You have all the traits of a good foster parent. And while there are challenges at times, your foster child is thriving with your support. With that said, school is back in session, and you would love to see him or her thrive in that environment, as well. Here are a few tips to help set your foster child up for a successful school year.

Promote good habits and stick to a routine.
First and foremost, make sure your foster child is getting enough sleep. For school-aged children, this is typically 8-10 hours per night. Encourage regular bathing and good oral hygiene, as well. Before bed, have the child pick out their clothing for school the next day, and help to pack their lunch and their book bags. To avoid added stress, set an alarm with enough time to get ready in the morning without rushing. Have healthy breakfast choices on hand, and if necessary, keep a checklist on the refrigerator to help kids stay on task. By promoting good habits and sticking to a consistent routine, mornings in the home will be much calmer and more pleasant for everyone, and children will head out to school on the right foot.

Develop a love of reading.
According to the Nation Education Association, children who are read to, and children who read often, have a higher success rate in school. For younger children, this usually includes reading to the child every night at bedtime. Allow preschoolers to pick a favorite or two, and have them follow along with the words on the page as you read aloud. For elementary aged children, visit the library often, and set aside a quiet time for reading each day. Keep books in the car, in their rooms, and in common areas throughout the home to encourage reading. You could even send the child to school with a book to read on the bus. For older children and teens, help them discover a new fiction author, check out new novels in an already beloved series, or surprise them with non-fiction books on a topic that interests them. You could also choose to read alongside your foster child, so you can spend quality time together discussing the book.

Encourage communication and set clear rules.
After school, encourage children to talk about their day, including the best parts and the worst parts. If your foster child is quiet or reluctant, use open-ended questions — who, what, when, where, and why — to help them open up and go into greater detail. It’s also important to keep the lines of communication open with teachers, so you can help children stay on top of assignments and grades, and nip any challenges in the bud. Have clear rules in place for homework and independent study. When you show your child you value their education and offer support, it will help them aspire to do well and thrive at school.