Back to School: Going Beyond the Books to Set Your Child Up for Success

Back to school season is a time for new beginnings. After a few months of fun and sun, most children are excited to catch up with old friends and meet new teachers. The new school year is a time of hope and optimism, complete with a renewed dedication to schoolwork and the notion that things will be even better this year. And then the second week of school starts and old routines set in. But what if the excitement of a fresh start and the commitment to a great year could extend beyond the first few weeks of the school? Good habits are the key to prolonged success. Here are a few suggestions to make sure that "first day of school" enthusiasm lasts all year long:

Follow up:

Regular sleeping habits change in the summer. A gradual change back to earlier rising will help make your child more alert and focused during that crucial first week and beyond. Sleep at night is the key to a successful next day. A regular bedtime and wake-up time will ensure your child has the energy to perform at their highest levels.

Over the summer, a relaxed schedule likely led to changes in diet and meal times. Help your child get a jump on the day by providing a nutritious breakfast. After school, avoid a mad dash to the pantry for junk food by having healthy snacks waiting for your kids when they get home. This will help instill healthy eating habits. Children (and adults for that matter) are more likely to eat pre-cut fruits and vegetables than to take an apple or pear from the fridge. Agree on a specific time to have a family dinner whenever possible. Parents and children have busy schedules and dinner may be the only time for all family members to gather around the table and share the events of their day. When family dinner becomes routine, it can provide a safe and comfortable environment for increased communication.

Many children have been physically active during the summer. Physical activity is crucial for overall mind-body function. Break couch-diving and channel surfing habits by encouraging physically active extra-curricular activities or “outside” playtime.

Families where parents and their children work together to establish goals and responsibilities for the upcoming school year often have the most successful children. Children will often be less "rebellious" toward rules and expectations that they helped establish. A few days prior to school it is important to gather the family together for a family meeting. Use this time to establish expectations and responsibilities, and to set new ground-rules or discuss any changes. Treat this meeting as a contract of mutual respect, reward, and obligation between you and your child. Topics to address may include educational goals and expectations; homework schedules; bedtimes; extra-curricular activities; rights and responsibilities of a first-time driver; after-school jobs; and TV and Internet priviledges.

Education experts agree that setting clear goals and expectations at the beginning of each new school year is beneficial to children and their parents. “We always hold a family meeting before the first day of school to discuss key issues,” says Creative Tutors founder Jan Van Blarcum. "It's the perfect opportunity for the whole family to get on the same page.” One of the most important issues for parents to address honestly at the beginning of the school year is the possibility of engaging a tutor and scheduling supplemental lessons for a child who experiences difficulties with new concepts or who needs direction to stay on top of course-work. For parents who choose the option of hiring a tutor, Jan recommends having a conversation with the tutor as soon as possible to set up achievable goals for student success. “Towards the end of summer I discuss the goals and objectives for the upcoming school year with my daughters' tutors and I encourage each of my Creative Tutors to reach out to the parents of their students the same way.” Following these tips can be the key to seeing the excitement of August last through May