We’ve shared a few blog posts on Back To School over the years, some have focused on getting your children prepared, getting school supplies, getting excited to learn, but let’s think about how you can prepare ahead for the coming school year.
Summer time is often just as busy for families as the school year. Many families have childcare, summer camps, sports or other activities for your children. As these begin to wind down and you begin to focus on the school year take a few moments to make plans.
Things to do before school starts
School Clothes
Inventory school clothes – all seasons, including jackets, coats, boots, mittens, hats etc. It seems growth spurts happen towards the end of September, so plan for some larger sizes. I learned to stock up on some of the easy to lose things, like mittens. It never failed at least once a week one was lost. I began buying plain black knit gloves, easily interchangeable, and kept extras in the car for those busy mornings when you hear at drop off “I don’t have any gloves”
School Supplies
Inventory your school supplies – you may still have very usable items that can be used and save buying unnecessary items. It’s a balance of buying too much or not enough. Shortly after school starts many retailers have a sale on extra school supplies. The class lists are very similar year to year, so when you find a sale on items you know are on the list you can stock up on sale prices. Remember that mid-year most students need to replace certain items that are used often. Or if your child is like mine, you need to replace often because they are forever losing them (pencils). If you are struggling to buy supplies call 211 United Way to ask about school supplies in your area.
School Lunch
Check the state of your kids’ lunch box, ice packs, back pack, etc – replacing what needs replacing and reusing things that can be reused. You can even plan to reuse but keep your eye on sales after school starts so if you need to do a mid-year replacement you are ready. Ice packs are very important for lunch boxes. I’ve found it to be convenient to have several in the freezer. If one gets lost, or doesn’t make it back to the freezer, you have another ready to go.
Sports Physicals and Medical Check ups
Its also a very busy time to get those sports physicals, dental check ups, eye exams, and immunizations scheduled.
Make going back to school fun and exciting. This excitement can help young people reduce anxiety and look forward to going back to school. I can smell the markers from here.
