12 Back To School Tips For Parents
Going back to school can be an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful time for many of us. We’ve just had a summer full of vacations, swimming, camps, and loose schedules. It can be hard to get back into a good school routine.
Whether you’re sending your child off to kindergarten for the first time or preparing your high schooler for another year of growth, learning, and independence, I’m here to share some back to school tips for parents that will help both you and your kiddos thrive during this exciting time.
From easing those first-day jitters to establishing a seamless routine, join me as we dive into 12 essential strategies to make this school year the best one yet! Let’s gear up, take a deep breath, and set our children on the path to success together.
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How To Prepare For Going Back To School
As the summer break draws to a close, preparing for the return to school is crucial for a successful and stress-free transition. Start by re-establishing routines a few weeks before the first day. Gradually adjust sleeping schedules, meal times, and daily activities to align with the school day.
Make sure your house is organized and ready for the new school year to begin. Getting necessary supplies for both school and home is essential in starting the year off right.
Following these helpful back to school tips will ensure a smooth transition for everyone.
12 Helpful Back To School Tips For Parents
1. Start New Routines Now
Going back to school is already a lot for kids to take in, so try not to add in extra things that might cause stress and anxiety. If you want to start up a chore chart or a reward system, start now! Get them in the habit of these routines before homework and school activities come into play.
Try to have a good bedtime routine a week or two before school starts. Summer can be filled with late nights and late mornings, so practice going to bed a little earlier so that your kids will get a good amount of sleep.
Create a Stress-Free School Morning Routine with these 10 Tips!
2. Declutter
It’s hard to get into a good school routine when things are all out of sorts! I recommend going room by room and going through everything. Decide what needs to be donated and what needs to be thrown away. Make sure everything is put in its correct spot.
Make a list of anything you need, including anything needed to keep things more organized.
3. School Shopping
Everyone has a different class list, so I won’t bother with the standard school supplies. Here’s a few ideas, based on what we bought, for other supplies you might need for the school year:
- Lil Labels
- Bentgo 5-Compartment Bento Style Lunch Box
- Thermos Funtainer Water Bottle
- Takeya Insulated Water Bottle
- Book Bag & Lunch Bag
4. Photo Op Prep
The first day of school is one of my favorite days for pictures. I always loved picking out my outfit for that very first day and looked forward to seeing what all the other kids were wearing.
Some schools have a uniform code, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a cute photo! Do you have a spot picked out for the first day picture? Will your child hold up a cute photo sign? Here are a couple ideas I found on Etsy:
5. Command Center
Everyone should have some type of command center or a couple places in your home for school-related things. We have an area in the office to hang backpacks, coats, etc.
I also created a spot in the kids play room for schoolwork, papers, and books. I just bought this Framed Bulletin Board for hanging up artwork, worksheets, and any important flyers. I purchased this Letter Tray 2-Pack to keep track of any important paperwork that needs reviewed or filled out. And I set up a little basket for any library books (I’m hoping this will save time on searching through the house for school books).
These areas don’t have to be fancy- they just need to be useful!
6. Meal Prep
So important! I recently bought a Chest Freezer, so we would have more room to store things. I love to prep Smoothies, Freezer Dinners, and Quick Lunches.
It’s also great to have more storage when items are on sale. I share several tips in my post Meal Planning (Part One) – The Process and I update the blog with Recipes all month long!
7. Use A Family Calendar
Keeping track of school events, important dates, and extracurricular activities is made effortless with a well-organized calendar. Whether it’s a traditional paper planner or a digital app, having a dedicated calendar helps parents stay on top of their child’s school schedule, plan family commitments, and avoid any last-minute surprises.
Color-code different activities and involve your child in updating the calendar, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility for their school commitments. We have this 3-Month Calendar and I absolutely love it.
8. Discuss Homework Time
Establishing a designated homework time at home creates a focused and conducive environment for learning. Sit down with your child to determine the best time for them to tackle their assignments, considering their energy levels and any after-school activities.
A consistent homework routine helps children develop a sense of discipline and prioritization while ensuring they have ample time for rest, play, and family interactions.
9. Talk About Safety
As children head back to school, it’s essential to have an open conversation about safety. Discuss traffic rules for commuting, the importance of staying with friends or classmates when walking to school, and the protocol for dealing with strangers. For younger kids, provide contact information and teach them their full name, address, and phone number.
Additionally, ensure they know whom to approach in case of an emergency at school. These discussions create a safety-conscious mindset, empowering children to make responsible choices both inside and outside the school premises.
10. Encourage Independence
Back to school is an opportune time to foster independence in your child. Encourage them to take on age-appropriate responsibilities, such as packing their own school bag, organizing their school supplies, and making their lunch (with guidance as needed). This gradual independence builds their confidence and self-reliance, enhancing their sense of ownership over their education and daily routines.
11. Save Special Schoolwork
My mom saved things from our school years and I absolutely love looking through all of it! I chose to start saving items in Kindergarten. You can use just a simple tub, labeled with your child’s name (ie. Ryan-Kindergarten) and store schoolwork from the year. This won’t include every single thing, but the items worth saving, lol. Once the year is over, transfer things to the attic, and begin another tub the following year.
Click here for the Best Ideas For What To Put In A Memory Box!
12. Celebrate The Start Of A New School Year
Welcoming the new school year with excitement and celebration sets a positive tone for the academic journey ahead. Plan a special breakfast on the first day of school, take a “first day of school” photo, or create a fun tradition to mark the occasion. Emphasize the anticipation of new friendships, experiences, and learning opportunities, highlighting the joy of embarking on a fresh chapter.
Celebrating the start of a new school year instills a sense of enthusiasm in children, making them eager to embrace the adventures that await them.
Benefits To Having A Good Back To School Routine
Establishing a good routine for going back to school is incredibly helpful for several reasons:
1. Smooth Transition: After enjoying the more relaxed schedule of summer, abruptly transitioning to the structured routine of the school day can be challenging for children. By gradually re-establishing routines a few weeks before school starts, children can adapt to earlier bedtimes, wake-up times, and meal schedules. This smooth transition minimizes the shock of sudden changes, making it easier for them to adjust to the demands of the school day.
2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Having a predictable routine provides a sense of stability and security for children. Knowing what to expect each day can help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, which may arise when faced with uncertainty and new environments, such as starting a new school year or moving up to a higher grade.
3. Improved Time Management: A consistent routine helps children develop essential time management skills. Knowing when they need to wake up, eat meals, complete homework, and engage in extracurricular activities fosters a sense of responsibility and helps them learn to manage their time efficiently.
4. Enhanced Focus and Productivity: A well-established routine allows children to mentally prepare for each part of their day. They can approach schoolwork and other activities with greater focus and productivity, as they know what to expect and when to expect it.
5. Healthy Habits: A good routine encourages healthy habits such as regular sleep patterns, balanced meals, and designated study or playtime. These habits are essential for overall well-being and academic success.
6. Family Bonding: Establishing routines can involve the whole family. Engaging in activities together can strengthen bonds and create a positive atmosphere at home.
Overall, a good routine lays the foundation for a successful and fulfilling school year, fostering a positive learning environment where children can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. It provides the structure necessary for children to feel confident, capable, and ready to take on the challenges and adventures that each new school year brings.
As the school bells ring and the back-to-school season unfolds, establishing a consistent routine becomes an invaluable tool for parents and children alike. Embracing the power of routines not only eases the transition from summer break to the classroom but also fosters a sense of stability, reduced stress, and improved focus throughout the academic year.
By gradually re-introducing structured schedules and involving our children in the preparation process, we empower them to take charge of their responsibilities, build essential time management skills, and cultivate healthy habits that contribute to their overall well-being.
As we embark on this new academic journey, let’s remember that routines are not rigid schedules but rather adaptable frameworks that support our children’s growth and success.
So, let’s weave the magic of consistency into our daily lives, creating a nurturing environment where our little learners can flourish, explore, and discover their true potential. Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with memorable moments and countless opportunities for our children to shine brightly!
Related posts:
How To Meal Plan With A Busy Schedule
Time Saving Tips For Busy Moms
Encouraging Bible Verses For Teachers
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