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Preparing for Back to School
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Moms all over the country are counting
the days until "back to school", while kids are busy packing in every last
minute of fun and relaxation available. The following are a few tips to
ease your family's transition to the school day schedule.
- School Supplies - Many schools
publish lists of needed supplies early. Do yourself a favor and shop now,
while stores are less crowded and prices are low. Buy in bulk - you will
likely need paper, pencils, and pens for many years to come, so go ahead
and stock up now.
- Clothing - Plan to take each child
shopping well in advance of the first week of school. I prefer, when
possible, to take each child individually. I'm fortunate that my children
wear uniforms for school, so we don't have many disagreements over style.
Prior to leaving on your shopping trip, assess your child's current
clothing. Determine what fits properly, is still in style and will last
through the season. Donate clothing your child has outgrown to a
charitable organization's thrift store. Then, make a list of your needs
and shop only for items on your list. Prior to shopping, be sure to check
with your school with regards to dress code regulations and do not
purchase items which do not meet the school's dress code.
- Hair and grooming - Most children,
especially boys, will need haircuts after the lazy days of summer. Do
yourself a favor and take them now rather than waiting until the last
minute and facing long wait times. Also, now is a good time to stock up
on personal care products for the coming year, to restock toothbrushes,
and to determine the pecking order for shower schedules.
- Sleep schedule transition - Most
families allow a later bed time routine during the less busy summer
months. Children's sleep schedules become shifted, staying up later and
sleeping in later in the morning. A few weeks prior to the start of
school, begin to have children go to bed earlier and begin waking them up
earlier this morning. I am learning that this is particularly important
with my pre-teen son, who is suddenly requiring more sleep. If children
fight this earlier bed time, allow them to read in bed to ease the
transition.
- Meet your teachers - If possible,
drop by your children's school in the weeks prior to the first day to meet
your child's teacher. Most of these dedicated professionals will can be
found organizing and decorating classrooms in anticipation of the start of
the new year. If you are fortunate enough to arrange such a meeting,
introduce yourself and your child and offer your help. Most teachers will
welcome this type of volunteer work and your child will be the
beneficiary.
Many additional details will remain to
be taken care of prior to the first day of school, but time spent in the
weeks prior will help to ease the transition for your entire family. Speak
with your child now about his or her goals for the coming school year.
Obtain the school calendar and work to arrange vacations, doctor's
appointments and other meetings during off school time. Do your best to
face the school year in an organized fashion and before you know it, you'll
be counting the days until summer!
Related Articles:
Back to School Checklist
Preparing for Back to School
Beating the Back to School Blues
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