Preparing For Back To School
Just like that, it’s the first week of August , and for many families it is time to prepare for back to school. It can be stressful to know where to begin but hopefully this post will help you!
Backpacks
This is a great time to wash last year's backpack or purchase a new one. Our family loves Pottery Barn backpacks. I will usually wait for a sale but they are definitely worth the money. My son has had it for three years and will use it again this school year.
Lunch Boxes
Just like the backpacks, it is time to wash the lunch boxes or buy a new one. We have some cheaper ones but have heard good recommendations for the Pottery Barn lunch boxes. Inside the lunch boxes, I like to use some kind of bento box. We prefer the bento box by EasyLunchboxes on Amazon.
School Supplies
As you prepare for back to school, don’t forget to go shopping early! There’s always one item that is hard to find on the school supply list, and shopping early will ease your stress. Walmart and Target usually have the best prices and selections on school supplies.
School Shopping
As the price of everything goes up, it can be daunting to do a huge shopping spree for each child. To make it easier on yourself, I suggest only buying each child two new school outfits unless your child has had a major growth spurt during the summer and nothing fits them. So I buy one more casual outfit then one that is slightly more dressy that they want to wear for Fall school portraits. Also, this is a perfect time to clean out your child’s closet and drawers for clothes that no longer fit them and pass on to siblings if possible.
Medical Appointments
If your child is starting school, then you most likely already submitted immunizations records when you registered but if your child plays school sports they will most likely need a yearly sports physical before the school year starts.
Bedtimes
About a week before school starts, my family starts slowly getting back to their school bedtime. So each day I put them to bed about 10 minutes earlier, until they are going to bed back at their school bedtime. If you didn’t let your kids stay up later during the summer, then you are lucky and can skip this suggestion!
Transportation
Before the first day of school, it’s a good idea to review what your child’s transportation is going to be. For example, if they are a bus rider, reviewing behavioral expectations and helping them learn their bus number and the name of their bus driver can help ease any nervousness.
Night Before
Kids can definitely help organize their school items the night before. Have them place their backpack in the appropriate place and older children can help you make their lunch for their lunch box. Pick out outfits, shoes and socks. Then put your child to bed on time!
The First Day of School
Get up 15 to 20 minutes earlier on the first day or days of school as everyone gets back on the school routine. Morning tasks will usually take longer. This extra time will allow kids to eat a filling breakfast too or get to school early if they eat breakfast in the cafeteria.
Extras
-I like to write a personal note to put inside my children’s backpack or lunch box. This always helps with first day jitters!
-I like to buy a small gift for my children’s teachers on the first day. It can be something like a $5 Starbucks gift card with some pens and gum or candy.
I hope this post is useful for you as you plan for back to school. I wish you and your children a wonderful and safe school year!
