Back to School Preparations

The fall approaches, and while summer has been absolutely merciless with the heat this year, it’s time to start thinking about the next big event on the calendar.

No, not pumpkin spice season. We mean the start of the new school year.

To that end, we present a few ideas on how to prepare for the fall term.

1. Review school material and information.

Depending on your school district, some information should be available before August: the school start date, operating hours (including before- and after-school care), holidays (including teacher work days/student holidays), and the last day of school. Check the school district’s website and social media pages for the dates; they should also list any open house dates prior to the start of the fall term.

Additionally, check to see if the school has any special requirements, such as uniforms and supplies that will be needed on Day 1. The teachers may have posted supply wish lists as well.
Even if you’re planning to homeschool the kids, we’d recommend taking this step, too. Nobody wants to start the new school year without a plan.

2. Reestablish the school year routines.

It would be best to ease into this one, especially if everyone in the house has been keeping summer break hours. School routines should include reestablishing set times for regular events including dinner, bathing, and any evening chores/activities.

Most importantly, however, everyone in the house needs to…

3. Get back into your sleep routine.

Potentially the hardest preparation, especially for anyone keeping summer hours with their kids. If you’ve gotten into the habit of not getting out of bed until after 8 a.m. on a weekday, some adjustments will have to be made prior to the start of the school year.

Likewise, if the kids have been going to bed after 9 p.m., reestablishing school-year bedtimes can be a challenge, especially if the kids argue they shouldn’t have to go to bed since they’re still technically on summer break.

Ignore them. You’re the parent, you’re the decider, and you’ve already decided that everyone in the house likes sleep. Now, go to bed.

4. Shop for school supplies together.

Nothing can irritate a kid more than the end of summer break. A close second? Their parents buying them school supplies they did not select themselves.

Take the kids with you when you go shopping and let them pick out their own supplies, especially bags. Also, check with your community about school supply giveaways and drives, then take the kids with you to pick out their own gear.

Use common sense, too. If your child tries to argue how badly they need a Nintendo Switch for the school year, call their bluff.

5. Make travel/pickup plans.

Can the kids take a bus to school? What about bikes? Do they have to be dropped off in the morning? What about multiple kids attending different schools miles apart from one another? And how do you plan to get them back home every day?

Given the sheer number of potential variables at play, school travel/pickup plans can be particularly overwhelming. Use the schools’ online resources to see about available transportation options, childcare offerings, and travel distances from your home to plan drop-off/pickup plans.

6. Turn off the TV and video games at night.

Enough with the screen time, already. Same applies with the adults. Go read a book.

New school years represent new possibilities for everyone, from students to parents to teachers. Make the most of the opportunities presented and grow a little more.