KINGSTON, Jamaica — When the idea of creating a back-to-school listicle highlighting the traditional ways Jamaican parents of ‘yesteryear’ prepared for the new school year was floated, memories of some of the dreaded rituals quickly resurfaced among the Observer Online team. We recalled customs that were must-dos on the back-to-school list.

Admittedly, some practices were more pleasant than others in the preparations for September morning. Beyond new supplies, there were a number of things that traditional parents had to do before considering their children ready for the year ahead. As we continue our countdown to the new school year, indulge in a stroll down memory lane with us.

Do you recall having to go through any of these customs as a child?

1. Dentist Appointment: This was an absolute must-do on the back-to-school checklist. For many, summer breaks meant a level of freedom not usually experienced throughout the year. This freedom often led to indulgence in sweet treats and snacks more often than usual. To avoid disruptions to the new school year caused by unwanted cavities, a trip to the dentist was essential.

Happy Smiles Dental Services dentist Dr Rekha Advani (left) conducts an oral procedure on Grade 5R student Christopher Green at the Flankers Primary and Junior High School, in this March 2022 photo.

2. Resumption of Strict Bedtime Routine: If you grew up in a household remotely similar to mine, there was no escaping this one. As my parents loved to say, “summer done and free paper bun.” This meant that about two weeks before school resumed, we had to revert to our regular bedtime routine. Late-night movies and gaming until the wee hours of the morning were no longer allowed. We had to retrain our bodies for early morning wake-up calls. Punctuality was important to Jamaican parents, so being late for school, especially in the first few weeks, was a “no-no.”

Punctuality is important to Jamaican parents, so being late for school, especially in the first few weeks, is a “no-no.”

3. ‘Washout’: Like the routine trip to the dentist, this used to be a must-do. After a summer of less-than-healthy eating habits, consuming special herbs for a thorough cleanse was vital. Perhaps this is one tradition that has become less common over the years, but it was strictly adhered to in the past. De-worming children before the start of school was paramount for traditional parents.

After a summer of less-than-healthy eating habits, consuming special herbs for a thorough cleanse was vital.

4. Grooming of the Hair: For young girls, this meant an extensive process of washing, detangling, and oiling their tresses. Personally, I hated this one. The process felt like an eternity, but I knew better than to complain, or I’d risk some ‘comb slaps.’ For the boys, this meant the all-important trip to the barber to get rid of the extra summer growth. This was also dreaded by many as it often meant hours of waiting in overcrowded barbershops, as everyone was trying to complete last-minute preparations.

A youngster gets his hair cut

5. Back-to-School ‘Brush Up’: Again, if you grew up in a household similar to mine, your parents didn’t play about this one either. “Go tek up yuh book” became a refrain in the lead-up to September. After completing back-to-school shopping, parents insisted that children familiarise themselves with the material in those crisp, new books. Getting back on your study timetable was an absolute must as summer came to a close. Looking back, I applaud my parents for ensuring this was done, as I would usually be well ahead of some of the other students by the time school resumed.

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