Blog - Best Back to School Advice

A good relationship with your school's guidance counselor as well as your child's teacher is important to your child's success at school...even more than pencils and backpacks.

Pencils, backpacks, lunch boxes, new clothes and shoes – that’s what we usually think of when we’re sending kids back to school. But I’ve discovered as a parent and a foster parent that there are things even more important:

Meet with the school guidance counselor. Don’t just meet the teacher. Introduce your child to the school guidance counselor and let your child know that this is a trusted friend that they can go to when they are having a bad day, or if they are having trouble with another student, or any other concern they might have. Then ask the school guidance counselor for five minutes on the phone or in person (even better) before school starts and tell them what you want them to know about your kiddo. Tell them about their likes and dislikes, their learning style, their behavior, any special needs your child has, and what your family configuration looks like. And, most importantly, if they have gone through (or are going through) some difficult times in their life: a move, a parent’s divorce or remarriage, a death in the family, are they in foster care or have they been adopted? Let the counselor know who your child is and that you are available by phone, email, or text to discuss any concerns that might arise. And assure them that you will be reaching out to them with any upcoming changes in your child’s life that may affect their behavior at school.

Children’s social emotional needs, their ability to manage emotions, build relationships, and make good choices, are just as important as academic learning. Connecting your child with the school guidance counselor can help your child feel safe, connected, and respected*.

*The Need for Social-Emotional Skills in Elementary School | Psychology Today