Tips for Helping Parents, Children Prep for School

As the first day of school approaches, many students worry about starting a new school for the first time. Commack schools hosts parent and student visits to ease the transition, and I have some tips to help you at home.

One of the most difficult things for parents is to send our young children to kindergarten – this is often a time of stress for children and parents alike.

According to psycho-therapist Alison Winter of Oakdale, the most important thing we can do for them is keep them to a routine. It is her belief that routine helps young children feel more secure. She also suggests taking children to school open houses to see their classrooms and meet their teachers, before school starts, if possible.

The parent, student visit program is offered at all the primary schools in Commack.

On Sept. 2, parents and students can go to Indian Hollow, Wood Park, Rolling Hills and North Ridge primary schools from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. to meet teachers and visit campuses. Students can also visit the school store on Sept. 2 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

This program is not only beneficial for kindergarten students, but also for students changing schools. Students going into Burr and Mandracchia-Sawmill intermediate schools can go to the visit on Aug. 31 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Orientation for the high school for 9th grade students is on Aug. 31 from 9:30 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. and the middle school hosts orientation on Sept. 1 at 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., depending on your class.

When school begins on Sept. 7, it is a good idea to have children aware of their new routine, including the bus, lunch and after-school activities.

Make them aware of their new bus schedule, including pick-up and drop-off locations. Make sure they see you waiting at the stop until the bus pulls away – and hold off on those tears if you can. Being able to see you in this new environment allows students to be comfortable in their new schools and routines.

Another fun idea that helps take their mind off the day is to take an annual first day of school photo each year and bring it out as it gets closer to back-to-school prep. That way children (and parents) can remember how scary those first few days felt and then think about how great the school year was. This is a photo you should print and savor, because you'll enjoy looking back with your son or daughter is heading off to college for the first time.

A note in the lunchbox (or brown bag) also goes a long way to helping students get through the day – put a post-it note on their juice-box, or write a message on the Ziploc.

Savor these memories, parents, because they will be over before you know it.