Four things parents should get right before the school bell rings

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican saying “free paper bun” signals the familiar rush of the back-to-school season, with attention turning to booklists, uniforms, school fees and transportation. However, while children prepare to return to the classroom, parents should also prepare for the role they will play in the year ahead. The National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), Jamaica’s lead government agency for parenting support, is reminding parents that, “Back-to-school readiness extends beyond having the right books and supplies; it also means creating the structure, communication and support children need to learn, adjust and thrive throughout the school year.” As the new school year approaches, the NPSC is encouraging parents to use the period as an opportunity to reset too, by considering not only whether their children are ready for school, but whether they are ready to support.

Parents should also set goals for themselves. That may mean having more meaningful conversations about school, attending parent-teacher meetings, responding more calmly when mistakes happen or becoming more consistent with boundaries. A useful question for every parent is: What will I do differently this year to help my child succeed?

This moves the conversation from simply expecting better performance to creating an environment that supports it. — Learn the child you are sending back to school: Children can change significantly between school years. A child who was confident last year may now be struggling socially.

A previously motivated student may feel overwhelmed by greater academic demands. A teenager may be navigating peer pressure, changing friendships or concerns about fitting in. Before school begins, go beyond asking, “Are you ready?” Ask: What are you looking forward to?

Is there anything you need from me? The answers may tell parents more about how to prepare their child than anything found on a booklist. National Parenting Support Commission logo — Know when to step in and when to step back: Parental engagement does not mean removing every difficulty a child encounters.

When children forget assignments, expe…