Getting Organized for Back to School!
It’s that time of year again! The relaxing days of summer are almost behind us.
GETTING ORGANIZED FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
Planning
If you plan ahead, you’ll be ready for the first day of school.
Don’t wait until the night before school starts to try and get your children into their back-to-school routine. Start a week or two before. The morning routine is under your control. Everyone will have a better day if it starts out calmly.
Clothing
Have your children try on all of their clothing to see what fits. Yes, they really have grown 3 inches during the summer! Make a list of what needs to be bought.
Let children decide what they are going to wear, and lay out their clothes the night before.
School Supplies
Has the school provided a list of supplies that will be required? Stock up during the back-to-school sales. With higher gas prices, saving a couple of dollars by running from store to store may not be worth the extra effort involved. Remember that your time is valuable.
Backpacks should be the correct size for your children. Let them choose one with your help; if they like it, they’ll be more likely to use it and less likely to lose it.
Lunches
Keep your cupboards well stocked with lunch items. While single-serving sizes are convenient, they are more costly. Be thrifty and get supplies in bulk. Keep a pen and paper handy in or near your pantry to make a note of items that are running low.
Older children should be responsible for making their own lunches. Provide healthy choices, and let them choose what they like. Make lunches at night to save time in the morning. Put leftovers into lunch containers when cleaning up after dinner. When you cook, double the recipe and freeze one batch. You can use the second batch for lunches or dinner on a busy night. It will save you time and will be healthier than picking up fast food.
Labelling
Don’t forget to label all items your children take to school which need to be brought home each night or week.
Checklist
Post a checklist as close as possible to where your children enter and exit for school. Make it easy for everyone to read. Have young children draw an outline of the items they need to take. Have a designated spot for each child’s coat, mittens, boots, backpack and sports equipment.
Calendar and Scheduling
All activities should be put onto one calendar. Keeping more than one calendar is difficult; it usually results in missed appointments. Label each family member’s activities in a different colour; let your children pick their favourite colour. Limit extra-curricular activities for each child. To make everyone’s life easier, try not to overschedule. Your children need some time to be kids!
Rewards
Set up a reward system to motivate your children to reach their goals throughout the year. With your encouragement and positive reinforcement, they will succeed!
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