School activities are a huge departure from summer days filled with camp, trips, and late bed times.  The transition back to school may not be easy for children or parents.  As your child begins school, work on developing the routine and rituals of getting ready on time, having breakfast, and getting out the door for the school bus or ride.  Getting into these daily routines can be a major source of tension in many families.  Nagging and shouting often occur naturally as the parent tries to get their child moving in the morning.  Remember to keep the tensions down and stay calm.  If your child is not great at one part of the routine (getting out of bed and dressed on time), you can help.  Perhaps clothes for the next day can be selected the night before.  Waking up early before your children wake up can also help reduce your stress level in the morning.  You can even practice (go through the motions of getting ready) on the weekend just to make a game out of it, make it fun and positive, and give you the chance to praise your child’s successful practice.  You will notice as you work on these routines, some tasks may not get done, and that is okay.  When establishing routines, it is more important to remain calm and focus on what went well with the knowledge that you and your child will iron out the kinks as time goes on.

How to Develop a Positive Relationship with Your Child’s Teachers

Here are some tips for creating positive relationships with teachers and handling concerns throughout the year.

  • Emphasize the importance of a joint effort.  Work together with your child’s teacher and avoid the position that your child’s school behavior and academic success is the school’s responsibility.
  • Recognize the teacher’s position and praise his or her efforts.  Provide positive feedback when you can.
  • Solicit the teacher’s ideas and recommendations and identify what role you can play at home.
  • Prepare for conferences or phone calls with a list of questions or concerns you wish to discuss.
  • Contact the teacher regularly for an update on your child’s progress by commenting on some of the specific positive changes.