It’s almost time for your child to return to school, and the final weeks leading to resumption are typically saddled with a lot of planning and preparation. From getting new school shoes and stationery, to putting together funds for their tuition and other expenses that come with the new session.

In the midst of your preparations, its important you take time to properly condition your child, and help them gradually adjust mentally and physically to the start of the new session. Here’s some key steps to get your child ready to hit the ground running.

Firstly, it’s time to start adjusting your child’s bedtime routine to suit the typical school day schedule. Over the holidays, it’s very possible your child’s bedtime routine may have become very disorganised due to different activities and factors. As resumption for the new session approaches, restore order by creating a system that allows for properly rest each night. By doing so, your child will have no difficulty adapting when school nights finally return. Adequate rest is important throughout the session to ensure optimal function.

Take time to sit down with your child and have a conversation about the thought of resuming school, meeting their friends, academic and extracurricular activities and so on. It’s easy to get caught up in making our preparations for return to school without getting to hear their needs, worries and opinions.

Sitting down to hear from your child helps you learn about how you can come in as a parent, providing them with all the love, care and support they need to succeed. Remember, it is all about building an enabling atmosphere that allows them to thrive continually.

Preparing your child for the new session is a hands-on task, and every stakeholder has to be fully involved. Get in touch with your child’s teachers and instructors, and learn your child’s biggest strengths and weaknesses. Assess performance on all metrics from the previous academic year, and find ways you can collaborate with his teachers to drive an improvement.

If your child is getting enrolled at a new school, speak with the right officials to learn how the institution can create an enabling environment. Learn about any extracurricular activities on offer that could aid in your child’s development, and plan accordingly.

Finally, stay involved. Your child’s ability to stand out and find their feet as they return to their institution of learning depends on your ability to always show up, not just on day one. Ensure you always follow up on progress. Find out areas of struggles, and learn how you can come in. Always remind your child he can speak to you about anything. Nothing gives a child greater motivation to succeed than having their parents as their biggest supporters.