How to prepare kids to go 'back to school' in UAE

Most parents have mixed feelings about summer. Of course, it's fun having to not wake up stressed about getting children ready and out the door so that they are not tardy to school, no homework assignments that require a substantial amount of threatening and bargaining to get them done, school activities that require a fair amount of parent participation etc.
On the other hand, parents are faced with the enormous task of keeping children entertained for the two long summer months with the sweltering heat that makes it impossible to be out for more than a few minutes.
And finally, the day comes when the children go back to school! Most parents by this time are ready for this (actually most of them have a countdown of days leading up to the very opportune moment).  So, what are some ways we can make sure our little ones are ready to go face the challenges that the new school year will bring:
1. Adjust their schedule. This is key to helping children go through the transition from late nights and mornings to waking up in time for school. This will ensure that they have a productive day at school and the right start. The best way to do this is starting the school schedule at least a couple weeks before school starts.
2. Talk about all the fun things that will start back once school resumes. Meeting friends, learning new things and new activities that the year would bring could be some things you can discuss with your children.
3. Make sure your children have all their supplies in order so that they feel more in control on their first day. Involve children in the back to school shopping. It's always exciting for children to buy new things as an effort to get ready for the new school year.
4. Make sure you attend orientation if your school offers it especially when moving up from pre-K to kindergarten, elementary to middle school and middle to high school. These transitions are a little harder on children, so it is important that they feel prepared for the forthcoming changes.
5. Some children get very anxious about their first day back. It's normal to be anxious about a new situation. A new grade level could mean different teachers, different classmates, tougher studies and longer schedules.  Sometimes children will have symptoms of headaches and stomachaches at the start of school due to their anxieties. If that happens, make sure to speak to your child's doctor or school counselor so that a plan can be made to help support your child through the transition.
6. Learn to manage your own anxieties. Sometimes I have noticed parents can be equally or more anxious than their children with these transitions. If you are anxious about your child's transition, it is certain that he or she will be too. Try to plan fun activities with your children the weekend before school starts as a way of helping cope with any anxieties they or you might be feeling.

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai