Parents, the Back-to-School season is upon us! Your children may be nervous as school gets started, but they can have confidence if you help to prepare them ahead of time. Here are 22 tips to get you thinking about manners for kids and some ways you can help them start the year off without a hitch…
22 Tips for Back to School
- Attend any “Meet the Teacher” gatherings available.
- Create a printed sheet with all the contacts and special requests associated with your student. Print this out and give to your child’s teacher to keep in his or her file.
- Plan ahead and get everything organized for the first day of school. Have all supplies, forms and medical records ready to go.
- Take care to treat the secretary at your child’s school with the upmost respect. After all, he or she most likely is a decision maker for administrators as well as teachers.
- Acknowledge cafeteria workers, maintenance team etc at the school Open House. These individuals will contribute to your child’s success at school!
- Ask when your child’s teacher has a birthday and if there are any special requests or favorite things. Then, find a small gift your child can give on his or her birthday. This applies to other special occasions throughout the school year as well.
- Try to volunteer at your child’s school.
- Have lunch with your child as often as the school will permit.
- Prepare your child mentally for school. Never speak negatively about a teacher or any school personnel in front of your child. Expect that your child will repeat what he or she hears you say! All conflicts should be handled away from your child. Learning will not occur when there is conflict between a teacher and parents. Instead, anxiety will be the result.
- Parents should set a daily schedule for their child. The best way to accomplish this is for parents to demonstrate discipline in their own personal lives. That’s because what a child sees demonstrated is what he or she will imitate.
- Follow directions in the carpool.
- Get to know the parents of your child’s classmates.
- Teach your child to respect all cultures.
- Talk about respecting authority figures as a family.
- Discuss interrupting and how that isn’t acceptable when adults are talking. This will be a problem for your child at school if tolerated at home.
- Talk to your child daily about how school / classes are going. Don’t wait for your child to bring up the discussion. This applies to students of all ages, from kindergarten through 12th grade!
- Be positive about your child’s school.
- Let your child see that you’re treating his or her teacher with respect.
- Check your child’s homework daily.
- Don’t let your child get behind in schoolwork.
- Assure your child that, even if he or she makes mistakes in schoolwork, it’s okay as long as learning comes from them.
- Ensure that your child eats a healthy diet, so he or she is fueled up to do the best possible each day.
Finally, pray with your child each day before he or she goes to school. Pray together for his or her teachers, administrators and friends. It will make a difference!
You are anointed and appointed as your child’s Mom and Dad. Let no other take your spot, since you will be the chief influencer in his or her life for 18 years. Train, discipline, shepherd and praise your children. Above all, love your students! Let your children know that you have their best interests at heart!
About Lisa – Expert in Teaching Manners for Kids & More
The Dallas School of Etiquette’s founder, Lisa Burdette, has a passion for seeing people succeed. She draws from a rich background of her own personal and business experiences to teach students of all ages how to prepare for almost every situation in life.
Lisa is a certified American School of Protocol Etiquette Consultant. She offers both private and group lessons for your family’s needs. Contact The Dallas School of Etiquette today to schedule a “manners for kids” consultation with her!
