Is it Time for School Yet?

Wow, you’ve  had an awesome summer!  You relaxed a bit, you  vacationed a bit, you  worked a bit but now, you’re  ready for kids  to go back to school!! In order to start off with success, it takes planning. 

Ummm, you need to make a “to do” list of tasks that you need to complete to prepare your  home and family to return to school. This will help with a smooth transition as opposed to a huge  jolt!

3-5 Weeks out:

1. Schedule physician appointments ( immunizations, physicals, glasses and specialty appointments typically cannot be made at the last minute.

2. Sports Physicals and the required paperwork will take time to complete and return.

3. Health Appraisals may require additional time and could possibly have a fee.  Check in advance so that you are not surprised.

4. Be sure to request all medication and refills so that you have enough to get you started through the fall. 

2-3 Weeks out:

1. Begin having the “ it’s almost time for school” talk. This allows a “warning” that vacation is just about over.  This helps prepare for the change in schedule and routine.

2. Begin to jot down tasks that you need to complete and add details such as deadlines, if others are involved, if items need to be ordered and what monies if any are needed to budget for. 

3. Round up uniforms.  ASK: Do I need to order more? ASK: Are they clean and ready to wear?  Can you swap with another family to save money? 

4. CHECK emails/Reminds to be sure that you are not missing important communications.

5. Sync your calendar with the school calendar.  Make a concerted effort to be as participatory as you can.

1-2 Weeks out:

1. Begin your school schedule.  Get back to going to bed and rising for school at your school year times. Cleveland Clinic Suggested Bedtimes for Infants -Teens

2. Start purchasing school supplies:

1. Lunchbox

2. Lunch baggies ( try reusable ones or try reusing butter or other plastic containers!

3. Water Bottle

4. School Supplies for home (have a box with crayons.pencils, markers, scissors, glue, paper and other needed homework and project supplies) Have it ready so that you are not having to shop for things at the last minute.

3. Do you need to purchase lunch goods and/or snacks for school or after school?  Start now.

4. Use a calendar to schedule meals.  Write them down.  Shop for items in advance. This prevents buying fast food, running to the grocery store and trying to “figure out” what’s for dinner. 

5. If your child is walking or biking for the first time, teach them the expected route.  This will help alleviate any anxiety.

6. Begin to revisit expectations around cell phones, television and computer usage.  Check the school policy on cell phones in school.  

7. Check emails/Reminds for updated school communications.

1 Week out:

1. This is not a drill!  Bedtimes are now a hard must do.

2. Start your morning routine.

3. Check your email and other school communications

4. Check to be sure of your supplies and grocery needs.

Back to School Day 1:

1. Let’s Do it!!  You got it!!!

Helpful Hints:

• Get gas at night

• Make lunches at night

• Take baths and showers at night

• Rotisserie Chickens are awesome for multiple days 

• Place bookbags by the door or even in the car the night before.

• Make dinner a few nights out.  Make meals that can be reimagined. ( Rotisserie chicken day 1, shred the remaining and make tacos, enchiladas or add to a green salad or a wrap)

• Breathe

Planning and thinking ahead is critical to your success and peace.  Stay committed to your planning.  It will take at least 30 days of consistency for this to become a routine!