How to Prep for “Back-to-School”

So, summer break is over and it’s officially back-to-school time. As a teacher and a parent I completely understand the anxiety associated with the transition, but I will admit that I do get a bit excited for the new school year as well. This week’s post aims to help your children (and you!) get ready for the return to class with smiles on your faces.

As we all know, the key to success often lies in preparation and in one’s attitude. Here are some ways you can maximize your organization game and stay positive:

1. Conduct a Closet Check: If you haven’t done so already, go through your children’s closets and prep their back to school wardrobes. For most kids, clothes from last season likely no longer fit, so now’s the time to make a list of what needs to be replaced and look out for upcoming sales. Look over their shoes as well, as it’s probably time for new ones after running around all summer (I hope!). Once you’re done with the kids’ closets, go through yours as well.

2. Refill Your School Supply Stash: Look over your school supply bin (if you keep one. If not, it’s a great thing to have!). Does anything need to be replenished? Stock up now before supplies sell out.

3. Get a Fresh Cut: Schedule and get haircuts. Nothing makes you (or your kids) feel refreshed like a haircut. If you or your children are making any major changes in terms of hairstyles, get your haircut a week in advance to allow for some time to adjust to the new look.

4. Master Meal Prep: Make some meals in advance and freeze them. On nights when you have meetings, sporting events, appointments, etc. those frozen meals are life savers!

5. Take a Joy Ride: I can’t start anything before cleaning up and organizing my surroundings first. In addition to getting your house in order before the school year starts, clean out and wash your car. Getting into a freshly cleaned vehicle on my drive to work on the first day of school is a little gift of peace to myself.

6. You Snooze, You Lose: If you haven’t been working on re-adjusting your sleep schedule, get on it! You want to be bright-eyed-and-bushy-tailed on day one, so adjusting your sleep schedule is imperative. Moreover, if you don’t do it now, your motivation will be destroyed that first week of school, which could derail your schedule in so many other ways.

7. Pre-Pack: Lay out everything (and I do mean everything!) the night before so there is no confusion in the morning about where things are or what to pack. Outfits for the day should be chosen (be sure to check the weather report!), lunch boxes should be lined up and ready for packing. You can set the kitchen table for breakfast the night before as well. Anything you can do before morning will help you have a much smoother start to your day. You’ll feel the effects of your efforts and so will your children!

8. Avoid Calendar Chaos: As much as possible, add all events to your family calendars, digital and paper copies. I like to color code events according to category. It really helps when you need to read information quickly.

Speaking of calendars…Put something on your calendar each week that you are looking forward to. The start of the school year does not have to be all gloom and doom. It can be as small as a cup of coffee at a local cafe, but have something on the horizon to which you and your kids can look forward. This makes the stress of the school day feel more manageable and also ensures you all spend some time together.

10. Get Outside! Though we think of the start of September as fall, it technically isn’t. Fall doesn’t begin this year until September 22nd, so make the most of the last few weeks of summer by going for a bike ride or spending some time at the beach. This will enable you and your kids to more easily transition to the school year without a “ripping-off-the-Bandaid” effect.

11. Get Holiday Happy: As soon as the end of September hits, it’s time to decorate for Halloween. Make it a family thing. Don’t forget to schedule a day for pumpkin or apple picking as well. No matter how old we get, the holidays are always fun and provide another reason to enjoy back-to-school. From Halloween through Mother’s Day, each month brings another joyous occasion during which we can decorate, cook and celebrate. Enjoy each one!

I hope you find these tips useful and that they help kickstart a wonderful and productive school year for the entire family. Good luck!