Back to School Basics

It's time for the kids to go back to school. You scramble to buy uniforms, do last-minute school supplies, and complete forms.

There are many ways to prepare your child for back to school. With some basic steps, you can make sure that your child is ready to face the challenges of the day.  Use these tips to get a back-to-school routine that works for both of you.

1. Make a school list

First, remember your kindergartner has different needs from your sixth grader. Make a separate list for each child;

• Make sure your list has everything. You can get the list from the school.
• Schedule time to buy the items on your list. If short on time, you can shop online for convenience.
• Mark off the list as you buy or get them ready.

It feels great to put things in check. Moreover, this gives you more time to get all the paperwork done.

2. Keep a bedtime routine

Bedtime routines are important to kids and parents. They help the child settle down and get a good night’s sleep. It teaches children about time management, self-control, and responsibility.

The most common routines to prepare your child for school are by getting them out of bed and feeding them breakfast, helping them get dressed and even brushing their teeth.

If you got eased up with bedtime over the summer break, reestablish a bedtime routine before school starts. Share with your kids the importance of sleep to feel good and focus better.

3. Use a calendar

You’ll get many notes and reminders from the school. With this in mind, have a system in place, especially in the first days. Get a good size calendar and put it up in a prominent place in your kitchen, and write down any important dates such as:

• Parent-teacher meetings.
• Homework schedule.
• Events (such as field trips, meetings, after-school activities).
• Deadlines to take or return items.

Note any item, in particular, that needs a to-do list. Such as items for an event, payment of fees, forms that need completion and are needed to be returned, and coupled with reminders to do them.

4. Schedule tasks

Kids thrive on a healthy routine if they have enough time to progress through their day. So being in a rush from place to place makes them tired and restless. Albeit busy, set a flexible schedule. Avoid unnecessary push-back with a good schedule. Fit homework and dinner times with their activities.

5. Plan ahead

Plan and think ahead. Planning ahead is important for staying on top of things. Both for their development,  academic work and personal life. It helps you stay organized and make sure that you are not wasting time in the future.

Each school night, take fifteen minutes to:

• Prepare for the day.
• Leave clothes ready.
• Prepare lunches and snacks.
• Pack school bags.