11 Things Experienced Moms Know – Back to School Edition

As we journey through the school years, some truths have become clearer to us.

1. Stick up for your child. If you won’t advocate for them, no one will.
2. Believe they can succeed – and they will live up to those expectations. It may take a while – even a few years – but stick with them.
3. Sometimes kids need to learn that if they forget something at home, they have to face the consequences. Sometimes you can go out of your way to bring them the homework left at home. You can decide what they need when and don’t feel guilty the times you let life teach them. 
4. Not every misbehavior in school needs a major punishment at home. Some kids are testing the waters and just want attention. Just double down on positive attention and see if that’s enough to get the child to stop seeking negative attention.
5. Don’t speak negatively about the school/teacher.
6. Your child’s academic success has very little bearing on their life success. If you internalize it, your child will feel it. That child will grow up and succeed in life.
7. Flexibility is a more important life skill than perfect academic success. Model that for those children that NEED to get perfect grades. For example – When a sibling gets married, it’s ok not to get that perfect test score. 
8. Believe your child and believe the teacher. Both can be right and both can be wrong at the same time.
9. Don’t underestimate a good night’s sleep, a solid homemade dinner and snacks throughout the day. (Breakfast is important, but there are kids that simply can’t eat so early in the morning. Make sure they have balanced snacks!) Keep those consistent sleep and food schedules for a successful school year – while also keeping in mind the flexibility mentioned in number 7.
10. Their days are long and hard. Understand that, and let them unwind, without pitying them. They will learn about transitioning from stressful, busy situations to more relaxed ones in a healthier way.
11. Your child’s hair, pressed uniform, clean nails, clean backpacks, the right shoes etc ARE very important. This will affect the first impression they make to their peers – and their teachers. A couple of fresh short-sleeved polo shirts to start the year will be well worth the $10-20 spent, even if they will only be worn a few times. Set your child up for success even if you think it’s shallow and people shouldn’t be judged by appearances.

Read these important tips from Rabbanit Yemima Mizrahi, as well.