How To Prepare for Back To School
Today I am sharing how to prepare for back to school with your family.
Is back to school time really here?? Why does the summer go by so quickly? It seems like just yesterday we were trading in backpacks for pool bags. And now here we are, ready to head back to school.
Looking at the bright side, a new school year feels like a fresh start. It's a return to routine and structure, which feels good to me as a parent. With the return of that structure, comes all the preparation needed for this transition to run smooth. From school supplies to lunch prep to getting bedtime back on track, there's lots to do!
With three kids, in three different schools, with three different schedules - and my own work schedule to juggle, let's just say it's A LOT. It got me thinking about the things I could do now, in August, to get organized.
Here are 7 of the best tips for how to prepare for back to school. And keep reading to the end, for a free back to school checklist!
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How do I prepare for school to start?
You may not want to think about back to school in the middle of summer, but it can only help us in the long run.
#1: Start early.
Grab those classroom supply lists and start purchasing what your kids will need. (There's nothing worse than trying to find the exact box of dry erase markers or a particular colored folder in the days before school starts.) You should also check the state of your child's lunch box, backpack, headphones, etc. Do you need to repurchase? Can what you have be used again?
Check out this post for some of my favorite back to school essentials.
#2: Create a control center.
If possible, find some space for a small control center in your home. Ours is on our kitchen counter, tucked in next to our fridge. I have a paper tray, with a tray for each child's important papers. I also have a basket organizer with hair ties, sunscreen, bandaids, post-its and notepads, etc. This is right above a drawer with pencils, pens, crayons, tape, headphones and charging cords.
Basically it's a spot to collect important things, make reminder notes, and has most of the school-related supplies my kids might need on a daily basis.
#3: Make a list for each child.
Write it all down. Having a list helps me to feel like I have it under control when the emails start flying in and the to-dos are adding up. I have a list for each of my kids and it includes all back to school necessities including supplies needed, clothing or shoes needed, items labeled, health paperwork, dates for meet and greets or other back to school activities, etc. When an item is purchased or complete I can cross it off. (See how you can get a checklist, below!)
#4: Get your home routine in order ahead of time.
If you're like me, you may have been more flexible with bedtime over the summer, or enjoyed longer, slower mornings. The school year doesn't allow for that (sadly). A week or two before school starts, try to get those bedtimes back to normal, and your mornings beginning to look like what a school day might look like. It won't be so shocking to everyone's system on that first day.
#5: Stock your freezer and pantry.
I find the fall season to be particularly busy and chaotic. I like to prep some freezer meals that I can pull out when needed. I also try to stock my freezer with easy-to-grab options. Even pantry staples like a box of pasta and a favorite pasta sauce can be helpful in a pinch.
Check out this post with my simple freezer meals and this post with some easy pantry meals to get you started.
#6: Think about lunches and snacks.
Just as you stock your freezer and pantry for meals, think about stocking up for snacks and lunches, too. Will your child bring a lunch to school? Will he or she need a snack?
Check out these easy lunchbox ideas and these healthy snack ideas.
#7: Celebrate the end of summer.
Two months out of school is a long time. Whether your kids went to camp, you traveled as a family, or you just had lazy days at home - celebrate it together. Talk about your favorite memories of the summer. Look at pictures. Savor the last warm days.
Those are my tips for how to prepare for back to school. If you have any tips that help your family, please leave them below! Thank you for being here, and enjoy these last days of summer.
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This comprehensive guide will make it easier for parents to prepare their kids for the upcoming school year!
Thank you so much for reading!