Expert shares back-to-school tips

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Parenting expert Dayle Pomerantz shared tips with News 4 on how to smoothly send your child back to school.

Communication:

When your child returns from school Wednesday, make sure you ask them how their day was.

Communication is key, according to parenting expert Dayle Pomerantz.

She recommends talking to your child about school Wednesday and the rest of the school year.

"One of the best things you can do as parents is ask open ended questions. For example, tell me about your day. Tell me the best thing that happened. Tell me about something that didn't go great, that keeps open lines of communication open. Try to avoid yes and no questions."

Dayle says encourage dialogue, but don't push your child.

Homework:

On the first day of school many children will be coming home with homework.

Pomerantz shared with News 4 how to get into a good, successful homework routine with your child.

"Homework is setting up goals and achievement and effort, many lessons are learned from homework. Homework is a time to be together with parents and students, but not to do homework, just to be there if the child has a question," said Pomerantz.

Bullying:

In the past year, bullying in school has become a major issue.

Pomerantz says it's important to help you child understand a bully and teach them what to do if they fall victim to one.

Pomerantz said, "Usually children who bully are sad children, or have some frustration in their lives and try to understand. If encountered by bully find parent of adult in community or school and ask for help."

All this week on Wake Up we'll be speaking to the experts to make sure both parents and students are prepared for the school year ahead.