Everyone can use a little help when tackling back to school. It comes upon us so fast. Here are 30 of my favorite tips to prepare for the coming year.
- Set your kids’ sleep schedules back to “school time” two weeks before the first day of school.
- Use an egg timer to get your kids used to focusing for specific periods of time.
- Encourage your kids to read at least one (or one more) book before the school year begins.
- Discuss what your kids can expect on the first day of school, so they feel more prepared.
- Talk openly with your kids about their feelings about returning to school and be ready to answer any questions.
- Create a family calendar or choose a calendar app that tracks everyone’s activities and commitments.
- Set up weekly meetings to review your kids’ schedules for the week(s) ahead.
- Hire a before- or after-school sitter to help care for your kids while you’re at work.
- Have a backup transportation plan in case your kids miss the bus.
- Get your kids involved in programs they can do after school to keep them active. See our list at https://www.parentmagazinesflorida.com/ for more ideas.
- Refresh your rules about screen time for the school year. What’s allowed and when?
- Work out an after-school schedule that allows time for snacks, relaxation, play and study.
- If they choose to take lunch on some or all days, let your kids be involved in creating and preparing their daily lunch menus.
- If they choose to buy lunch, get copies of school menus in advance to discuss lunch choices.
- Shop for school supplies and clothes early to avoid the rush.
- Inventory your kids’ wardrobes and toss/donate things they’ve outgrown.
- Get the lists of school supplies, books and technology your kids will need.
- Create a dedicated space at home for your kids to store their school supplies and technology.
- Establish rules for where kids should put lunchboxes, etc., when they come home.
- Encourage your kids to lay out their school clothes before going to bed.
- Have kids pack their school bags.
- If they bring their own lunch, have the kids pack their lunch boxes.
- Have kids pack their gym or sports bags.
- Make sure any bags, equipment or must-bring items are left by the door.
- Set an alarm or notification 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Set — and enforce — regular weekday and weekend bedtimes.
- Remove tech devices, such as phones and tablets, from kids’ bedrooms to focus them on sleeping.
- To help with time management, determine together how long it takes kids to do assignments
- Teach kids to prioritize their assignments by making to-do lists with deadlines.
- Have your kids set realistic goals for the new school year, such as reading 30 books or filling a journal.
