It’s a new year, and it’s almost time for our wards to return to school, and kick on another trimester of the academic session. As a parent, it is important you assist your ward with setting new academic goals, offer them the right motivation to get back into gear, and also condition them mentally and physically for the return of academic activity.

One of the vital first steps to take is having conversations about the return of school with your ward. Be emotionally available for your ward. Examine if the resumption of school brings feelings of excitement or feelings of anxiety, and respond appropriately. A number of children may be returning off the back of below par academic performances from the previous year, or failed expectations and unaccomplished academic targets. It is your duty as a parent to remind them that the new academic trimester offers them a fresh chance to bounce back and make the right adjustments.

Have you begun shopping for items that your ward will need for their return to school? Textbooks, notebooks, school bags, stationeries, and so on, depending on your individual case. Purchasing new school-related items in anticipation of the return of academic activities has a way of getting children excited about going back to school. Find out the items your ward needs, and act accordingly. When you demonstrate your readiness for your ward’s return to school, they will catch on.

Going back to school means a return to routine for your ward – going to bed early, getting up early, classes, homework, and so on. You can assist them with adjusting by slowly reintegrating routine into their daily activity in the days leading to resumption. Have them retire for the day early, so that they can wake up energised and ready for each new day. Also have them take a few hours in each day to study and practice, depending on your schedules. Also, help them understand your reason for each act, so they stay just as committed to it as you do.

Also, where possible, try going over academic work from the previous term together with your ward. Use this as a learning opportunity to educate them on the importance of learning from their mistakes. It will also help to condition their minds for the return of academic activity. It may be difficult motivating some children to go over ‘old’ academic work, as they might not realise the importance initially. Find a way to stir up their interest, by attaching some rewards to completing such activities.

Finally, help your child outline all they intend to achieve at school for the new term on a vision board. Be careful to balance these targets between being realistic and overly ambitious. Help your child realise that no targets are too difficult, and that they can accomplish any goals they set out to, if they are willing to put in the effort. Remember, it’s about their goals and objectives, and not yours – you are only there to guide them.