Simplify Back to School Time

Whether we are ready or not, school starts in a few weeks for most districts.  Getting ready early has some benefits and it can simplify your life.  Children thrive on routine and structure; it helps them relax when they know what is expected of them.  Most adults feel more focused when they follow a schedule as well, so getting ready early can be good for both of you!  Here are some ways to simplify back to school time.

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Write Out a Morning Schedule

Once you figure out what time school starts, write out a morning schedule so your kids can see what the expectation is for the year.  Start the routine a week or two before school starts to help everyone get ready for the transition.

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Reinstate a Bedtime Routine

It is so light at night in the summer that it is easy to let the bedtime routine slide.  About a week before school starts, try reinstating a bedtime routine so that your child feels well rested going into the school year.  It may be rough for a few days, but it’s better to do it the week before school than the first week of school. 

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Prepare the Night Before

This is a game changer!  Preparing lunches, snacks, and drinks the night before can decrease stress in the morning.  Packing folders, books, and school supplies in backpacks ahead of time can make the morning calmer.  Additionally, having your child set out their clothes the night before can prevent one less meltdown in the morning.  

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Download the School Calendar

Check your child’s school website for the academic calendar for the upcoming year.  Add the following dates to your calendar so you are prepared for what is to come:

• First day of school
• Back to school night
• Parent teacher conference days
• Holidays
• Extracurricular activities
  
• No school days
• Early release days
• Last day of school.

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Shop for School Supplies in Your Own Home

It's tempting to go out and purchase everything brand new for the school year, but you may have everything you need in your home already.  Using what you have can keep your home from becoming cluttered, save you money, and save you time.  Here are some items that you may be able to reuse this school year:

• Undergarments/socks
• Pants/shorts
• Shirts
• Shoes
• Coats
• Gloves/hats
• Backpack
• Lunchbox
• Water bottle
• Pencils/erasers
• Scissors
• Glue
• Crayons
• Ruler
• Markers
• Notebooks.

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Thank you for inviting me into your homes, lives, & hearts.
​xo, Sarah