- \n
- Establish Routines<\/strong>\n
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- Set a bedtime routine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lay out your kids’ clothes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Set a morning routine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Establish device-free time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Get Supplies<\/strong>\n
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- Shop for back-to-school supplies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Organize and label supplies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pack backpack and supplies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Comfort & Nourish<\/strong>\n
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- Talk to your kids about school<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pack a comfort item<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Plan a healthy breakfast<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pack nutritious snacks and lunch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make the first day special!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Like most things, preparing for back to school is a lot smoother with a plan in place. As I’m getting my own daughter ready for the new school year, I’ve been reminded that it’s rarely one big task that feels overwhelming. It’s the dozens of little things that sneak up on you during the last few weeks before school starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article I’ll share eight practical tips to help you tackle everything on the list and start the year off smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nShop Back to School Supplies<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep your back-to-school plans on track with a self-laminated checklist or whiteboard and mark off your tasks with dry-erase markers<\/a> as you go.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 1) Get your back-to-school plan on paper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Getting ready for the new school year can be quite the task, so treat it like any other big project and plan ahead. This not only helps you figure out what needs to be done, but also when you should start tackling it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start planning as early as is convenient. Although you have the whole summer to get things done, you won\u2019t want to find yourself rushing around at the last minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stay organized and on track by laying out your plan where you can see it. Write your tasks out in your personal planner, the family whiteboard or even just print out a simple back-to-school checklist<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2) Adjust to new routines to prepare for back to school<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
After a hopefully relaxing and enjoyable summer, help the kids transition back into the regular school day schedule a few weeks before the first day of school. You can start by mapping out their daily routines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plan out a morning routine by asking yourself what you want it to look like. What do you need to get done and how much time do you need to make it out the door without rushing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do the same for an afternoon and bedtime routine. And don\u2019t forget to set aside some device-free time after school or before dinner, whatever works best for your schedule. This will help the kids focus on their homework. I’ve also found it’s easier to start shifting bedtime about 15\u201320 minutes earlier each night, instead of trying to switch back to a school schedule all at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organize your routines in your planner or on the family whiteboard and start practicing them 1-2 weeks before school starts so the kids have time to adjust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get the kids organized and excited for the new school year with personalized labels and fun DIY stickers<\/a> for their school supplies.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 3) Start shopping for school supplies early<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whether you love shopping for school supplies or think of it as a chore, start shopping as early as possible. Not only does it give you time to comparison-shop for the best deals, but it also helps you avoid the last-minute crush at stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While teachers have their own specific lists you might not receive until later in the summer, you can start with the essentials. If you see a sale on pens, pencils or binders, for example, go ahead and stock up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One thing that’s helped me this year is keeping everything in one “back-to-school” basket while we shop. As supplies come home, they go into one place until it’s time to label everything and pack the backpack. It keeps notebooks, folders, and other supplies from disappearing around the house before it’s time to pack everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4) Do some fun stuff to prepare for back to school<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As much as parents look forward to the new school year, kids don’t often feel the same. Take the time to talk with them to help ease their butterflies about starting school or a new grade<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doing some fun activities or tasks while preparing for back to school is a perfect way to start a conversation about school. Here are some great ways to get the ball rolling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Go on an \u201cadventure\u201d to visit the school and practice drop off\/pickup, let them pick the music in the car or some other special treat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Help them pick out a school-appropriate comfort item they can take to school with them<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make DIY stickers & <\/a>d<\/a>ecals<\/a> together for decorating school supplies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Let them pick out a special backpack or lunch box that will get them excited to show off to their friends<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If your kid loves clothes, set up a back-to-school fashion show modeling their new or favorite looks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n