Back to School Countdown-10 Tips to Organization

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The countdown to the first day of school has started!

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The countdown to the first day of school doesn't have the same enthusiasm as the June end of the year countdown did.

When the sun is beating down and temperatures are soaring, it’s hard to believe that summer will ever end. But now we’re in mid-August, and the back-to-school shopping has already started. Before you know it, the kids will be trading in those bathing suits and flip flops for corduroys and leather loafers. 

Heading back to school takes mental preparation (for both you and the kids!). But if you're like most parents, getting everything prepped, primed and done in advance just isn't in the cards. Don't sweat it; not everything has to be done at once. Use this guide as your countdown for what to accomplish for smooth sailing into the school year. Send the children back to school prepared and eager for new challenges!

Make this the best school year ever!

  • Schedule your check-ups
    If your school requires a visit to the pediatrician, call to schedule your appointments now. You'll up your chances of getting seen before school starts.
  • Make playdates with friends 
    Between camps and vacations, your child probably hasn't seen many of his school friends over the summer. Set up some playdates so he can catch up and feel more comfortable when heading back to school with familiar faces.
  • Manage your supplies
    Don't wait until the last minute to stock up on school supplies, when those Back to School sales are all over. Keep your eyes peeled if you want the best deals. Dedicate a space in your home where everyone knows to look for supplies.
  • Stock up on health & first aid essentials
    With school about to start, keeping your kid healthy may seem like a near-impossible task. Be ready for the inevitable by stocking up on health and first aid essentials like bandages, tissues, vitamins and hand soap.
  • Figure out transportation 
    Will your child be traveling by bus, bike or car? Figure out the details now, and work out a schedule with your spouse or carpool. If your child is bringing himself to school, take him on a practice run to make sure he's got the route down.
  • Pay your school a visit 
    If your child is attending a new school or even if she's not, visit the school to get her excited for the year to come. Locate the classroom, bathrooms and front office.
  • Get on Schedule
    Ease your child out of the lazy days of summer sleep-ins to the bright and early school mornings by gradually changing bed and wake-up times to be closer to the school schedule.
  • Create Control Central 
    Designate an area of your home where you'll keep your calendar, phone messages and a bulletin board. You can also make "inboxes" for your kids. The inboxes can be places where your kids unload and pick up permission slips and forms that need to be signed.
  • Get Everything ready for the 1st day 
    Make sure the first-day outfits are clean, backpacks and lunches are packed, and that everything is ready to be picked up on the way out the door.
  • Write your child a note 
    To help calm first-day jitters, write your child a little note and stash it in her backpack or lunch box. Kids feel special and cared for when they discover the secret message, and they'll be comforted by seeing a little bit of home with them at school.

Back to School is an exciting time, but it can also be a scary time for some kids. Hold up your end of the bargain and give your child the best chance for Back to School success by doing the right preparation.

 

How do you prepare your family for the 1st day of school?