• CLEVELAND, OHIO
  • 1-866-UH4-CARE
  • |
  • Search UH Online
For Parents Positive Parenting Positive Parenting Article
Print this pageEmail this pageBookmark Page

Health In The News

Staying Healthy

Emotions & Behavior

Contact Rainbow

General Phone Number

216-844-8447
216-844-Rainbow Appointments
216-844-3911 Patient Info

Mailing Address

11100 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106

Helpful Links
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

©1995-2006 KidsHealth.
All rights reserved.
Positive Parenting

All parents need a little advice now and then. Get the lowdown on parenting basics like discipline, homework help, and how to talk to your child about tough subjects, like sex, tobacco, and alcohol. Plus, find out where you can turn for help and support.

Back to School


We all remember the mixture of emotions that going back to school often brings. You're anxious and excited, but disappointed that summer's over all at the same time. Whether the sunny season was jam-packed with activities from start to finish, or filled with complaints that they were bored to tears with nothing to do, many kids of all ages have a hard time making the transition from pool to school.

Battling the Butterflies

As with any new or potentially unsettling situation - be it starting school for the first time or entering a new grade or a new school - allow your child time to adjust. Remind your child that everyone feels a little nervous about the first day of school - even Mom and Dad and probably even the teacher - and that it will all become an every-day routine in no time. Emphasize the positive things about going back to school, such as hanging out with old friends, meeting new classmates, buying cool school supplies, and showing off the new fall duds (or snazzy accessories if your child has to wear a uniform).

It's also important to talk to kids about what worries them and offer reassurance: Are they afraid they won't make new friends or get along with their teachers? Is the thought of schoolwork stressing them out? Are they worried about the

To help keep kids' back-to-school butterflies at bay, try to transition your child into a consistent school-night routine 1 or 2 weeks before school starts. It's also a good idea to make sure kids:

  • get enough breakfast (kids are more alert and do better in school if they eat a good breakfast every day)
  • write down the need-to-know info to help them remember all of the details, such as their locker combination, what time classes and lunch start and end, their homeroom and classroom numbers, teachers' and/or bus driver's names, etc.
  • use a wall calendar or personal planner to record when assignments are due, tests will be given, extracurricular practices and rehearsals will be held, etc.
  • have them organize and set out what they need for the school day the night before (i.e., homework and books should be put in their backpacks by the front door, and clothes should be laid out in their bedrooms)

Although it's normal to be anxious in any new situation, a few children develop real physical symptoms, such as

  • Does your child's school have a dress code? Are there certain things he or she can't wear?
  • Will your child need a change of clothes for PE or art class?
  • Does your child have a safe backpack that's lightweight, with two wide, padded shoulder straps, a waist belt, a padded back, and multiple compartments?
  • Does your child know not to overload his or her backpack and to be sure it's stowed safely at home and school?
  • Will your child buy
  • Has your child received all of the necessary food allergies, diabetes, and any other conditions that may need to be managed?
  • Have you made arrangements with the school nurse to administer any attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should be seated in the front of the room, and a child with
  • Do you know what time school starts and how your child will get there?
  • If your child will be riding the bus, do you know where the bus stop is and what time he or she will be picked up and dropped off?
  • Do you know where the school's designated drop-off and pick-up area is?
  • Are there any regulations on accept rides, candy, or any other type of invitation from anyone he or she doesn't know?

    • But What About After School?

    Figuring out where your child will go after school's out each day can be a challenge, especially if both parents work. Depending on your child's age and maturity, you may need to arrange for after-school transportation and care.

    It's important for younger children and preteens to have some sort of supervision from a responsible adult after school. If you can't be there as soon as school's out, as many parents who work full-time can't, ask a reliable, responsible relative, friend, or neighbor to help out. If your child will be picked up after school, make sure he or she knows where to meet you or another caregiver.

    Although it might seem like children who are approaching adolescence are becoming mature enough to start watching themselves after school, even kids as old as 11 or 12 may not be ready to be left alone. And many mature

  • Set a time when your teen is expected to arrive home from school.
  • Have your teen check in with you or a neighbor as soon as he or she gets home.
  • Specify who, if anyone at all, is allowed in your home when you're not there.
  • Make sure your teen knows to never open the door for strangers.
  • Make sure your teen knows what to do in an
  • offers kids a productive alternative to watching alcohol, tobacco; and engaging in risky sexual activity)

    • Be sure to look into the child-staff ratio at any after-school program (in other words, make sure that there are enough adults per child) and that the facilities are safe, indoors and out. And kids going to an after-school program should know when and who will pick them up when school lets out and when the after-school program ends.

    Also, make sure after-school commitments allow your child enough time to complete school assignments. Keep an eye on your child's

  • Make sure there's a quiet place that's free of distractions to do homework.
  • Don't let your child watch TV when doing homework or studying. Set rules for when homework and studying need to be done, and when the TV can be turned on and should be turned off. The less TV, the better, especially on school nights.
  • Never do your child's homework or projects yourself. Instead, make it clear that you're always available to help or answer any questions.
  • Review your child's homework nightly, not necessarily to check up on him or her, but to make sure your child understands everything OK.

    • Encourage your child to:

    • develop good work habits from the get-go, like taking notes, writing down assignments, and turning in homework on time
    • take his or her time with school work
    • ask the teacher if he or she doesn't understand something

    To ensure your child is getting the most out of school that he or she can, maintain an open channel of communication with your child's teachers by meeting with them as the school year progresses to discuss your child's academic strengths, as well as weaknesses.

    Most of all, whether it's the first day of school or the last, make sure your child knows you're there to listen to his or her feelings and concerns, share in all achievements, and that you don't expect perfection - only that your child tries his or her best.

    Updated and reviewed by: