Tips for Transitioning Back to School

Whether it’s a first-year preschooler or the last first day of school ever for that college senior, going back to school after summer break can be quite the transition. A little bit of prep work can ensure you and your kids are set up for a great year. While you’re placing school uniform orders and gathering your school supplies, don’t forget to help your kids with all the other ways to prep for back to school. Here are some things to help ease the transition from summer break to the classroom.
5 Tips for getting young kids ready for school:
1. Work towards an early bedtime and wake-up time
The days are longer in summer, and you’ve probably let bedtime slide, too. When kids stay up later, it can be harder to wake them up in the morning. Determine a set school-year bedtime and stick to it. In the two weeks leading up to the first day, start gradually having your kid go to bed earlier so they are ready for that set bedtime by the start of school.
Unless you’re a morning person, wake ups are never easy, so this may be a tough transition for the whole family. Make sure expectations are clearly set for your children on what time they should wake up and consider buying them an alarm clock. This is a great lesson in responsibility!
2. Create a command center
Clear a designated space for your kids to leave their backpacks, shoes, jackets, soccer bags, etc. Walk them through what they will do each morning to get out of the door and what they need to do when they return in the afternoon. Mornings will go much smoother if everything has their place and everyone knows where to find what.
3. Have an operations discussion
Get the grownups together to discuss who will be doing drop-offs and pick-ups, who will be cooking dinners after school, and handling extra curriculars and appointments. Getting on the same page can eliminate confusion and give your children a sense of confidence as they go into the new year.
4. Validate nervous feelings and stay positive and calm
Follow your child’s emotional lead and walk them through any emotions they’re having. As adults, we may think a new school year is not a big deal, but some kids may have a lot of nerves. Brushing those feelings off, instead of listening and validating fears, isn’t going to help. Remind your child that a lot of other kids, and probably the teacher, too, is feeling the same way. Consider purchasing an age-appropriate book about first-day jitters to read the week leading up to school. Your attitude as a parent or caregiver can set the tone for how your child views school. Let them know you think they’re brave and are in for an awesome school year!
5. Do a practice run
Have your child go through all the steps of getting ready for school in the morning and then actually take the walk to the bus stop or drive to school at the right time in the morning. This will let your child know what’s expected for the morning routine and allow you to measure what time you need to leave the house. If you’re going to a school you’ve never been to before, this is smart to do to gauge how traffic can be in the area during the mornings. No one wants to be late on the first day!
Older kids may not need as much help as they get closer to a new school year. The beginning of the school year is also a great time to evaluate your insurance policies and make sure they’re meeting your needs. Below are some insurance tips to consider as you head into a new year.
Back to School Insurance Tips
1. Auto Insurance
If you have a teen driver, you probably have enough to worry about. Paying for their auto insurance can be one less worry when you know you’re saving as much as you can.
Alfa offers discounts for qualifying teen drivers.
The Youth Defensive Driving/Safety Discount is for unmarried drivers ages 16 to 20 years old who have passed the Youth Defensive Driver or Youth Safety Test. This discount can’t be given with any other driver training discounts on the same policy. There is an online test for Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia drivers. Contact your agent for more info on how to qualify.
Driver Training Discounts are available for drivers aged 16 to 20 who have successfully completed a driver-education course. This can’t be combined with the Youth Defensive Driving/Safety Discount.
The Youth Honor Student Discount is for unmarried drivers aged 16 to 24 years old who are full-time students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. College students must be taking 12 hours or more a semester to be considered full time. Grades will need to be provided to qualify.
2. Homeowners
While your kid is off at college, his or her belongings in the dorm rooms may have personal property coverage under your homeowners policy. Talk with your agent about this to make sure you don’t need additional coverage.
Also, think about the extra equipment you may have with your kid starting school. Are there now more computers in your home? Should you increase your personal property coverage to cover these items? It’s something to consider.
3. Renters Insurance
Do you need renters insurance in college? It depends. If your child is at college while still a dependent on your homeowners or renters policy, the coverage may extend while he or she is away at school. However if they’re renting an apartment or a home off campus, you should consider having them get a renters insurance policy. A renters policy is for coverage for personal liability and the renter’s belongings. It doesn’t provide coverage for the home, apartment, condo, or duplex being rented.
Back to school time can be exciting and stressful, but it can also be a time of refreshing renewal. Regardless of your child’s age or grade in school, it’s a great time for an insurance checkup! Call your local Alfa® agent today. Have a great school year!