Back to School Ready: We've Got This!
It's that time of the year again, where we somewhat pause the fun and get ready for some serious back to school business! The summer fun is coming to a close, and parents and children everywhere are asking the same question: "Where did the holidays go?"
Preparing for back to school is also a transitioning period for both parents and children, and trust me, it can get overwhelming. Imagine being lazy for two whole months and now you have to be productive. Crazy, right? The reintroduction of bedtimes might be the most dreadful part. Although, there is some comfort during these transitioning periods, and with a little planning, we can make the transition a whole lot smoother.
The Shopping List
The booklist is normally the first step when ticking off what to get first. Once the booklist surfaces, go through and see what your child already has and see if new items need to be purchased or old items can be reused.
Make a list for:
Notebooks
pencils, crayons, pens, etc.
school bag
lunch boxes and water bottle
school shoes and sneakers
socks and undergarments
art supplies
And of course, don't forget those little extras that make school days more fun - cute accessories, hair bows, clips, headbands.
Uniforms
During the holidays, kids eat twice as much when home and they grow so quickly.
If new uniforms are to be made, ensure you are not left behind by waiting too late to get the material to your seamstress or tailor. The trick is, get in contact with your tailor, get measurements done and add two or more inches to each measurement to leave room for the perfect fit.
If you are going to be reusing uniforms, ensure you try them early and check if everything still fits, the buttons or zip is still secure, it's not too short and the color and quality are still intact. Nobody wants to wear raggedy and discolored uniforms to school.
Wash, iron and organize everything ahead of time so you are not scrambling on the first morning.
Get Their Accessories Organized.
Accessories are not just the hair ties, clips, headbands, etc. It is all the essentials that will make those busy mornings easier, from the comb to the hairbrushes, the hair moisturizer, the hair sheen. Having everything in one place, easily accessible, will make those heavy mornings feel a whole lot lighter.
Tip: Pick out the uniform and essentials the night before. Your future self will thank you!
The Sleep Schedule Reset
Holiday bedtime, weekend bedtime and school bedtime are NOT the same thing. A week before school reopens, gradually get them in the groove of going to bed and waking up early. This will help the bodies to adjust. This also helps the parents get into routine for the back-to-school term.
Breakfast and Lunches
It's a task and a half trying to figure out what your child or children going to have for breakfast and lunch, especially if they are picky eaters and don't like the school lunch. Don't wait until the morning of, to figure out what's for breakfast. Make a list of breakfast and lunch options that is easy to prepare and your kids will enjoy.
When they have a say in what goes into their tummies, they are more excited to eat it.
Mental Preparation
Back-to-school isn't only about the books, clothes and supplies. It is about getting the kids mentally prepared for school. Talk to them, ask them what they are least and most excited about. Have encouraging, reassuring and positive conversations about the new school year.
Quick Reminder: They don't have to be perfect. Just do their best, be kind and keep learning.
First Day Photos
Document their first day. The first day of school deserves a photoshoot. Whether they are happy, sad, tired, document it. Imagine bawling your eyes out on the first day to coming home excited about the new friends you made? Memories will never fade.
Capture the new shoes, the new hairstyle, the fresh cut, cute accessories, new school bag and that new smile.
These are the moments we will look at on the last day of school and years from now.
Mom, Give Yourself Some Grace
Back to school can be hectic and stressful. There are days where you will forget to pack their favorite snack. There are days you will forget to pack their dance or football gears. There are days when the project deadline is near and you have not started.
Take a breath.
The goal is not to be perfect. The goal is to help our kids feel prepared, confident, loved and excited for learning and growing.
Back to school, we're ready for you!
-From one busy mom to another: we got this!
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