As another summer wraps up, I think to myself, “Wow, here we go again. Another school year is here? Am I ready?”

Your child will need different support based on their age, grade level and ability to get into the school groove. Hopefully, you can help make the transition to school a positive experience for them from day one. 

If you have a school-age child, they are probably either happy or uncertain about going back to school. If your child is starting a new school or going to a new level such as elementary to middle school, that can make them a bit nervous. You can encourage them to take it one day at a time. Remind them you are here to guide and support them.

If you have older children, they may be considering after-school clubs, sports or even jobs. If they are driving, you are planning your safe driving speech and reminding them about the rules of driving and basic vehicle maintenance. As the parent, you know your child best, and you know what they need to have a great jumpstart to the new school year. Be proactive and adjust as needed. Parents, you got this!

We have some practical back-to-school tips to help you prepare.

• Talk to your child about how they feel about going back to school. Affirm their feelings. Offer comfort and encouragement.
• Let them pick out some special items to make back to school meaningful to them such as a cool backpack, T-shirt, shoes, hair accessories, socks, lunch bag, etc.
• Do something special after the first day or first few days such as get ice cream, do a fun activity, go to a favorite park or have a movie night.
• Help your child share about their school day. For example, ask “How was your day on a scale of 1-5? What was the favorite about your day? What would you change? Did you see any friends from last year? Did you make any new friends?”
• Reach out to the teachers via email to welcome them back to school and thank them for teaching your child this school year. Let them know you are open to communication about your child any time.
• Write a special note to the teachers encouraging them to have a good school year.
• Add a few special notes to your child’s lunch bag or backpack over the first few days or weeks of school.
• Text your child a special message at the beginning or end of the school day. Such as “You got this! Have a great day!”

School-related workshops and events to help you this school year

Wednesday, Sept. 4, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., UK Parents Resources Fair, Gatton Student Center Ballroom C

Tuesday, Sept. 10, Noon-1 p.m. Parenting is imperfect book overview of ‘The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection’ by Brene Brown. Presented by Azetta W. Beatty

Wednesday, Sept. 18 8:30-9 a.m. Working Parents Real Talk chat on school success tips. Presented by Azetta W. Beatty

Tuesday, Sept. 24, Noon-1p.m. Video game safety tips for children. Presented by Cody Dean, Gaming and Technology Specialist, UK Children’s Hospital

Tuesday, Oct. 8, Noon-1p.m. New teen drivers safety tips, part of Teen Drivers Safety month. Presented by Sherri R. Hannan, SafeKids Coordinator Coalition/UKHC

Tuesday, Oct. 15, Noon-1 p.m. Physical and emotional safety at school (Bullying at school, behaviors fallout). Presented by Fayett County Public Schools representatives Dr. Shericka Smith, ESS, Social Work & Mental Health Services Coordinator, and Dedeeh Newbern, Chief Student Support Officer

Thursday, Oct. 24, Noon- 1 p.m. Advocating for your child in education. Presented by Carolyn Ford, Fayette County Public Schools

Tuesday, Nov. 12, Noon-1 p.m. Building healthy relationships with your children ages 5-18. Presented by Eric Wilkinson, LCSW, UK Mental Health Therapist