A Guest Post By Faye Rogaski, founder socialsklz:-) tools to thrive in
the modern world
After a
long summer of lazy days and fun in the
sun, the alarm sounding on the first
day of school can jolt any child, or for that matter
parent, into a panic. Reality strikes that
summer is officially over. Whether
it’s your child’s first day of elementary school or (s)he’s a senior who’s been there, done that,
there’s still a great deal that you all can do to make for a smooth
transition back to school. —
School is about succeeding
academically, but there is also a large social
component that is now scientifically proven to
increase achievement. The scientific
journal Child Development recently released a study with evidence that
teaching children and young adults social and emotional skills leads to an 11
percent increase in academic scores. That said, it’s more important than ever
to not only get your children a back-to-school outfit, but also to equip them
with a good set of social skills.
Here’s a fun way for
your kids to be prepared and ready for the big day:
SET: Practice setting your alarm a few days before the start of school so you get used to waking up and getting out of the house on time.
CLOTHES: Pick out your outfits the night before so it’s not a source of stress in the morning. Even if you wear a uniform, be sure it’s laid out with socks, shoes, etc.
HANDSHAKES: Even though you might not shake hands with your friends, it’s important to know how to properly greet adults and teachers. Hands meet web-to-web with a firm grip. Maintain eye contact the entire time.
ORGANIZATION: Write down your homework assignments, bring a copy of your schedule home so you know what books to bring, and pack your backpack the night before.
OUTSTANDING: Give everything you do your all. From homework to after-school activities, always put in 100%. And if it’s not outstanding, own it and discuss how you can improve for the next time around.
LAUGH: School can be a stressful place, so in the midst of tests, peer pressure and athletics, remember to laugh and have some fun with your friends.
Finally, for parents of the older age set (8 and up), or for those who are online, it’s imperative to stay aware of your children’s Internet activity. Be proactive and talk to them about what is and isn’t appropriate on the web. Even more so, if your child is having a conflict with a friend, encourage him or her to handle those issues face-to-face rather than face-to-Facebook. Conflict resolution is a skill that your child will take through school, to the work place and beyond.
socialsklz:-) has locations on the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Tribeca and Brooklyn. For more information, visit
socialsklz.com.
