It’s the end of July…summer break is coming to a close and school is on the horizon. If you haven’t started thinking about or taking action to prep your kids (and yourself) for back to school, well now is the time! Here are a few tips to help you and your children with the transition:
1. Sort through last year’s clothes to determine what new clothing items your children will need. Have them try on their clothes to determine what fits and make a list of what you’ll need to buy. Be sure to check the school’s dress code so you know what clothing is appropriate to wear.
2. Take inventory of school supplies you already have. Then make a list and stick to it! Try not to waste money buying supplies you already have. Check with the school either online or by giving them a call to get a copy of what each child will need. Remember, each grade has different requirements so be sure to get the lists for each grade of your children.
3. Check your mailers for back to school sales. Schedule a day to shop during off peak hours if possible (to keep your sanity ;o)
A word of caution: Try not to get tempted by all of the other unnecessary stuff that’s on sale for your kids; fancy backpacks, gadgets, jewelry, stationary, etc. The stores consider you a target of opportunity…don’t fall victim to their temptations.
4. Attend the parent, student and teacher conference. This is a great opportunity to orient your child to his or her school, classroom, and teacher plus you’ll learn what the rules and expectations are for your child so there are no surprises.
5. Coordinate carpooling with other neighborhood parents. This is a great way to save you time and money and give you a break from taking the kids to school. Make sure you establish clear guidance with the other parents and children on when and where they need to be so you’re not late.
6. Set up after school care and plan for sick days, snow days and holidays. This is critical for working parents who work later than when children are released for the day or have difficulty getting out of work to pick up their child. Try working with family members, the school or other after school programs to ensure your kids are taken care of until you can pick them up.
7. Visit the pediatrician to ensure vaccinations and physicals are completed and up to date. This is extremely important. Not having medical requirements up to date may prevent your child from enrolling in school or participating in sporting activities.
8. Establish morning and nighttime routines for your children. Determine wake up and going to bed times, who will prepare lunch bags and when, when to shower or bath and when to complete chores. Also determine when and how long your children will do homework, read and play. Be sure to explain these rules and routines to your children ahead of time.
9. Establish rules for doing homework, using the computer and watching television. Explain to your children what takes priority (homework) and what’s important (learning and doing well in school). All the other stuff is a treat. I’m not going to give any parenting advice here but I am going to suggest you do establish some form of rules and routines. In general, children like routines because they are predictable and give them a sense of control and responsibility.
10. Get the kids in the habit of waking up and going to bed early about 1-2 weeks before school starts. This will save you a ton of frustration on Day 1…trust me!
Tip: Do a dry-run in the morning and night to determine how long it will take you to get the kids ready and out the door in the morning and into bed at night. Do everything from waking up, showering, prepping lunch and actually, riding, walking or driving the kids to school. It may sound like over-kill but boy will you be thankful!
11. Think Safety…Safety…Safety. If your children walk to school, ride their bikes or ride the bus, it’s imperative that you keep their safety in mind. Pick the most direct route to school and avoid any “shady” areas…shortcuts aren’t always the best. I highly recommend that you ride or walk the route with them and make sure they understand it’s the only acceptable route home. Make sure your children know the rules of the road as pedestrians or bicyclists. Cross the streets only at crosswalks, always look both ways before crossing and be sure your kids wear their helmets! You may want to invest in an emergency bracelet or necklace in case of an accident. Be sure your children memorize important phone and cell phone numbers and review personal, self-protection measures with them for dealing with strangers.
12. Talk with your children about school and get them pumped up! This is a perfect time to talk with your children to determine if they have any fears, anxieties or worries. Help them with the transition by listening first…then offer suggestions to minimize their fears and help them along. Pump them up about all the new friends they’ll meet, the exciting stuff they’ll learn and the cool field trips they might go on.
Back to school can be a stressful time but it can also be very exciting. With a little planning and a positive attitude, you’ll make this transition a whole lot easier not only for your children but for you as well!
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