With Michigan families soaking up the last of summer and preparing to send children back to school, experts recommend taking several steps to ensure a smooth transition for kids and parents alike.
Parents should consider starting school-year routines now, including shopping for school supplies, setting earlier bedtimes, encouraging reading and more, according to the Cleveland Clinic and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
"The home stretch of summer has begun, and for many kids school may be starting in just a week or two. The end of the summer can bring many emotions (for kids and parents alike), and the best way to support kids in feeling safe and secure with a big transition is to feel comfortable with it yourself. One
of the most important parts of navigating this busy time lies in thoughtful preparation," the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Making Caring Common Project says.
Shop back-to-school supplies here
Here's what to know before heading back to school.
Getting your children ready to return to school? Follow these 12 tips
The Cleveland Clinic and the National Association of Elementary School Principals recommend these tips for parents helping prepare your children for the upcoming school year:
- Reset sleep schedules. If bedtimes got a bit loose over the summer, now is the time to change that since kids need to be rested to do well in school, not to mention it'll be a little easier to get them out of bed if they adjust now.
- Practice the morning routine. Consider the days before school starts a practice run. Wake everyone up on time, get dressed, eat breakfast, make sure everything is packed (better yet, do that the night before), and brush those teeth.
- Plan ahead for school meals. First, check when your child is scheduled to have lunch. If it's an early one, they won't need a big breakfast. If a late one, they definitely need something substantial to tide them over. Start building your fridge and pantry with breakfasts, lunches and snacks so you're not scrambling (pun intended) in the morning.
- Shop for supplies together. Build that new-school-year-excitement by stocking up on classroom goods. Don't forget to label everything.
- Create a homework area at home. Set up a quiet, organized area dedicated to schoolwork with all the necessary supplies. While you're at it, make sure there is a dedicated place for bookbags, papers, etc.
- Review transportation plans. Make sure everyone is clear how your child gets to and from school, whether they ride a bus, are picked up, or walk.
- Hygiene reminders. Practice correct handwashing, covering coughs, using tissues.
- Talk to your child. Ask what they're excited about and what they're nervous about so you can find ways to support them.
- Discuss goals. We're not talking about making straight As. What do they want to achieve this year?
- Make the school feel familiar. If your school has an open house, orientation or meet the teacher event, try to attend. Walk the hallways with your child, especially if it's a new school.
- Get their brains back into learning mode. Do some reading. If they struggled with a particular subject last year, try reviewing to boost confidence.
- Don't forget those checkups. Depending on your child, you may need to make sure vaccinations are up to date, schedule a sports physical or even an eye exam.
Will your kids go to school in the dark?
With Daylight Saving Time in effect until Nov. 1, sunrise comes one hour later than in standard time, meaning high school students who start school before 8 a.m. should expect the bus ride, drive or walk to school to begin in darkness. However, most middle school and elementary school students have a later start, so they'll travel to school in daylight.
The end of DST will bring an hour earlier sunrise, so all students will travel to school in daylight later in the fall, though evening darkness will begin arriving earlier and some could arrive home in the dark.
Can I leave my child home alone after school in Michigan?
Once school starts, many parents head back to work full or part-time. Work schedules and school schedules don't always match up exactly, meaning some children will end up home alone for some length of time.
According to the National Child Care Information Center, only Illinois and Maryland currently have laws regarding a minimum age for leaving a child home alone. Even in those states, other factors, such as concern for a child’s well-being and the amount of time the child is left alone, are considered.
According to the Child Protection Law, Michigan has no legal standard for an age at which a child can be left home alone. The Michigan Mandated Reporters' Resource Guide says."...But as a general rule, a child 10 years old and younger is not responsible enough to be left home alone. A child over the age of 10 and under the age of 12 will be evaluated, but the case may not always be assigned for a CPS investigation," the guide says.
Detroit Free Press reporter Jalen Williams and USA TODAY Network - Florida contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: School starts soon. What experts suggest to prep kids this fall
