Tips & Inspiration

Back To School Tips For Parents

​With September approaching, it’s time for both parents and children to start preparing for the upcoming school year. Here are our tips for you and your child to start the school year off right!

1. Set goals and expectations. 
You have them as a parent, and your child should have them as a student. A discussion with your child about what’s important to them will help both of you determine how to approach the new school year. It will also help to identify areas of potential problems and work on preventing or mitigating them before they become major issues. Was there a subject your child struggled with last year, and how can you help him or her with it this year? Perhaps the two of you can decide to set up a study routine, weekly homework check-ins, or some tutoring classes.

2. Focus on the long-term.
Getting a good education is about more than just academics. What are your child’s aspirations for him- or herself? Set up a good foundation for a well-rounded educational journey by looking into extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and other opportunities. This will allow your child to explore his or her interests, get involved in the community and help them later on when they are looking into post-secondary programs. Inspiration’s educational planning packages can help you out if you don’t know where to start.

3. Establish a good routine. 
A solid routine with certain tasks done at particular times of the day will help your child stay organized with confidence. Begin each day on the right foot by providing them a nutritious breakfast and ample time to get ready for school. A good evening routine that includes set times for homework will help them stay on top of school work. Children also need the right amount of sleep in order to be alert and ready to learn all day, so an appropriate curfew will ensure they are well-rested.

4. Meet the teachers. 
Establishing a good relationship with your child’s teachers will help you stay informed about your child’s progress. Teachers often have email addresses which can be used to check in with them throughout the school year, and identify issues long before report cards come out. Is English not your first language? No problem! Inspiration offers translation and interpretation services for parents who need a bit of help communicating with teachers. Contact us to find out more.

5. Get a calendar. 
Write down all the important dates, deadlines, and events throughout the school year so that you can be well prepared ahead of time for things like parent-teacher interviews, talent shows, university fairs, application deadlines, and more. Put your calendar somewhere where both you and your child can easily see it everyday. This way, your child will be encouraged to not only stay organized but to manage his or her own responsibilities and develop more independence.

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