The beginning of a new school term is a crucial moment for parents and students alike. It’s not just about packing lunchboxes and ironing uniforms; it’s about setting the tone for a successful academic journey. Parents play a pivotal role in ensuring that their children are well-prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally.
According to a 2023 report by UNICEF, parental involvement is one of the strongest predictors of academic achievement, surpassing even socioeconomic status and school facilities. This insight underscores the importance of parents being actively engaged in their child’s education, especially during critical transition periods like the start of a new term.
Here are 15 essential things parents must note to ensure their kids are not only ready but also equipped to thrive in the new school term.
1. Get All Necessary School Supplies
The first step in preparing for a new school term is ensuring that your child has all the required school supplies. This includes stationery, uniforms, textbooks, and other materials. Investing in quality items can save costs in the long run, and having everything ready reduces stress on the first day of school. Parents should double-check school requirements and purchase extras for essentials like notebooks and pens. Stores often have back-to-school sales, so plan ahead to save money.
2. Review Academic Progress
Before the new term begins, it’s essential to evaluate your child’s academic performance from the previous term. Were there subjects where they excelled or struggled? Identifying these areas allows parents to provide targeted support, such as extra lessons or additional resources, to help them improve. Have an open discussion with your child about their goals for the new term. Guide them in setting achievable goals around their academic performance. Setting realistic and achievable targets fosters motivation and builds confidence.
3. Establish a Study Routine
A structured study routine is key to academic success. Help your child create a timetable that balances schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and leisure. Guide them to know when its time to do their homework, time to read, screen time, bed time among others. Children thrive when they know what to expect, and a consistent routine eliminates last-minute cramming and stress.
Make the study environment conducive to learning by ensuring it is free from distractions and has all the necessary tools like a desk, good lighting, and quiet surroundings.
4. Prioritise Health and Nutrition
Good health is foundational for effective learning. As school resumes, parents must ensure their children are eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. A nutritious diet fuels the brain, while adequate rest allows the body to recharge. Additionally, schedule regular health check-ups and ensure vaccinations are up to date. Teach children the importance of hygiene practices such as washing hands, especially in the wake of global health concerns.
5. Emphasise Time Management Skills
Time management is a skill that will serve your child throughout life. These skills are not taught in schools but are needed in every phase of life. Teach them how to prioritise tasks and manage their time effectively. You can use planners, digital apps, or even simple to-do lists to help them keep track of assignments and deadlines. Parents can model good time management by demonstrating punctuality and encouraging children to plan their days in advance. You should also supervise it to ensure they are working and improving on this skill.
6. Check and Update Emergency Contacts
It’s important for schools to have up-to-date emergency contact information for each student. Ensure that your phone numbers, addresses, and secondary contacts are accurate and easily accessible. Also, ensure you chold knows your emergency contact as well and discuss emergency protocols with your child so they know what to do in case of unforeseen circumstances.
7. Encourage Open Communication
Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable sharing their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Open communication helps parents understand what their child is going through and provides an opportunity to guide them effectively. Ask specific questions like, “How did your day go at school today?” “What are you looking forward to this term?” or “Is there anything you’re nervous about?” to encourage dialogue.
8. Revisit School Policies
Schools often update their policies and guidelines. Take the time to review the school’s handbook and discuss any changes with your child. This could include dress codes, homework expectations, or disciplinary measures.
Understanding these policies helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures your child adheres to the school’s standards.
9. Foster Positive Relationships
Encourage your child to build and maintain healthy relationships with their teachers and peers. Positive relationships can enhance a student’s school experience and provide a support system for when challenges arise. Parents should also strive to build rapport with teachers by attending parent-teacher meetings and maintaining regular communication.
10. Encourage Extracurricular Activities
Participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, or drama can help your child develop new skills, build confidence, and form friendships. These activities also provide a well-rounded education and improve time management skills. Discuss options with your child and encourage them to explore interests outside the classroom.
11. Teach Safety Awareness
Safety is a top priority as students head back to school. Teach your child road safety rules, how to deal with strangers, and what to do in emergencies. If your child uses public transport, practise the route with them and ensure they know the landmarks and emergency numbers to call if they get lost.
12. Monitor Screen Time
In the digital age, managing screen time is more important than ever. Encourage your child to balance their use of gadgets for educational purposes and entertainment. Set boundaries for the use of phones, tablets, and computers to ensure these devices don’t interfere with their sleep or study routines. Ensure you monitor their screen time and teach them about Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word among others. It’s better to catch them young.
13. Revisit Budgeting and Finances
A new term often comes with unexpected expenses. From tuition fees to extracurricular activities, parents should plan their finances to cover all costs. Teach your child basic financial literacy by involving them in simple tasks like budgeting for snacks or saving for school projects.
14. Instil a Growth Mindset
Encourage your child to embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities to learn. A growth mindset fosters resilience, which is essential for navigating the ups and downs of school life. Praise their efforts rather than just their achievements, and remind them that progress takes time. This makes them confident and want to get better.
15. Set Goals Together
Work with your child to set both short-term and long-term goals for the term. These goals could be academic, personal, or social. Write these goals down and review them periodically to track progress. Celebrating small milestones keeps your child motivated and focused. Also, teach them to work independently and as a team. These skills will come handy later in life.
As school resumes, parents have an essential role to play in laying a strong foundation for their children’s success. From ensuring their health and safety to fostering good study habits and building positive relationships, these small steps can have a lasting impact on a child’s academic journey. By actively participating in their child’s education and preparation, parents not only equip them for the challenges ahead but also instil values and skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
