Back to School Tips: Enjoying the Final Days of Summer
This summer seemed to fly by faster than ever before. It feels like yesterday that spring flowers were blooming and kids were getting out of school for the summer. Right?
Am I the only one feeling this way? Here we are — at the last full month of summer with back-to-school prep upon us.
Do you feel like your family summer is just getting started? Everybody is having a great time running around barefoot, going to the pool, and playing outside. The idea of school is a giant mood-killer.
Maybe this is the first year your little one will be attending school, and you're both feeling some anxiety over that.
The good news is you still have some time to prepare mentally and physically before it’s time to send your kids off for another season of learning. And you still have time to seize those last days of summer and make some special memories!
In order to enjoy your last summer days and squeeze in some end of summer activities, you need to be stress-free about the upcoming school year. That’s why I put together this list of back to school tips for parents everywhere!
I’ve also included some summer activities, so you can truly enjoy the last full days you have with your kids. Most people aren’t ready for summer to end. So if you’re one of those people, take a look at the summer ideas in this blog and make the most of the time you have left!
Preparing for school
Preparing for school can feel like a lot of pressure. Between checking off the items on the supply list your school gives you, mentally preparing yourself and your child, and getting into a routine… It can be a stressful time!
Can I encourage you to stop and take a deep breath? Remember, children pick up on our moods and feelings. So the more stressed and anxious you are, the more your child will be too. Reminding yourself to stay calm and relaxed will help the overall atmosphere.
Now, let’s take a look at these simple back to school tips.
Back to school shopping
Most schools have lists of necessary supplies for each grade. Check your school’s website to find yours. You can also find lots of school supply lists online — you can check individual lists for each grade here.
Take your kids with you to make back to school shopping fun. Watching out for deals and sales at your local retailers is a great way to save a little extra. If you’ve never had to go shopping for school supplies before and you’re not sure where to go, Dollar Tree is a great option. They offer many craft items and office supplies for affordable prices.
Other places like Walmart and Target have everything you need, from lunch boxes to backpacks. And of course, there’s always the option of shopping online from the comfort of your couch.
Ask for your kid’s input whenever you can. Remember, they may be feeling unsure about the upcoming school year, and allowing them to be a part of decisions can help them feel a little more in control. Letting them choose which color backpack or which notebooks they want is a great way to include them.
Prepping the home
It’s a good idea to get things in order at home before the school year is underway. This way, it’s less change all at once. Here are a few things you can prep around the house before your kids go back to school:
Having these in order around the home will make life easier for both you and your kids. Everyone thrives on routine and order, not chaos. So, do what you can to make the transition from summer to school a little easier.
A good sleep routine
Perhaps the most important back to school tip for parents: have a consistent sleep routine that ensures your child is getting enough sleep each night. The amount of sleep each child needs varies by age, so you can take a look at what the CDC recommends here.
For instance, it’s recommended that a 6-year-old gets 9-12 hours of sleep each night. So if your child has to get up at 6, getting them in bed between 7 and 8 would be ideal. While your little one may protest an early bedtime, everyone — including yourself — will thank you the following day!
Nutritious meal planning
What we eat greatly impacts our ability to function, and children are no different. Make sure your kids eat a filling, nutritious breakfast to start their day off right. Something like eggs, yogurt with granola, and bacon or sausage are great ways to help your child have a clear head for listening and learning.
You can prepare breakfasts ahead of time, as well. Make breakfast foods like muffins and egg casseroles and freeze them until needed. Adding breakfasts to your meal plan can also avoid the last-minute grab for cereal.
If you’re planning to have your child eat school lunches, talk with them about the importance of good nutrition and how to make wise choices when it comes to food.
If you’re sending lunches with your child, you can create a meal plan for that, as well. Have your child help out with preparing lunches, if they’re old enough. Depending on what it is, you can prepare a full week’s worth of lunches at the beginning of the week.
Helping your child adjust
Especially if this is your child’s first year of school, they may be feeling apprehensive and nervous about it too. Do what you can to ease your child’s fear. Take them to their school, and walk them around the classroom where they’ll be spending most of their time.
Take them to meet their teacher and allow them to get to know each other a little bit. Your child may be unsure about everything that comes with a new school year, but this back to school tip can make everyone rest a little bit easier.
End of summer activities to remember
But before you go into full back to school mode, don’t forget to have a little more summer fun with your family! These end of summer activities may be exactly what you need to end summer with a bang.
Take that hike you never went on. Make it a nature walk to include little ones, if necessary.
Go to your neighborhood park one more time.
Plan the zoo trip that you’ve been putting off since the beginning of summer.
Go camping — even if it’s in your backyard.
Lie on a blanket, look at the stars, and enjoy the night sounds.
Go to the pool or the lake one more time.
Have a picnic.
Go get ice cream at your favorite creamery.
Seriously, get out and enjoy the last summer days with your kids. They’ll remember the time you spend with them for years to come!
And remember, school time doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow the simple back to school tips listed above, and you’ll be off to a great school year.
Tell us in the comments — what are some of your favorite back to school tips for parents? We’d love to hear what’s made your life easier.