1. Create opportunities to talk to your child about school.
2. Listen to them! Allow them to vent and/or complain while giving compassionate feedback.
3. Reveal your experiences at that age. Help to normalize their situation and what they are currently going through.
4. Become involved in their school’s activities.
5. Check in with your kids daily, both before AND after school.
6. If needed, provide additional people for your child to talk to.
7. Talk with your child and his/her friends as a group.
8. Discuss your child’s fears and help them find ways to cope.
9. Address possible things that your child may be face at school (bullying, peer pressure) before they become an issue.
10. Be AVAILABLE and OPEN for questions!

Contributed by: Eboni Baugh, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Family Life

Resources

"Active Listening: A Communication Tool," EDIS, The Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Revised: June 2005.

"Talking with Your Child," EDIS, The Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Revised: June 2006.

parenting, back-to-school, children, school, communication