The Best 4 Things You Can Do for Your Child Before the School Year Starts

I’m Virginia-based school assembly presenter Joe Romano. For the last 30+ years, I’ve visited thousands of schools with my assemblies. I’ve traveled to New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Washington DC, and other areas with my fun-filled educational school assemblies.

Today I’ll share with you four of the most important things you can do as a parent to get your child ready for the new school year.

Preparing for the New School Year Tip #1: Enthusiasm

Remember that your child models your behavior. Kids also feed off their grownups’ energy. What does this mean for you? Put your game face on! Get excited for the new school year yourself. If your child sees you walking around acting stressed, they’ll take on some of that energy for themselves.

Yes, starting a new school year has its challenges. There are a lot of adjustments to be made. School supplies and clothes to buy. Schedules need to change. But don’t let any of that dampen your enthusiasm. After all, your child is going back to school. They’re growing up! And you likely have a lot to be proud of.

If you do feel stressed about the upcoming school year, channel good feelings from something you enjoy. Maybe you had a great vacation. Or you’re enjoying a fun project at work. Whatever it is, think about and visualize that great vacation, activity, or place. Keep yourself in that state of mind when talking to your child about the new school year.

Preparing for the New School Year Tip #2: School Supplies & New Clothes

Are you worried about all the costs of the new school year? Your child will likely need a lot of things before the school year begins. From clothes to school supplies, to who-knows-what they’ll need, it’s potentially a lot of money.

There are ways to save. Many of the big box stores understand that school supply shopping season starts weeks before school begins. Comb through the store websites. Many companies run attractive back-to-school specials.

Don’t necessarily think you can save money by going to the supposed ‘dollar’ or discount stores. At Dollar General and other stores, you have no idea what kind of supplies they will have. Other chains, like Family Dollar, try to convince consumers they’re saving money but often have prices higher than Walmart and the usual suspects.

Check prices carefully from store to store. Use the Internet to find the best sales. And make sure you know what you’re getting with many of the discount store choices.

Preparing for the New School Year Tip #3: Talk to Your Child

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that in the middle of all these preparations for the new school year is a little tiny person with their own hopes, dreams…and worries.

Sit down with your child. Ask them how they feel about the new school year. What are they looking forward to the most? What are they worried about? What do they hope to accomplish in the school year? Are there any new subjects/activities they want to try?

You’ll likely have to reach out to your child about these and other concerns. Many kids are not exactly forthcoming with their thoughts. Be proactive and have conversations. If you can get your child talking, you can help alleviate their fears. They’ll feel better about going to school even though they may be changing classrooms or even going to a brand-new building.

Preparing for the New School Year Tip #4: Vaccinations

This is incredibly important. Most schools will not allow your child to attend classes unless they are up to date with their vaccinations. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to take care of it if you have not done so already.

Realize that you’re not just doing this to protect your child. You’re also doing your part to protect the other children in class. It’s the responsible thing to do.

Get Everyone Excited About the New School Year

Want to get everyone fired up and looking forward to school? My “The Magic In You” school assembly on character is the best way to start the new school year. With magic, join-in fun, kid-friendly humor, music, and hilarious fun, your students and faculty will be energized and excited for the school year! Contact me today for more information.