Summer is winding down. The day camps are planning their end-of-summer super activities and the stores are advertising “back to school” bargains. To smooth the transition from vacation to school mode, here are a few practical pointers. Just remember, it’s all a matter of attitude. With a bit of planning, the first days of school, coinciding with preparation for the upcoming Yomim Tovim, can be taken in stride.
Take inventory of what you already have. A 100-page notebook that only two or three pages were written in can be used in the next grade. Tear out the few pages carefully and the notebook is as good as new. Throw out dried glue sticks, pencil stubs and other junk cluttering the backpacks, and take note of whatever is still good. Write a list and place it in your wallet so you will know what you don’t need when shopping for school supplies.
If your children’s school has uniforms, don’t wait for the night before school to try on what you have in the closet. A first grader should get at least one brand-new uniform. As for hand-me-down uniforms, there are ways to make them “new for me.” First of all, make sure to remove all stains and fix all tears. To give an old uniform a “like new” feel, treat it to a trip to the dry cleaners, or try this tried-and-true pressing method I learned from an old European tailor. Wet a cloth in vinegar diluted with water, and use it as a press cloth over the pleats. The pleats will look sharp and crisp, and will keep that way through several washings. Don’t worry about the smell. As it dries, the odor will dissipate—a lot faster than the chemical odor of the dry cleaners.
Even those schools that do not have official uniforms typically have a dress code. Study the introduction letter from your child’s school and go through her closet to weed out those items that do not conform. If the school rules include length of hair and whether the hair must be worn in a ponytail, book a haircut appointment and add hair accessories to your ever-growing shopping list.
There are usually at least a few days between camp and the first day of school. Use this time wisely, and the transition of routines will go smoothly. It is a perfect opportunity to create wonderful family memories. Plan one major picnic. It does not have to be expensive; in fact, most of these occasions can take place in any park without an entrance fee. Emphasize the planning, taking into account which easy-to-pack foods your children can help you prepare and will readily eat. If the park is local, allow your kids to hike and bike. Take some balls, jump ropes and colored chalk. For a fun activity that does not cost too much, bring a helium balloon for each child and at a given signal launch them all. Just make sure to recharge your camera battery and that your memory card is not full.
Most children go to sleep late during the summer. This transition week is the perfect time to get them back onto a school-day routine. Let your children know that bedtime is being moved up. Do it in increments, a few minutes earlier each day. If done in a positive manner your children will go to sleep without protest, and as a bonus will wake up feeling more refreshed.
These unscheduled days are the perfect time to prepare your children for any changes. A change in schools is major. Be sure to tell them how they will be traveling each morning, and if feasible, pay a visit to the new school building. Though the secretaries are bogged down with work, most, if asked nicely, will either show you around the building or at least tell you where your children’s classrooms will likely be.
Talk to your children about changes in their classes. Many schools with parallel classes will mix the classes, sometimes separating best friends. Be aware that most principals do not do this on a whim, but weigh and measure each decision to create a situation they hope will be the best for the classes. If children are prepared for this possibility they are less likely to come home on the first day of school looking and acting as if the world has come to an end. Tell them your own “mixing” story, how in fifth grade you were separated from your “best ever” friend Chany. You ended up befriending other girls who are your closest friends to this very day, while, for all you know, Chany could have moved to Australia or to the moon.
Note: Even if you feel your daughter was really shortchanged in the mix, never tell her so. Validate her feelings, tell her that you understand that she feels bad, but do not feed on her ranting and raving. She does not have to know of your call to the principal. If the call gets the desired results, and some changes are made, she will find out soon enough.
Last but not least, as you send off your children on the first day of school, send up a heartfelt tefillah that you survived the preparations.
By P. Samuels
