That time of year has come back around, that season where parents are flooding the stores, children are squeezing the most from summer, and teachers are getting lessons ready; it’s back to school season! This time of year, parents are doing everything they can to prepare their children for school and that means sanity is thrown out the window. But this time of year doesn’t need to be crazy if parents put some back to school tips to use, everything would be better. In fact, back to school season can be a breeze.
Skip your way through the season with the best back to school tips that will make everything so much easier for every parent and student.
Back to School Tips | The Stash
School supply lists are often seen as a shopping list to be avoided but it doesn’t need to be so difficult. The first thing parents should do is find the things their children need right in their own homes. Some parents have even gotten savvier over the years and created a school stash. If you don’t have a school stash in your home yet, it is easy to build. While the first year will be business as usual, next year this won’t happen. Wait until school supplies go on sale, usually at the end of the season or throughout the rest of the year. When items go on sale, stock up! Buy the basics in bulk, pens, paper, pencils, binders, folders, anything you can think of. Use this stash the next year and only add to it when things go on sale.
Back to School Tips | Organize Before Shopping
Another common place parents end up during back to school season is the clothing department. Before heading to the store, figure out what your children need. Have your children go through their closets, supervise if needed, to decide what has been outgrown and what can be used for another year. Anything that can’t be used, donate to Goodwill or pass them down to younger siblings. If things need to be restocked, make a list, socks, shirts, pants, dresses, whatever. This process will make heading to the store even easier, especially since you know exactly what your child needs.
Back to School Tips | Start Practicing Early
While children will want to squeeze the most they can out of their summer vacation, it’s important to start early. Starting a week or two before school starts, begin putting into practice a morning routine. Most routines consist of waking up earlier, having breakfast, getting ready for the day and cleaning up bedrooms. Everyone should participate in this morning routine and it will help make sure everyone gets back on track. Not only will everyone get back on track, it is also a good way to make the transition easier and give room for error.
Back to School Tips | Plan After School Activities
If your child participates in after-school activities, make sure they get organized. If this is your child’s first year, this tip is most important. Plan out what activities your child will participate in, find out the schedule and add it to your organizer or calendar. If there are any supplies you will need, get them and organize them at home. If your child hasn’t signed up for any activities, consider doing so this year. After school programs keep children active and safe after school. Who knows, maybe your child has a real skill that hasn’t been discovered yet.
Back to School Tips | Get Packed
A good way to make sure the mornings go smoother is to get packed the night before. While this is an obvious one, having a designated command center isn’t as common and should be. Get a small desk or designate one you already have as a school command center. This is where school supplies can be stored, backpacks get placed, school sports bags can be found and anything else that pertains to school will be. Once you have this command center, losing things should happen a lot less often. Kids will also know exactly where to go in the mornings and it will make things run a little smoother. Every little bit helps when it comes to school mornings.
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