You’ve bought your child a new backpack and filled it with supplies. You bought a lunch box, new shoes, new clothes.  You’re ready for the new school year, right? Almost.  Kids must also be prepared for the social environment they’ll encounter when school starts, especially as they transition through elementary school and into middle school.

Geeky kids love school and they’re typically excited for the year to begin, but that enthusiasm often is dampened if peers tease them and make them feel uncool. Kids can begin to feel awkward and unsure of themselves. This is the time when parents need to be honest and encouraging to their geeky children.

If you’re making geeky parenting decisions (no cell phone, no social networking sites, limited media consumption), you may discover there’s social fallout to your parenting choices. That doesn’t mean it’s time to change course! Instead, use these tips as you approach the coming school year:

1. Declare that geek is the new cool. Claim your status as a geek parent and make sure your child knows you think it’s cool to be geeky!

2. Repeat this phrase (often!): “We do things differently at our house.” Parents feel pressured to keep up with the trends and fads around them, especially when their kids claim that those fads are necessary for friendships. When kids beg for the stuff they’re sure will make them cooler, remind them your family chooses to be different.

3. Encourage your child’s passions. In an effort to be considered cool, some kids are willing to give up the things they love in order to feel accepted. Find ways to help your child get even more involved in her hobbies and enjoy her interests. Geeky kids are happiest when they’re pursuing their passions.

4. Speak the truth. Kids understand the social landscape at school so don’t try to convince your geeky child he’s really popular. Instead, help him to feel confident about himself and his personality and encourage him to find friends who share his interests.

5. Stay involved. Hands on parenting will make your geeky child feel secure. Help organize a chess club, sign up to supervise a scouting event, volunteer on the playground at lunchtime or for an hour each week in the school library. In these ways, you’ll get a first-hand glimpse of your child’s world and can better help him identify the kids with whom he’s likely to form friendships.

6. Find geeky families. Parents often feel they are the only ones making “uncool” decisions and raising geeky kids. Get to know the parents of your child’s peers and seek out those whose values and choices are similar to your own. Making family friends is a great avenue to a geeky – and fun! – social life for all!