Back-to-School Plan for your Tween

Back to School Plan

Yikes! Summer is Almost Over! Here are some tips for a Back-to-School Plan for Your Tween

 

Returning to school need not be stressful. I’ve developed an easy back to school plan for you and your tween. It’s designed to make your transition smooth. You’ll love the benefits of the division of labor and collaborating. It’s not too soon to start rolling this out.

Back-to-School Tips for Your Tween

 

Dress code: Have your child look online at the school’s dress code policy and tell you what’s okay and not okay to wear to school. Shoes, sleeve length, short/skirt length, baggie pants, words on shirts, tattoos, jewelry, athletic shorts, etc. Being the expert is great for her and ensures you bring home approved school clothes from your shopping trip. You have questions? Ask her.

Bus route and school hours: School hours, the bus pickup and drop off times, and the route determine your child’s schedule. Ask him to look up this information online. Ask him to tell you or show you what he’s found. It’s a perfect way for him to buy into his daily schedule. And fewer clicks for you.

Bed time: Adjusting to a school-year bedtime takes a while. Collaborate with your child to set her bedtime and a gradual “get there” plan. You’ll get less push back when she is part of the decision making process. And she’ll be rested when that first day of school arrives.

Grades: Sit with your child and together set a specific grade goal for each subject. All A’s, B’s or better or passing is too vague. Reaching agreed upon expectations are targets he’s likely to hit. He’ll gain confidence from working hard and being responsible.

Schedule: Once your child has picked up her schedule, have her visit each teacher’s website to learn more. Ask your child to tell you her takeaways. This will make the first day of school easier. And you’ll get to know what she’s thinking and feeling.

Lunch: If your child is like mine, waiting in the cafeteria lunch line is not desirable. Have him plan and make his own lunch. He can look at the weekly sales flier, plan healthy foods, and go to the store with you. You’ll have fun together. And the two of you can decide if he’ll be making his lunch at night or in the morning.

Back-to-School Tips for You

 

All that paperwork: Go on line, if possible, and complete all the new school year forms ASAP. I know it’s no fun to enter the same data over and over, but checking it off your to-do list early makes your life easier. And school will be better for your child because she won’t bring a note home that you didn’t do it or worse, that she can’t participate in something due to incomplete forms. (Don’t forget to get your child’s annual physical form turned in for Athletics/Sports participation.)

You’re back to school, too: While you are committed to readying your child, get yourself mentally prepared, too. Your positive attitude will rub off. If you’re scared about your child moving to a new school or middle school for the first time, don’t let it show; she is on target. Let her know you believe in her and her success. She’s got this!

The helicopter: To help you keep the black hawk in the hangar, talk with your child about his plan for loading his backpack each night. I give my kids two helicopter passes a year. If I am available, I will deliver something they forgot. When the two cards have been used and for the times I’m unavailable, natural consequences kick in. (I don’t jeopardize my job to accommodate their mistake: middle school is a great time to learn responsibility and paying attention to details.)

First day of school: If your child is going to ride the bus to school, have her ride it on the first day of school. Yes, driving your child to school on the first day is a time-honored tradition for many. Just as you want your child to have a great first day, schools share that goal. A crowded parent loop and parents having extended goodbyes in the hallways delay starting school on time. About breakfast… don’t serve a ‘Top Chef’ breakfast on the first day. Have available whatever she will be eating most school mornings. As she heads out the door, don’t forget that hug or kiss on the cheek and your bright smile with, “I love you, you’ll have a great year!” Repeat every morning.

Following this plan your tween and you are set for a great year. You will have empowered your child, collaborated on expectations, and taken care of the details on your end. Here’s to your best school year ever!

Coppell resident JoAnn Schauf created Your Tween And You after spending 20 years as a middle, high school and college guidance counselor. She’s a master storyteller who helps parents re-connect with their tweens. She used humor to survive the tween years with her own four kids, who are now well adjusted adults! JoAnn offers private parent coaching, workshops, and a bi-monthly newsletter. You can reach her at JoAnn@YourTweenAndYou.com.

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