Preparing For Back To School as A Parent

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the chill in the air, I love the colors, and I love the smell of school supplies. As a former teacher I have always gladly looked forward to the first day of school. The excitement that builds as spontaneous, care-free summer days come to an end and scheduled, structured days take over as we head back to school. That is, until I became a mom.

I received compensation for this post. All ideas and opinions are my own.

I know it sounds cliche, but can you believe how quickly kids grow up? I swear just yesterday I was bringing this sweet boy home from the hospital, and next week he heads off to school 5 days a week.

I thought I was ready, but I am not. The thing is I worry about him being away from me and staying safe. Here are 5 ways I keep calm and remove some of stress and worry from my mind, while making sure I have met all of my sons needs.

Prepare him- Most of the time I try to protect my kids from my worries. For example, I worry about him making friends or feeling nervous, but I tell him how awesome he is and how much fun he is going to have. But sometimes you have to share your worries with them so that they understand why we have rules. I want him to know why it is important that he listens to his teacher, that he stays away from strangers, that he comes home when school is over. Preparing kids for transitions helps them understand what is coming and how to deal with it.

Teach him- Does he know how to meet new people? Make friends? Rely on the things he knows are right rather than following what everyone is doing? How about more basic things, like his phone number and address? Now is the time to make sure he knows what he needs to!

Volunteer- When I was teacher and I had moms worried about their kids, I encouraged them to get in the classroom. Come in and see how things work at school. Come in and see their child in action. Children are so resilient and strong. I know that deep down, but I plan on spending some time in his classroom to reassure me of his strengths.

Keep Track of Him- I don’t know if there is anything more worrying to me than sending my kid to school on the bus. Isn’t it funny how something so simple, that I did everyday as a child, can make me the most concerned! Thank goodness for my SafeStop App.

The SafeStop app is a powerful and secure application that connects parents with vehicles carrying their children. It shows you a real time map that allows you to see when your child’s bus leaves and when it will arrive at their bus stop or school. The app also features an alert system that lets you know when there are school closings, early dismissals, and other important dates and events!