Back to School Bits & Tips

There is no denying that summer is fading, and fall is in full view as we prepare for back to school.  This time of year brings feelings that are at total odds with each other.  On the one hand it is super exciting to begin school with new supplies and a fresh new haircut and cute outfit especially if you are a kid who actually enjoys school.  On the other hand, as a parent, sending your baby off to school can be grueling especially if it’s the milestone years like kindergarten, senior year and beginning of college.  Some parents will rejoice when the home grows quiet and coffee time takes precedence over entertaining kids on a daily basis.  Others will feel the quiet in a way that makes the heart pang for the moment they can get into the school pickup line.  No matter where you fall on the back-to-school vibes, as a teacher and a mom, I have a few simple yet helpful tips to make the transition easier.

Practice Makes Life Easier

It is likely that summer has allowed your kids to lull in bed a little later than their school schedule will dictate.  For this reason, the time to practice getting up and out of bed for your school daytime is now. I wouldn’t recommend going cold turkey on this, rather waking up by 10 or 15 minutes earlier for a few days and increasing that time is easier on everyone.  Try to make sure that you have practiced getting up at “go time” at least a couple of times before first day of school.

Routines Rock

Many of us get into a routine we enjoy during the summer months and breaking that habit can be difficult.  This can be even more stressful to children who thrive on the nature of repetition.  If breakfasts need to be eaten in the car, rather than at the table or with cartoons, make sure your kids have that experience under their belt before the first day of school.  And do yourself a favor with introducing on-the-go foods to make sure they are easy to maneuver and palatable to your littles.  With electronics, it is crucial to start mimicking screen times to align with what they’ll experience in school.  In other words, do your child and teacher a favor and start backing off of the iPad and phone especially during the car so drop off can go smoother.

Used Works

Sending one child back to school, let alone multiples can be draining on the soul and wallet. The first thing I like to do is go through last year’s stuff and see what can be put into this year’s lineup.  Reduce, reuse, and recycle are your friendliest words during this time.  It is super-hot until about November so summer apparel which is on sale right now is perfect for the next three months or so.  Thrift shops are full of items to supplement  a wardrobe for minimal investment.  With stores like Target, Walmart and Staples competing for your back-to-school budgets, shop all of the sales before committing to supplies purchases.  It has always been my experience as a mom and teacher that you can wait until school starts to get supplies and that aligns with all of the sales so win, win.

Hug Hard

Sending yourself back to school or your child feeling confident, loved, and rested is crucial for the best results.  There is still time to slow down and linger with your child over a walk or ice cream cone.  Reiterate that changes can be hard even a change in schedule like going back to school brings.  Make sure they understand that the support you will provide will always supersede the challenges they may face.  And provide many hugs and words of encouragement now so their thoughts may fall back on these helpful nuggets if they feel low.  Sending love and grace out to all of the teachers and students.  May we show each other patience and kindness, and all grow and learn during school year 2024-25. 

Photos courtesy of Teacher Memes Facebook page.