Back to school is here for some of us and almost here for the rest. It certainly brings about the chaos, the myriad of to dos, the lively feeling of getting back to normal and the bittersweet feelings of letting go. Planning and prep are critical as we send our young minds back to school after a jam packed summer. Here are 5 important planning and prep you don’t want to forget when school reopens.
1. Know and Understand Safety Protocols
Understand the safety measures that are being put in place for students and teachers at your child’s school. Discuss the importance of washing hands, social distancing and any mask mandates.
2. Stay Up To Date With Immune Support For Kids
If I’ve learnt anything this year it’s improving and fostering healthy, immune boosting habits. This includes introducing healthy eating habits at home, including a good daily multi vitamin, vitamin C and probiotic in your child’s diet as well as introducing an active lifestyle early on. Remember, our habits easily become their habits and the compounded effect of this can mean a lifetime of healthy or unhealthy habits.
3. Preorder School Supplies
It’s always a good idea to preorder school supplies. You can do this through the school or you can obtain a supply list from the school’s website for the specific grade. This can easily become very expensive especially if you have several children. Go through the previous year’s supplies your child brought home and check for unused supplies. Make sure you have the essentials:
-Pencils/pens/markers/erasers
-Folders/binders/notebooks
-Voluntary supplies; tissues, sanitizer, wipes.
-Buy the correct backpack the school requires. For example, some schools prohibit rolling backpacks.
4. Find Out and Adhere to The Dress Code
As moms we want to use our time effectively and efficiently so it’s important to find out about the required dress code at your child’s school prior to uniform shopping. Target has great uniform options that are cost effective. I like to buy a size bigger and purchase adjustable waist clothing to prevent frequent shopping and reduce costs.
5. Be Staunch About Bed Time Routines
We hear it time and time again; children must have adequate sleep to perform, absorb information, be active participants in class and to have great attitudes. Nothing is worse than a fussy child that lacks proper sleep. Introduce a specific evening routine and bedtime that your child will internalize.
I would go as far as incentivizing the implementation. If the stickability of the bed time routine is waning then give your child a qualitative reason to forge forward. Maybe they earn rewards or treats at the end of the school week or you plan a fun activity!
Flip the switch…instead of nagging them to complete reading, brushing their teeth and so on, edify their efforts and share what they’ll earn once they’ve followed through.
Have you found these tips helpful? Then please share on Instagram and Facebook. If you have more to share on back to school prep, please comment below! Happy, healthy school days to all!!
