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SALT LAKE CITY -- School may not start until next week for most Utah kids, but you should start preparing today.
We've heard to start getting our kids back to a school sleep schedule, but don't forget eating. They may eat lunch at school at a different time than their tummies are used to. That can affect learning and behavior.
BYU adjunct faculty member Heather Johnson says routine, routine routine.
"When children know when things are predictable for them, it brings safety and security," said Johnson. "Even if we as parents can keep running that through their heads, when things are predictable, our children feel safe and secure."
Johnson says turn off the TV in the mornings, gather up school supplies now, meet the teacher and classmates, and go to back-to-school night. These will all make your children feel more secure. She recommends a dry run or two or three in the morning.
"Practice will make your children feel more secure, because you've made their routine predictable," Johnson said. "When we can iron out the bugs before, it helps them deal with the adjustment a little bit better."
Above all, control your own emotions about your baby going to school and keep an upbeat, positive attitude. It will greatly help your children with this change in your lives.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
