The “start of the school year” is a great time to re-visit some of the routines that are essential for your child’s independence and confidence at school. Please let your child:

-Carry his or her own lunchbox (from your house to the car, from the car to school)

-Put on shoes, sweaters, and coats independently

-Hang up clothes at the end of the day, or put them in the laundry hamper

-Set the table for dinner

These seem like small tasks, that are so much quicker and easier if we do them ourselves, and you may need to allow more time in the beginning for your child to carry them out. The independence, confidence, persistence and responsibility that children develop with these everyday practices sets a strong foundation for school and for life!