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As summer winds down, parents across the UAE are preparing for the back-to-school season. Whether your child is starting school for the first time or returning after a long break, this period can bring both excitement and stress. Here are ten practical tips to help parents guide their kids into the new academic year with confidence and ease.
1. Re-establish Routines
The lazy summer schedule often leads to late bedtimes and sleepy mornings. Start shifting your child’s sleep and wake-up time at least a week before school begins. Practising morning and bedtime routines helps reduce stress and makes that first school day feel familiar and calm.
2. Support Emotional Readiness
It’s normal for kids to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Talk to them about what to expect and let them express how they feel. Listen and reassure them with stories of your own school experiences and emphasise the positives – like making new friends or learning cool things.
3. Prepare Supplies and Uniforms
Make supply shopping a shared activity – kids love choosing their own lunchbox or pencil case. Don’t forget to label everything! This helps avoid confusion and lost items, especially for younger children. Check with the school for any grade-specific items or dress code requirements.
Consider backpack safety
- Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
- Organise your child’s backpack to use all compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the centre of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10% of your child’s body weight. Go through the pack with your child weekly, and remove unneeded items to keep it light.
- Remind your child to always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles. Adjust the pack so that the bottom sits at your child’s waist.
4. Prioritise Health
Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date and revisit healthy eating habits. A nutritious breakfast boosts concentration, and a balanced lunch fuels the school day. Reduce screen time before bed to promote better sleep and improve morning energy levels.
Also fill out all health and emergency contact forms and create an allergy and anaphylaxis emergency plan with the paediatrician.
5. Connect with the School
Attend orientation events or teacher meet-and-greets to build a connection with your child’s learning environment. Familiarise yourself with the school’s communication methods – whether it’s email, apps, or printed notes – and mark important dates such as parent-teacher meetings and exam weeks.
6. Set Simple Goals
Help your child set age-appropriate goals. It could be something as simple as reading one book per month or keeping their desk tidy. Create a homework-friendly space at home that is quiet, organised, and free from distractions.
7. Boost Social Confidence
Arrange playdates or virtual calls with classmates before school begins, especially if your child is starting a new grade or school. Discuss ways to make new friends, roleplay conversations, and talk about the importance of kindness and inclusion.
8. Review Safety Rules
Whether walking, biking, or riding the bus, it’s crucial your child knows basic safety rules. Practise the route to school together. Talk about road safety, stranger danger, and who to contact in an emergency. Make sure your child memorises key phone numbers or has them written down.
9. Stay Involved
Ask questions that go beyond “How was school?” Try “What made you smile today?” or “What was the most interesting thing you learned?” These open-ended questions encourage conversation. Be involved but also give your child space to grow independently.
Support good homework and study habits.
- Create an environment that is homework-friendly, starting at a young age. Children need a consistent workspace in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions, and promotes study.
- Schedule ample time for homework. Build this time into choices about participating in after-school activities.
- Establish a household rule that the TV and other electronic distractions stay off during homework time. Supervise computer and internet use.
- Take steps to help ease eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
- If your child is struggling with a particular subject, speak with their teacher for recommendations.
10. Be the Role Model
Your attitude sets the tone. If you’re calm, organised, and excited about the new school year, your child will likely reflect the same. Celebrate their achievements – big or small – and remind them that learning is a journey, not a race.
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school season isn’t just about books and backpacks – it’s about emotional preparation, healthy routines, and creating a safe, nurturing environment for your child to thrive.
Here’s to a confident, healthy, and happy school year!
Together, we build the foundation for lifelong learning.
