Things To Do Before School Starts

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Back to school time is right around the corner, either you’re ready for it or not. I’m always ready for the routine, but other than that, I’m never ready to say goodbye to summer. In many households back to school time equals stress time, that includes mine.

Doing all the below helps my family prep for a smooth start to the school year.

 

THINGS TO DO BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS

Let’s discuss ways you can start the school year prepared, what things you should do before going back to school!

 

1. New School Clothing

Go through your child’s dresser and closet, make a pile to get rid of if it doesn’t fit anymore or ripped/stained? Then make a list of things they’ll need, because they most likely won’t need everything. Keep school dress code in mind, the weather is usually still fairly warm beginning of school. So, hold off on buying cold weather clothing until things go on sale. Which they usually do a couple weeks after school starts. Don’t forget to wash any new items!!

2. School Supplies

Look at your child’s school supply list for this year. First go check out your pile they brought home last year and see if anything is still functionable and cross it off the list. Then pay attention to your local stores when they have school supplies on sale or look for any coupons. Keep in mind if you need to replenish anything during the school year it is cheaper to buy the items during the back to school sales. Ask your child’s teacher if there is anything else needed – tissues, disinfecting wipes, ect?

3. Write name on items

This is something that is easy to do, but a lot of folks wait till the last minute or forget to do it and then the items get lost or stolen. Write your child’s name on items that go to school with them, including water bottles, lunch boxes, jackets, ect. Here’s some personalized labels.

This clothing stamp is great as well, and comes in a few different characters!

Suggested Read: 5 Ways To Save Money This School Year!

4. Appointments

Take your child to any doctor appointments; doctor, dentist, eye doctor, ect. Just be sure to make those appointments asap, as they fill up quickly. Getting them taken care of before school starts is more convenient on everyone, they won’t miss any school, and it won’t add to your already busy school calendar. Don’t forget if your child needs to take medication at school to get all the paperwork turned in. If they play school sports, they’ll need a physical.

5. Visit the school before the first day

If your child will be attending a new school, this is especially important. Help calm those jitters by getting familiar with the school, even if the doors aren’t open yet, walk around outside and check out the playground. Most schools have an open house/meet the teacher night before the first day. Make sure you attend that and bring your supplies with you, to put in your desk/cubby/locker. You’ll get a feel of the school/class, see who’s in your classroom, and meet the teacher.

6. Haircut

Start the year off with a clean fresh haircut, even you Mom/Dad. Get it a week before, so you have time to get used to it or if they trim it too short. Make an appointment asap, as they fill up quickly.

7. Stock up on school foods

Prepare your fridge and pantry with healthy breakfast items, lunch items, and after school snacks. This is the time to stock up on school food items, as the stores have them on sale and you can find coupons. Kids will need items that are healthy, fill them up and hold them over during the school day.
If your child will be buying lunch make sure they have money on their accounts.

8. Homework station

Designate a homework station if your child doesn’t have a desk in their room. They will need a spot where they can focus and complete their work. Here’s a great portable work station.

9. House clean – Don’t forget bedrooms!

I’m not talking about deep cleaning, but clean the house before school begins. Make sure things are put away and not cluttered all over, trash, laundry, dishes are all done. It will help the stress level when getting back into the school routine. Don’t forget the rooms, everyone will have a better night sleep and morning when everything’s in order. Have a designated spot for your child’s shoes, jacket/coat and backpack right by the door.

10. Sleep Routine

One to two weeks before the first day of school get started on your bedtime, and morning routine. With summer, comes staying up later and sleeping in. It can be hard on your body and mind if you don’t get a proper amount of sleep.

 

11. Before/after school care situated

If you’ll be needing before and after school care make sure you have that all situated. Make sure your child knows what’s going on and the routine they will need to follow too.

12. Have a family meeting 

Sit down and have a family meeting. Go over the family rules now that school will be back in session and prepare your child for a great year. Rules about Bedtime, Electronics, Homework, and ect.

13. Family Calendar

Have a family calendar in your kitchen, so everyone can easily look to see what’s going on and make notes to each other or reminders. If you have older kids with phones, you could make a shared google calendar.

 

14. Transportation

Figure out your child’s transportation situation, and make the appropriate calls. Make sure your child is aware of their transportation too. If you are picking up and/or dropping off, make sure you are aware of the schools policy.

15. Prep the night before

A great routine to form is, get as much prepared the night before. Lay out clothes, get some of the lunch packed(or all of it), have non perishable breakfast items sitting on the counter, make sure your alarm is set, have backpack packed, and sitting near the door. And anything else you can think of that will save you some time, and your sanity in the morning. A daily closet organizer would be an excellent tool for your kid.

16. End of Summer Fun

Start a fun end of summer tradition, if you haven’t already. Maybe a last minute camping trip, beach trip, mountain trip. Or as simple as having ice cream for dinner, like we do and the kids absolutely love it.

 

17. BREATH

Take some deep breathes, and enjoy the last days of summer!

 

 

HELPFUL BACK TO SCHOOL POSTS & RECIPES:

• Educational Subscription Boxes for Kids & Teens
• 5 Ways to Save Money this School Year
• Preparing for Kindergarten
• Basic White Bread
• Zucchini, apple, carrot muffins
• Healthy Granola Bars
• 100 Family Friendly Veggie Recipes

 

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