10 Essential Back-to-School Tips Every Parent Needs to Know
Article posted 2024
For some of you, summer went by like the blink of an eye, and there are others who couldn't be happier that it's that time of year again—Back to School! Here’s how we can survive this crazy season with our sanity (mostly) intact:
1. Appointments
Getting that annual physical done is like checking off the most annoying item on your to-do list. But if you've waited until now, you might not get an appointment until October. It's number one on the list for that very reason. Even if your kid isn’t an athlete, call to schedule the appointment. It's a great way to make sure they’re caought up on vaccines, growing like a weed and ready to tackle the school year. If they have been slacking on brushing teeth all summer long, visit the dentist so their teeth are extra clean and shinny for those back to school pictures.
2. Sleep Schedule
Getting kids to bed feels like herding cats' and starting the bedtime routine even earlier is going to be like pulling teeth. If you can start a week before school starts, when the first day hits, it won't be the first time in three months dragging a drowsy kid out of bed. If luck is when preparation meets opportunity, use this time to prepare!
3. School Preparation
Ah, back-to-school shopping, where dreams of an organized year meet the reality of losing half of your pencils by week two. Coordinate with your classroom to find out what supplies are needed, and take this time to refresh their backpack, notebooks, markers. (Am I the only crazy one to think that you would choose for an option that is not washable!?) Take a moment before school starts to show your kids how to pack their bags. This way, you’re not scrambling in the morning looking for needed supplies. Back to school night can be a great time to double check their supplies with their teachers.
4. Meal Prep
School lunches are not the place for last-minute picnics or last minute panic. Plan those suckers out for the week. Get the kids involved—let them pick a few lunch options so they feel like they’re in charge (but you’re still the boss). Teach them why carrots are better than chips—because they won’t crash halfway through the day and come home like grumpy gremlins. Yes, the grocery stores will be busier than usual; which is why I like to make traditions out of back to school events so the mundane becomes magical. We'll be hosting a Back to School meal the night before with the fancy wood chargers and dad's words of wisdom for each young man entering a new grade.
5. Pick Out Clothes the Night Before
Here’s a tip that’ll save you a morning meltdown: pick out clothes the night before. Decision paralysis can creep in, even for your six year old, so it’s way better to deal with it prior to the morning of, with a kid throwing everything out of their closet in a last-minute fashion crisis.
6. Pack the Night Before
Same deal with sports gear, ballet flats and musical instruments —get it all together the night before. There’s nothing worse than realizing the jersey is still in the washer as you’re running out the door. Mornings are for breakfast, not for searching through the laundry pile for that one missing sock or uniform piece. The first week or so you'll start off on the right foot; but it will soon fade and you'll find yourself scrambling each morning. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail; so make it a habit to pack the night before.
7. After-School Snacks to Tame the Beast
If your kid is anything like mine, they’ll eat you out of house and home after school. So, pack an extra snack cooler for the day. Nothing fancy—just some fruit, granola bars, maybe a sandwich. It’ll keep them fueled for after-school activities and save you from the “I’m starving” complaints the second they get in the car.
8. Soda Money
When I was young, my brothers were enamored by the coins in vending machines that magically became soda pops. Thus, they often asked my mom or dad for "soda money". This has been the term for cash given as gifts to children or grandchildren throughout the year; and it possesses great value. Toss some emergency cash in your child's sports bag. It’s like their little safety net for those days when they need an extra water bottle or snack. Just make sure they know it’s for emergencies, not for hitting up the vending machine for candy bars every day. Deciding how much money is alloted for lunch and snacks can be a great way to discuss money management and budgeting with your children. They might not be as excited to buy a pack of gum for $3 if they realize it is coming out of their birthday money.
9. Motivation
With all the chaos, it’s easy to forget that a little encouragement goes a long way. Starting a new school year can be a big deal for kids, even if they don’t show it. Share a few moments of motivation in the days leading up to school to dig deeper into their fears and desires for the school year. Remind them you’re there, cheering them on from the sidelines, ready to help with anything they need.
10. Expectation Management
Before the school craziness really kicks in, have a quick sit-down to talk about the year ahead. Set some expectations—what you want from them academically, and what they want to achieve. Help them set small goals so they’ve got something to aim for, and let them know you’re their biggest fan.
So there you go! These tips might just help make the back-to-school transition a little less insane. No two days are going to be the same, and that’s the name of the game. There will be many days where just keeping the routine somewhat intact is a win. Happy back-to-school season and follow us at Birth Made Mindful for tips of birth and motherhood! 🍎📚
Article by Sarah Ziroll - August 13, 2024
Hi! I'm Sarah, a birth coach at Birth Made Mindful, musician, wife and mother, raising boys who are 7,4 and 2. I love making everything a bit more exciting with over the top DIY projects. My life's mission is to infect others with happiness and radiate positivity. Dedication, Diligence and Determination are three words I strive to live by! I am a yellow personality and a social butterfly.
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