September is just around the corner and with it the busyness of filling out school forms, setting up the kids’ schedules, signing up for extracurriculars, back to school shopping, lunch planning, and so on. Avoid the craziness of back to school time with these easy back to school tips.
Get that back to school shopping out of the way…EARLY
Back to school shopping is one of the most dreaded activities before September. It makes us think of the end of summer and it ‘s super tiring. That is why it is best to do it at the end of July when half of our vacation is still ahead of us. Do it, be done with it and go right back into the summer mood.
If you haven’t done it yet, try these tips to make the shopping smoother:
- First, go through your child’s desk, or ask them to do it, and throw out all the unnecessary, used up school supplies
- Go through your child’s notebooks. Save the ones your child might need to refer to and throw out the ones that your child will definitely not need.
- Second, make a list of all the things your child will need for school: notebooks, binders, pencils, pens, calculators, backpacks, lunch bags, etc.,
- For the sake of the planet, do not discard things that can be re-used like plastic binders. (Plastic takes thousand years to decompose).
- Third, check out discounts. Walmart and Staples usually offer some types of discounts for back to school shopping.
Follow the same tips to shop for your child’s clothes. You can also swap clothes with friends or shop at thrift stores to save money.
Back to school tips for the week before school
Follow these back to school tips one week before the school year starts. It will ensure the smoother back to school transition.
Establish your child’s sleep and meal routine
Wake the children up earlier the last week of vacation, so that their internal clock adjusts to the new schedule and they ease into it rather than struggle. Give them their meals at times they would have them during school year, too.
Prepare the children’s desks
Prepare the children’s desks, order their supplies, install appropriate lighting. Make sure the office chair’s height is also adjusted and comfortable. Older children should have a desk in their room or a quiet spot somewhere in the house. Younger children can have a quiet spot in the family room or kitchen for you to be able to supervise and help them.
Prepare a spot for school gear
Prepare a spot for the children’s backpacks, school shoes, jackets and lunch boxes. If you have more than one child, you could hang a separate hanger for each child with their name above it, so that there is no confusion as to which things belong to whom.
Call to book the children’s extra-curricular activities
Call to book children’s extra-curricular activities. Don’t book more than two activities per child. They need to have time to rest and do their homework, as well as get into the habit of studying regularly. Choose one sport for your child to participate in. They need physical activity to refresh and re-charge. Choose activities that your child enjoys. It shouldn’t be a chore for your child.
Set up a family calendar
Set up a family calendar where you put all the important family events as well as extra-curricular activities. This little bit of organization will keep the children and you on track and will limit the amount of chaos at your home.
Back to school tips for the week of school
Free-up your schedule the back to school week
Back to school can be quite stressful and hectic. Try to be at home and mentally present that week, so you can help your children adjust better. They will need your help and support.
Handle the paperwork as soon as you receive it
You will receive a lot of paperwork the first week of September. Try to fill out the forms as soon as your child brings them home. That will limit the unnecessary backload and will show the teacher you are on top of things.
Inform the children of emergency numbers
The children should have all the necessary emergency numbers written down so that they can get help in case of emergencies. If they stay home alone, the numbers should be displayed on the fridge and the children should be instructed on whom to call in each situation. You can also notify friends and neighbours that your children may need help.
Pack the children’s lunches in the evening. Also, plan the breakfast…
Pack the children’s lunches the evening before. Ask the children what they would like to have each time. Making that choice makes them more likely to eat their lunch at school. Prepare fun and nutritious snacks. Give them vegetables and fruit for variety. Also, consult the children on the breakfast food and set the table in the evening.
Prepare the children’s clothes
Talk to your children and ask them to lay out their clothes so there is no rush in the morning. That will help avoid tantrums and make it to school on time.
Talk to your child each day and ask them how everything went
Each day sit down with your children and ask them how the day went. Listen carefully and observe your children for signs of happiness as well as distress. Ask questions to clarify. If there is something that saddens them, make a plan to handle the situation. If need be, talk to the teacher. Be mindful of your children’s needs.
Additionally,
Definitely go to the school barbecue…
The school barbecue and meet the teacher night are two important school events that you should make time for. It is an opportunity to meet the principle and the teachers, introduce yourself, see your child’s classroom, ask questions about any subjects or extra activities that are offered at school and offer your help.
Lastly, hang on in there and stay calm. You can do it!
Please share these back to school tips with other Immi Moms.
