With only a day left for new academic year to begin after a long three-month break, parents are being encouraged to prepare their children psychologically for the re-opening of schools . While most parents think the best way to prepare their children for school is to buy stationery supplies, experts say that students need psychological preparation either before the beginning of school or in its first week. Mohammad Ba-Ishara, educational expert and social and educational supervisor at Dar Al-Dhikr school, which belongs to Jeddah Education Directorate, said that preparation includes talking to children about their gradual adoption of school's environment, strategy of studying and encouraging them to perform their level best. Ba-Ishara added that the first three days of school are considered to be the most important days of the academic year as they play a vital role in formating either a negative or positive impression of school in the minds of children. “These days are crucial for 95% of students especially in the kindergarten and elementary schools as they have to adapt to new educational and social environment,” he said. “I always advise school authorities to organize lectures on psychological preparation of children and invite parents to attend such lectures and courses,” he added. As part of the psychological preparation, parents must instill healthy sleeping habits among children and give them nutritious food. “I think sufficient sleep is one of the most important points that a majority of students must consider since most of them start their first week of university without getting enough sleep,” Wael Safhi, a university student told the Saudi Gazette. Teachers also play a vital role in children's development. “Schools are the second home of students, and the teacher is responsible to deliver this idea to the students,” Ba
