Summer vacation is almost over and the first day of school will be here before you know it. Depending on just how relaxed your summer routine is, you may be in for a shock when it’s time to get everyone back on a school day schedule. These tips will help you prepare in advance so you are truly ready to start when the big day arrives.
Set up a bedtime and wake-up routine in advance
If possible, it’s best to establish bedtimes. Start waking up earlier about two weeks before school begins, and start re-establishing bed times and wake-up times to align with the school year, so you’ll be ready on the first day. Parents of younger children may enjoy reading a new bedtime story for younger children, such as The Nuts: Bedtime at the Nut House by Eric Litwin.
Set up a homework zone
Where would you like kids to do homework and store backpacks? Choose a designated spot so you won’t have to chase down papers, books and back packs each morning.
Get fresh school supplies
You’ll probably get a list of some standard, not so fun supplies; but letting kids pick out their own pens, pencils and notebooks can help get them in the right frame of mind and build excitement about the start of the school year.
Plan healthy meals
Pick up the containers and packages you need to send healthy lunches and snacks and start collecting non-perishable, healthy packaged snacks to power your kids through a long school day.
Organize school clothes
Your child may have grown quite a bit over summer – take time to see what pieces still work and what you need to buy before school starts. Purging the old pieces lets you see what you still need and ensures you have space for your new purchases.
Update medical information
You’ll likely get a packet from your new teacher; but if not, make sure your child’s teacher is aware of any allergies or medical concerns so they are prepared on the first day.
Update immunizations
If you wait until your school lets you know your shot records are out of date, you’ll have to scramble for a doctor’s appointment at the last minute. Be proactive and schedule vaccines if you need them before school starts.
Talk about the new year
Your kids are entering a new grade and may be worried about the new teacher, new classroom and even the amount of homework they could be getting. Talking it out can help ease anxiety and ensure your kids are ready to go.
Set up a schedule
Even beginning readers can understand a simple visual schedule, and older kids can get the information they need about the first few days of school and even how their day will look if you use a whiteboard or even paper to outline a schedule for your school days. This One Week Dry-Erase Calendar Board with Cork Strip works great for scheduling and re-scheduling events and activities.
Preparing in advance can help you get everyone on board and ensure your kids have everything they need before the first day of school. They’ll feel better – and so will you, knowing you are sending them to school with everything they need to succeed.
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