The looming end of summer break fills parents with equal parts excitement and dread. While kids eagerly chatter about seeing old friends and new classes, parents face down the reality of jam-packed schedules, endless school supply lists, and the scramble to get everyone out the door on time each morning.
But it doesn't have to be this way! With some strategic planning and purposeful focus, you can set your family up for a smooth transition back to the school year routine. Taking time to get organized, shop smart, ease anxieties, and bond as a family will help make the most of this busy season. Read on to learn tips and tricks to help you breeze through back-to-school with less stress and more joy.
By looking at back to school as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, you can nurture relationships and create special memories. Don't let the flurry of activity leave you frazzled. With these helpful hints, you can focus on what matters most – making the most of precious time with your kids before school starts!
Contents
- 1 How to Get Super Organized for Back-to-School
- 2 How to Shop Smart for Back to School
- 3 How to Ease Back to School Anxiety and Transition Stress
- 4 Fun Ways to Bond as a Family Before Back-to-School
- 5 How to Make the Most of Back-to-School Season
- 6 Get Super Organized
- 7 Shop Smart
- 8 Ease the Transition
- 9 Bond as a Family
How to Get Super Organized for Back-to-School
The back-to-school rush often feels like controlled chaos. There are school supplies to buy, forms to fill out, clothes to wash – the list goes on! Getting organized ahead of time helps make the transition smoother for the whole family. Follow these tips to get a handle on the back-to-school madness:
Take Stock of What You Have
- Go through backpacks, lunch boxes, and other gear. Make a list of what needs replacing.
- Sort through school supplies and make a list of what's needed.
- Check kids' closet for clothes that still fit and are weather appropriate.
- Make a list of shoes needed, like sneakers for gym. Include current sizes.
Make Detailed Shopping Lists
- Use your lists to make one master shopping list organized by store.
- Add sizes and colors when possible to make shopping efficient.
- Distinguish between needs and wants. Stick to the essentials!
- List out healthy lunch items and snacks to add variety.
Schedule Appointments in Advance
| Type | Schedule at Least… |
|---|---|
| Haircuts | 2 weeks before |
| Dentist | 1 month before |
| Doctor/Physicals | 2 months before |
| Immunizations | 2 months before |
| Eye Exams | 3 months before |
Tip: Sync school and family calendars to schedule appointments during vacations or teacher in-service days when possible.
Gather Paperwork
- File school registration, health forms, etc. together in one place.
- Create folders for each child containing:
- Current physical
- Immunization records
- Health insurance card
- IEP or 504 if applicable
- Make copies as needed. Don't wait until the last minute!
Set Up Homework Stations
- Clear desk or table space for each child to use for homework/studying.
- Stock with pens, pencils, paper, stapler, headphones, and other essentials.
- Add a small organizer or bins for flashcards, notebooks, etc.
- Have healthy snacks on hand for study fuel!
Getting organized ahead of time prevents last minute scrambling. You'll breeze through back-to-school prep so you can enjoy the last days of summer!
How to Shop Smart for Back to School
Back-to-school shopping can put a dent in your wallet if you're not careful. Follow these savvy tips to get everything you need while sticking to your budget:
Strategize Before You Shop
- Make a list and set a spending limit. This keeps you focused. Leave room in the budget for incidentals.
- Look for sales and coupons. Check paper flyers and online deals at stores like Target, Walmart, and Staples. Sign up for email alerts.
- Shop seasonally. Buy summer clothes on clearance to wear early in the fall.
- Use cash-back apps. Upload receipts from Walmart, Amazon, etc. to earn cash back. Every bit helps!
Shop Second-Hand First
- Check consignment shops. Items are gently used and you can find premium brands for less.
- Browse Facebook Marketplace. Search for school supplies and clothes in your area to pick up locally.
- Organize a clothing swap. Get together with other parents to trade gently used clothes.
Focus On Versatility
- Stick to classic wardrobe basics in solid colors that can be mixed and matched across outfits.
- Choose comfy, durable shoes in leather or suede that go with everything.
- Buy multi-packs of socks and underwear. More cost effective than single packs.
- Get accessories like solid headbands and patterned masks that can brighten up basic outfits.
Make It Fun for Kids
- Give kids a clothing budget and let them pick some new pieces.
- Involve them in supply shopping. Let them select their own headphones, locker accessories, etc.
- Have them help make lunches using new bento boxes and snack containers.
Shopping strategically allows you to get everything on the school list without breaking the bank. With a plan in place, you can check back-to-school shopping off your list!
How to Ease Back to School Anxiety and Transition Stress
The back-to-school transition can be stressful for kids and parents alike. These tips will help you ease anxiety and adjust to the new routine smoothly:
Set the Circadian Rhythm
- Adjust bed and wake times at least 1-2 weeks before school starts. Aim to match school day schedule.
- Stick to the routine on weekends and vacations too so it becomes habit before Day 1.
- Limit screen time in the evening to avoid disruption of sleep cycles.
- Avoid caffeine close to bedtime as it can interfere with sleep.
Provide Reassurance
- Communicate enthusiasm about the school year even if kids express nervousness. Model a positive attitude.
- Listen to concerns and provide empathy and reassurance. Some anxiety is normal.
- Share what to expect about the daily schedule, routines, teachers and rules. Mystery increases anxiety.
- Arrange school tours and meet-the-teacher events. Familiarity breeds comfort.
- Connect with new classmates before school via phone, video games or meet-ups.
Practice New Routines
- Map out morning route and commute time. Practice drive or bus ride and account for traffic.
- Organize backpacks and lunch boxes. Pack them up as if it's a real school morning.
- Lay out clothes, shoes and accessories. Practice getting dressed and ready on time.
- Rehearse the morning routine. Set alarm, get dressed, eat breakfast and walk out the door.
Set Up Designated Study Spaces
- Create a quiet homework/study nook with a comfortable chair and desk or table space.
- Keep supplies organized and stocked – paper, pens, highlighters, charging cords, earbuds, etc.
- Minimize distractions in the study zone by limiting toys, TV or loud music.
- Display academic calendars and schedules as visual reminders while working.
Preparing kids mentally, emotionally and logistically eases uncertainty and sets the stage for back-to-school success.
Fun Ways to Bond as a Family Before Back-to-School
The back-to-school rush often means family time gets put on the back burner. But fitting in bonding activities before the hectic schedule sets in can make your relationships stronger. Here are fun ideas to try:
Host a Back-to-School Bash
- Decorate your home with school-themed banners and balloons. Have kids make placemats featuring school photos.
- Serve classic cafeteria foods like pizza, chicken nuggets, and Jell-O cups. Play games like Simon Says to take it back to recess.
- Share school memories and advice. Swap funny stories from your school days. Offer encouragement for the year ahead.
Make the Most of Time Off
- Take a mini-vacation or local staycation if you have a long weekend before school starts. Drive-in movies, camping, the county fair — make family memories.
- Tackle a home project together — organize the garage, paint a room, display family photos. Bond while sprucing up the house.
- Volunteer as a family. Look for opportunities nearby: cleaning up parks, walking shelter dogs, donating school supplies.
Keep the Connection Going
- Continue family dinner nights. Cook together then eat without TV or phones. A midweek oasis!
- Schedule monthly family fun outings like mini golf, the zoo, bowling. Even just getting ice cream together.
- Find time for simple rituals like afternoon tea, family walks, reading aloud before bed. Small moments build big bonds.
The back-to-school rush doesn't have to push your family to the sidelines. Use these last days of summer to fortify your most important relationships!
How to Make the Most of Back-to-School Season
The back to school season is a whirlwind of shopping trips, paperwork, and preparations. But you can rise above the chaos and set your family up for success with these key strategies:
Get Super Organized
Tackle school supply lists, forms, and appointments early. Schedule haircuts, dentist visits, and physicals in advance. Set up homework stations and get paperwork squared away now so you're not scrambling later. Organization relieves stress for the whole family.
Shop Smart
Look for sales, coupons and consignment deals when back-to-school shopping. Involve kids in picking clothes and supplies that excite them. Focus on versatility and classics over trends. Make a budget and stick to your lists to avoid overspending.
Ease the Transition
As the first day approaches, adjust sleep schedules and practice morning routines. Listen to worries and provide reassurance. Tour the school and meet the teacher for familiarity. Connect with classmates beforehand if switching schools. Test commutes and establish study spaces and homework habits.
Bond as a Family
Before schedules get hectic, fortify family relationships by planning activities that nurture fun and togetherness. Share school memories over a themed dinner. Volunteer locally as a family. Schedule date nights and simple rituals that maintain your connection, even during busier times.
With some intentional preparation, teamwork, and bonding, you can sail through back-to-school season and set your family up for a great year ahead!