Summer break is such a magical time of year for children. It is that moment that every child waits for at the end of each school year. It is precisely what everyone needs to rest, relax, and recharge before the start of the next school year.
While the onset of a new and fresh school year comes with excitement for some kids, for many it can also lead to stress and anxiety. Although many never receive a formal diagnosis, at least one in five children in the U.S. have some form of learning or attention issues that creates challenges and stressful situations for them as they face new schools, new teachers, and new subjects each year.
Thanks to the partnership between the Ad Council and Understood.org – parents and children who are finding it hard to cope with the stress of returning to school have significant resources to help them to be First-Day Ready.
By using this free First-Day Ready Guide from Understood.org, parents with students at every age can successfully manage back-to-school transitions. Understood.org is a free, easy-to-use online resource and community designed to support parents and caregivers of children with learning and attention issues.
If you are a parent of a child with any type of learning or attention issues, you know that it is nearly impossible to go at it alone; and you shouldn’t have to. You can use the simple and easy to navigate First Day Ready Guide to help your kids start the year out on the right foot.
Start planning in advance
Don’t wait until the last minute to start your school year routines. Start making calendars, checklists and settling in a few weeks in advance. If the challenge is a new school, make plans to take a tour so that it isn’t so scary on the first day.
Connect with teachers as soon as possible
Reach out ahead of time if possible so that you can discuss one-on-one the needs or learning style of your child with their teachers.
Don’t do it alone!
You are not the only one who is going through this – there are other parents and students out there who are struggling too. Make connections and build a support network. You can also find community online. Understood.org and Understoodโs Facebook page connect parents across the country to share information and learn from each other
Here are some great back-to-school tools you can try out for yourself while you are getting back-to-school ready:
- Back-to-School Countdown Planner
- Backpack Check List
- Sample Homework Contract
- Back to School Introduction Letters
- 9 Apps to Help Kids Manage Back-to-School Challenges
No matter how young or old your child is – if they are experiencing stress or anxiety about heading back to school this year, give the Understood.org resources a change to help you make it a positive experience for both of you.