10 Tips for getting ready for the back-to-school season!

10 Tips for getting ready for the back-to-school season!

It’s that time of year again – the summer is winding down and the back-to-school season is just around the corner. Whether you have young kids heading off to elementary school for the first time or teenagers getting ready to head back to high school or college, this time of year can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. There’s a lot to get organized and prepare for, from school supplies and new schedules to extracurricular activities and more.

To help you get ready for a successful back-to-school season, we’ve put together 10 helpful tips to keep you on track:

10 Tips for getting ready for the back-to-school season: – 1

1.Start Adjusting Schedules Early

One of the biggest changes that comes with the back-to-school season is the shift in daily schedules and routines. Over the summer, kids may have been staying up later and sleeping in more. A few weeks before school starts, start incrementally adjusting bedtimes and wake up times to help ease the transition back to a school-day schedule.

This will help prevent a major shock to the system when the first day of school rolls around. Gradually move bedtimes 15-30 minutes earlier each night and wake up times 15-30 minutes earlier each morning. This will help your kids’ bodies adjust and make it easier for them to fall asleep and wake up on time once school starts.

2.Organize School Supplies

Back-to-school shopping is a necessary evil this time of year, but it doesn’t have to be as daunting as it may seem. Start by compiling a comprehensive list of all the supplies your child will need based on their grade level and any specific requirements from their school. Many schools will provide a suggested list, so be sure to check that out.

Then, take stock of what supplies you already have leftover from last year that are still in good condition. Make a list of what you need to purchase and start shopping early to avoid the last minute rush and crowds. Try to take advantage of any back-to-school sales and deals to save money. Getting organized with supplies ahead of time will make the first day of school much smoother.

10 Tips for getting ready for the back-to-school season: – 2

3.Clean Out and Organize

Speaking of getting organized, take some time before school starts to clean out and organize your kids’ spaces, from their bedrooms to their backpacks and lockers. Go through their closets and dressers to get rid of any clothes that no longer fit and donate what you can.

Clean out their backpacks, desks, and lockers to start the year fresh. Get rid of any old papers, broken supplies, and trash. Then, restock with the new supplies you just purchased. Having a neat, organized space will help your kids feel prepared and ready to focus when school begins.

4.Establish (or Re-Establish) Routines

Kids thrive on consistency and predictable routines. In the weeks leading up to the first day of school, start establishing (or re-establishing) daily routines to help your kids know what to expect. This can include things like:

• Set wake up and bedtime schedules
• Consistent mealtimes
• Time set aside for homework and studying
• Winding down before bed with a calming activity

Having these predictable daily routines in place will make the transition back to school much smoother. It’s also a good idea to have a visible family calendar that everyone can reference to stay on top of schedules, activities, and due dates.

10 Tips for getting ready for the back-to-school season: – 3

5.Plan Lunches and Snacks

Packing school lunches and snacks can be a daily struggle, but planning ahead can make it much less stressful. Spend some time before school starts brainstorming healthy, kid-friendly lunch and snack ideas. Make a master list that you can reference when packing each day.

You can also prep some items in advance, like chopping up fresh fruits and veggies for easy grab-and-go snacks. Having a plan and some pre-made components will streamline the process each morning. And don’t forget to stock up on reusable lunch containers, water bottles, and other supplies to make packing easy.

6.Review and Update Contact Information

At the start of each new school year, it’s a good idea to review and update all of your child’s contact information on file with the school. This includes things like emergency contacts, medical information, and authorized pick-up/drop-off people.

Make sure all phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses are current. Provide any new or updated information to the school office right away. This will ensure the school has the most up-to-date details to reach you if needed.

10 Tips for getting ready for the back-to-school season: – 4

7.Plan for Transportation

If your child will be taking the school bus or using other transportation to get to and from school, make sure you have that all figured out well before the first day. Find out the bus pick-up and drop-off times and locations. If driving your child, map out the best driving routes and practice the drive ahead of time.

If your child will be walking, biking, or using public transportation, go over the route with them and do some practice runs together. Make sure they know safety protocols and have any necessary gear like helmets. Getting transportation squared away early will prevent any first-day scrambles.

8.Schedule Doctor and Dentist Appointments

Before the school year starts, make sure your child is up-to-date on any necessary doctor and dentist appointments. Schedule physicals, immunizations, dental cleanings, and other routine checkups. Many schools require certain health forms and records to be on file, so staying on top of these appointments will ensure you have the necessary documentation.

In addition, if your child has any ongoing medical conditions or takes daily medications, touch base with the school nurse to make sure they have the right information and plans in place. This will give you peace of mind that your child’s health needs will take care of at school.

Tips: – 5

9.Review Extracurricular Activities

The back-to-school season often brings a renewed interest in extracurricular activities, from sports teams to clubs and other programs. Well before the first day, sit down with your child and review what activities they’re interested in and want to participate in.

Make a master calendar of all the practices, games, meetings, and events so you can start planning ahead. Discuss how they will balance their academic work with their extracurriculars. This will help ensure they don’t overcommit and get overwhelmed. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case their first-choice activity is full or conflicting.

10.Prioritize Self-Care

As you’re working to get your kids ready for the back-to-school season, don’t forget to prioritize your own self-care as well. The transition can be stressful, so make sure you’re taking time to recharge and take care of yourself.

This could mean setting aside 15-20 minutes each day for meditation or journaling, making sure you’re eating healthy meals, or planning a fun activity or outing for just you. You’ll  better equip to handle the back-to-school hustle if you’re taking care of your own physical and mental wellbeing.

Conclusion:

The back-to-school season can be hectic, but with a little advanced planning and preparation, you can help ensure a smooth and successful start to the new school year. By taking care of the logistical details and establishing consistent routines, you and your kids will be ready to tackle the year ahead.