Back-to-School Countdown
Believe it or not, the time has arrived for back-to-school planning. The season of sunshine and sleeping in is coming to an end, and the days of looking at after-school activities and school supply lists are upon us. “We look forward to our summer break for months and then, in a whirl, it is over. I promise myself each year that I won’t let it go by so quickly!” says Jennifer Eaton, Olathe mom. To start now thinking about the fall schedule may seem a bit early, but planning ahead offers many advantages:
- The ability to participate in sales as they happen. If you know what you need and when you need it, you can shop smart!
- You can take your time to adjust sleep schedules. That way, no one ends up exhausted for the first day of school.
- You can make sure you have your school physicals, sports checkups and all other appointments completed if you schedule them ahead of the school year’s start.
- There is plenty of time to get your schedule—and all the beginning-of-the-year paperwork—in order if you start early.
- Your stress level will not skyrocket the night before school starts if you have been preparing at a slow and steady pace!
Although saying parents should start to prep early is easy, the real trick is to figure out when to start getting ready and what to do first. “End of school and back to school are always so stressful,” says Jaycee Owens, Prairie Village mom. “I feel like I am behind no matter what. And there is a neverending list of forms to be signed, appointments to make. Plus, we have to change our family’s whole schedule around when school starts and when it ends.” To stay organized and keep your family on task, approach back-to-school preparations one step at a time. Here are some tips from metro parents on how to set your family up for first-day success:
One Month Out
- Complete any required physicals and obtain the needed signatures.
- Start setting a morning routine and waking children earlier.
- Look over schoolwork from the previous year and begin reviewing problem areas.
Three Weeks Out
- Obtain school supply list and begin shopping.
- Check your school’s website for any additional parent forms or information that is needed.
- Print out the school year calendar.
Two Weeks Out
- Create a master calendar of school schedules, sports and family activities.
- Set up a homework station to ensure your child has a good place to focus and complete assignments.
- Purchase any new clothing or uniforms needed.
One Week Out
- Print out the school lunch schedule and do your back-to-school grocery shopping.
- Attend any back-to-school events planned by the school.
- Begin talking about school and the positives of beginning a new year.
Five Days Out
- Plan some final summer fun! Go on a picnic, head to the pool or set some playtime with friends.
- Label school supplies.
- Review all the school paperwork (including items for the school nurse) and make sure everything is turned in.
Three Days Out
- Implement your school morning routine to get in the groove before the big day.
- Practice walking to the bus stop.
- Talk about the schedule and expectations for after school, pickup, etc.
Night Before School
- Prepare and pack lunch (and snack) if needed!
- Set out clothing for the morning.
- Pack backpack.
The first day of school is always going to churn up big feelings and a bit of stress. It is a time of new beginnings and is one of those days where we soak up the fact that our children are getting older. “The first day of school each year is a bit emotional. I always look at my kids and think, ‘How are they this big already?’” says Rebecca O’Neal, Kansas City, MO, mom. But even if emotions run high, a little preparation and planning will make the start of the new year a smooth ride for you and your family!
Keep Your Summer Bond Strong All Year Long
One thing parents love about the summer break is the chance to bond with their kids. Setting aside the busy schedule and just enjoying one another’s company is so nice. “Summer is the best! We do so much as a family, and I love how my kids become best friends each summer, spending all day together,” says Sarah Lucas, Overland Park mom. So how do you keep that summer bond alive once school starts? Here are a few tips to continue feeling connected during the school year:
- Lunch box notes. These can be from parents to the kids or vise versa! It’s just a quick way to let others know you are thinking of them.
- No-device dinners. Put the screens down and focus on each other.
- Keep morning goodbyes short but meaningful. Kids can become emotional during drawn-out drop-offs, but be sure to say how you feel!
- Be purposeful with weekend and after-school hours. Schedule time for rest, relaxation and family togetherness. Don’t let the fun of time together get lost in the shuffle.
- Capture your summer memories. Pull out the photos of your summer trips and adventures and talk about the great times. Make plans for the next school break or your next family vacation. Stay focused on family fun!
- Work on homework together. There is no need micromanage your child’s homework, but talking about assignments, checking work or discussing expectations helps to keep you involved and in-the-know about what your child is doing at school.
- Get to know your child’s teacher. This is the person who spends five days a week with your child. She sees the good, the bad and the ugly. Creating a partnership will ensure your child has a solid support system.
Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three living in Overland Park.