether it’s a quick chat after school or a reassuring hug in the morning, your consistent presence and encouragement can make all the difference in your child’s school experience. So, stay involved, stay supportive, and watch your child blossom this school year.
