Back to school

And parents, of course, too. All this means more discipline, buying clothes or uniforms, books, and an infinity of commitments that require an effort for both children and parents. It is important to be very positive and to live these moments as a family with enthusiasm and enthusiasm.

Starting off on the right foot depends largely on the attitude of the parents, they are also protagonists together with their children when they return to school. For this it is essential, first of all, that we do not transmit negative feelings to them about the end of the summer holidays. We must refrain from commenting on the laziness that turns us back to work. The child's behavior is understandable. React to changes in the same way as we adults. It's like when we go to a job for the first time. We get nervous, anxious, and the same thing happens to the child, even if it externalizes and manifests it in a different way.

How to make «back to school» easier

• Be positive: talk to the child about how great it will be to be reunited with classmates and friends, the new things that he is going to learn, the colonies, excursions. Remembering the good times from the previous year can be of great help.
• Listen to the child in all his worries and concerns. The child's feelings should not be underestimated and all questions should be answered honestly. We must be concerned with the child's fears and give him as much confidence and support as possible. For him, going back to school is a challenge.
• Before the end of the summer it is very interesting to go back to the routines of school hours minimally so that entry to school is not so abrupt
• Prepare all the school supplies together with the child: cover the books and identify them with the name, prepare the case, the uniform ... It is advisable that the child choose the backpack and the case that he wants to take to school.

The first day

We must speak with the child the days before the start of school, explaining what is going to be found, the new schedules and activities. Being positive is essential and keep in mind that the first day back to school will probably not be a wonderful day.

It is important that the parents accompany the child on the first day of going back to school. Taking a day off from our vacation for this purpose is extremely important to our children. It is a special day and we will have to do everything possible to make it a happy day. The child feels accompanied by the most important people in his life.

The moment of farewell can be difficult but we must show security and confidence when saying “see you later” to the child. Conveying to the child that he is in good hands helps him a lot even if he stays crying. It is a moment that should not be prolonged excessively.

When picking up from school it is also important that parents go to school. We must be punctual and show ourselves happy and excited.

The adaptation

Children adjust to school in a week or two. They are generally glad to see their friends again and find their daily routine again. If the adaptation takes longer, we must be attentive to possible emotional conflicts in the child.

Adaptation is almost always not a problem. It depends a lot on the character of the child. Each child reacts in a different way and in this situation no comparisons can be made.

When the child goes to school for the first time, an adaptation schedule is usually applied so that little by little the child gets used to the new reality. Everything will depend on the availability of time that the parents have and the rules of the school.

Backpack

It is a matter of concern for parents and teachers. More and more backpacks are loaded with books and notebooks that can cause back problems for the little ones, due to overexertion and muscle fatigue.

It is important to make a good choice of the type of backpack and take special care not to load it too much.

Ideally, the weight of the backpack should not exceed 10% of the child's weight. In addition, the size of the backpack should not be larger than the torso.

The most suitable backpacks are those with wide, expandable and padded straps and a belt at the level of the abdomen that allows better distribution of weight. It is very convenient that they have several compartments to distribute the heaviest objects. The bag should be about 5 cm above the waist.

As for the wheeled backpacks, which, when they came on the market, seemed to be a more suitable alternative, they are not the most correct solution either since children pull them, thus producing an increase in the lumbar curve and causing back pain. Ideally, children should not carry more weight than recommended.

Organize the backpack by putting the heaviest books close together and glued to the back.

If you choose to carry backpacks with wheels, the child must keep the spine straight, and not curved, to carry the backpack.

It is advisable not to carry a heavily loaded backpack for more than 15-20 minutes.

If there are many books, carry part of the weight on your hands.

Practicing something to strengthen the muscles of the back is suitable at any age.

Good manners

Holidays are an ideal time to establish a habit as important as breakfast. It is a good time to be with the family, to encourage dialogue and good habits. During the course, in the rush, we forget the importance of this that should provide us between 20 and 30% of the calories we need daily.

The ideal breakfast would be made up of: dairy products, cereals and fruit. A proper breakfast, in addition to contributing to better physical and brain performance. Remember that before any problem with your children, be it health or psychological, it is best to be supported by a.

• Before the start of classes, it is advisable to resume the routines of the school schedule so that the change is not so abrupt.
• It is important to prepare and motivate the child before back to school, telling him what schedules, companions and activities he will meet.
• The positive attitude of the parents is basic, so feelings of laziness or negativity should not be transmitted before the return to the routine.