10 tips for back-to-school time
It’s back-to-school season! A time when parents and kids everywhere start shopping for the new school year. Once upon a time, you’d have to pile together in a car, drive to the mall, risk being embarrassed by your parents and somehow still find time to get the right outfits.
These days, the process is a little more streamlined, but there’s still tons of work to do. And to be honest, the back-to-school routines for a parent of a small kid vs. a teen are way different. Here are a few tips every parent needs to know to make the back-to-school season easier.
Preschool through elementary
1: Get used to the time away from your little one. And prepare them for the time away from home. For little kids, the home and family are their whole world. And making the transition to school can take some coaching. Make the transition easier for your little one by teaching them basic self-help skills like tying their sneakers, raising their hands to ask questions, and by taking them to their school before the year begins so it won’t feel quite as strange for them on the first day of school!
2: Make sure they have the tools to communicate their emotions. As a parent, you become attuned to your child’s needs. You know that a certain sound may mean they’re frustrated, need the bathroom, etc. However, their teacher may not know how they communicate. Help ensure your child’s needs can be communicated by giving them the words, phrases or gesture they’ll need. Phrases like “Can I go to the bathroom?” “I’m hungry.” and so on.
3: Create a school-centered routine. A school-centered routine means letting your little one get accustomed to waking up and going to bed at set times. Getting them used to only eating during snack and lunch time, waiting in line, and sharing toys and resources. While every school is a little bit different, getting them into a routine helps start them off on the right foot!
4: Get them a piggy bank! Getting your toddler a piggy bank helps teach them basic math and lays the groundwork for financial literacy. Or go a step further and open an OCCU savings account to teach them how to save sooner rather than later.
5: Let them pick their first backpack. It’s fun, helps get them excited about their next big adventure and can help develop a sense of individuality.
Middle through high school
1: Start saving for their extracurricular activities. Whether it’s sports, academics, or just a hobby they enjoy, extracurricular activities do wonders for the developing mind. And they also cost money. That’s especially true for activities that require uniforms, travel and lodging. Use your OCCU savings account to stash money away for your kid’s immediate future.
2: Help them set academic goals. Setting academic goals helps kids measure their own progress and creates a sense of purpose. The modern framework for academic goal setting is SMART which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Parents may be able to better motivate their teens by rewarding their kids if the goal is met. Consider opening a short-term time deposit account for the school year and depositing a predetermined amount as they progress through their academic journey. At the end, let them choose to either cash out or renew the CD. This rewards their academic prowess while also teaching them the concept of long-term savings.
3: Help them find a balance between work and school. Finding a work/school balance is especially important for teens that plan to go to college. Discuss how many hours they plan to work and determine if it takes priority over extra-curricular activities. Then, help them set up direct deposit into a checking account. OCCU members have access to Kickstart Cashback; an account specifically designed for teens and young adults. Even if your kid isn’t entering the workforce, it’s a great account to help teach them the basics of banking.
