How to Prepare for the Back-to-School Exodus in your home!
It seems like just yesterday parents were listening to the kid countdown of how many days until the long-awaited start of summer vacation. Now begins the more somber countdown for kids- ‘how many days ‘til school starts’? Of course, this countdown is not so somber for mom and dad…
Here are some quick and easy tips on getting ready for the bittersweet end of summer and season of back-to-school.
SHOP EARLY
There’s nothing worse than shopping at a big box store the week before school starts. School supplies are scattered everywhere, decreasing your chances of finding cool folders that are also the right binder style. Stores are stocked now for back to school, so check your child’s school website for back-to-school shopping lists, do yourself a favor, and beat the rush!
ONE KID AT A TIME
Parents who have more than one child in more than one grade need multiple shopping trips to get it all done. It’s overwhelming to juggle middle school algebra items with kindergarten glue sticks. If you start shopping during summer, you can take one child at a time with you when you shop just for them, ensuring the notebook colors or pencil styles you choose won’t be ‘uncool.’
STAY ORGANIZED
Line up the new backpacks in the hallway early. Get out the Sharpie and put your child’s last name in it. (If you have more than one child of the same sex, don’t write the first name- you never know when an underused backpack for one sibling will be just the one you need for another. Ditto coats.) Fill each backpack with the required school supplies and when the first day of school arrives, sneaking up sooner than you think, the kids will be ready to grab their gear and go!
Have a blackboard, dry erase board, calendar and push pin board ready and cleared out to receive the school, sports and other schedules and notices soon to pile up.
SUMMER MEMORIES
Most kids will be asked in school what their favorite activities were over the summer, so why not give each of your children an envelope of a few photos or other mementoes from their school time-off? This not only helps kids cherish their fond summer memories, but lets them share the fun with friends as well!
Most of all, don’t panic. The time is approaching when fundraiser forms, permission slips, and lunch menus will descend upon you. When you set the alarm for a bit earlier, don't forget to set the automatic coffee maker too!
A new school year means new friends and learning opportunities as well as that search for the Spider Man lunch box. Keep your back-to-school cool!
