How to prepare for back-to-school

Entering the school system means becoming a self-reliant, sociable and self-reliant being. It's a normal stage in a child's development, but no less challenging for parents. Yes, baby is growing up! To help you prepare for the big day and make sure you don't forget anything, we've put together a few tips and a practical checklist for a smooth start to the new school year.

If your child attends a public day-care center, a review of the first 4 years of his or her life at the day-care center is a great help in reassuring yourself, and getting to know your child's motor skills, social skills and, quite simply, his or her character.

In general, it's a good idea to tell your child during the vacations that he's going to school, and to tell him about the care he'll be getting (nanny, childminder or extracurricular activities). You can also do activities with your child, such as writing his or her name, counting to 12 (or much more for some), or filling in a Max & Lily notebook for 1st year Harmos together. Subscribing to a magazine like Pomme d'Api, for example, is great fun, and will arouse your child's curiosity.

In a 1P- 2P class, children learn to live together, to speak, to communicate, to discover the importance of writing and reading, and to take an interest in their surroundings. The aim is to help children blossom, become autonomous and build their own knowledge. It's a multi-faceted learning environment, from imagination and a taste for play to verbal and gestural expression.

On the practical side, you'll need to prepare a backpack with the necessary and compulsory equipment for each school, such as slippers, rhythmic shoes, a plastic cup, a 10 a.m. snack, a pack of tissues, etc.

It's a good idea to label your little one's belongings, otherwise you'll lose them and never be able to find them again. We love the Swiss brand Sticker Kid. Girls with long hair will need to tie it up during gymnastics classes.

For parents, writing down the telephone numbers of teachers, the school nurse and childcare facilities will help you get to work with a clear conscience.

The documents to be completed for the various registrations are numerous and redundant. Remember to keep the original medical certificate from the medical check-up. It is required for school enrolment, as well as for extracurricular activities.

Entering the school system is an important psychological step, but a natural one in a child's development. Some children are already bored with the less stimulating activities of pre-school, and are eager to learn more about the world around them. They bond with other children and ask parents more questions about family activities.

A notebook will be given to parents after each week, so that they can share what they have learned. Don't hesitate to organize a weekly preparation session on Sunday evening, to review the week ahead. You can take advantage of this exchange with your child to probe his emotions and needs, cuddle him and reassure him. After all, the family nest is, and always will be, there for the good times, but also for the more challenging moments! This is where your child will find the resources and tools to become a fulfilled adult.

Back-to-school checklist:

Slippers
Sneakers or sports sneakers
A tissue box
A white t-shirt (to write your first name on) & sports shorts
A gourd
A snack box
A backpack
A pencil case (for older children)
An apron for handicrafts
A bag (to be left at school) with spare clothes
Name tags

And for the lucky ones who'll still be going on vacation before the new school year starts, don't forget to pack your travel pharmacy. For the rest of you, here are some ideas for things to do in the region.