Back To School Tips

Schools back in session for some; for us we still have another month left! Switching from a laid-back fun in the sun summer; to RULES, HOMEWORK, and ROUTINES can be challenging. Make it easy for yourselves mom- with a little preparation, the right attitude and some good organizing techniques, it can be fun. Take advantage of this opportunity to help your kids start building skills they will need in life as adults.

Organize Yourselves CHECKLIST

I’ve created a BASIC BACK TO SCHOOL checklist that will help you prepare for the start of this NEW school year.

HELP YOUR CHILD PREPARE FOR SCHOOL

__ Find out what day school starts and what time your child should arrive

__ Have your child memorize your home address and home, cell, and work phone numbers

__ Fill out emergency contact sheets and any other required forms

__ Don’t forget to get their physicals and checkups

__ Talk with your child about their daily school schedule

CREATE CREATIVE ROUTINES

__ Establish a firm bedtime BEFORE school starts

__ Showers ought to be taken before bed

__ Have your child set their own alarm clocks 15 minutes before they need to get up

__ Lay out clothes the night before

__ Have backpacks and lunches packed and ready to go

__ Shoes and socks SHOULD be next to door, for easy access

__ Lively music playing in background helps with staying awake

__ Determine where and when your child will do homework

__ Figure out a plan for balancing homework and playtime

__ Set rules for the time spent on TV, video games, and computer use for non-school projects

__ Consider making a chore chart so your child will know what he has to do everyday…brush teeth, clean bathroom, take out trash, clean room, etc.

Check out these free chore charts, they have princess ones, and one for your little Ninja

PLAN HEALTHY LUNCHES

__ Have nutritious food on hand for breakfast and after-school snacks (we’ll have some articles to help you out soon)

__ Laptop Lunch boxes (www.laptoplunches.com) are American-style bento boxes designed to help you pack nutritious, environmentally friendly, healthy school lunches

__ Here’s a link to a good article on healthy foods and nutrition to help you decide what to put in your kids’ school lunch to make it both nutritious and appealing.

__ Interview your Child’s Healthy Nutrition Adviser on How to Pack a Healthy Lunch for School.

__ See more healthy school lunch ideas and don’t forget you can always get great recipes and ideas on Fit Moms Fit Kids Club.

__ Make some freezer lunches, check out Once A Month Mom for monthly ideas. In fact Tricia has a great ebook called

Survive Before 5: Toddler Meals for Your Busy Days.

It’s not just for toddlers! It has recipes for homemade spagetti O’s, apple chicken nuggets, and more, who wouldn’t like that for lunch.

BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHES

__ Un-clutter your child’s closet and get rid of clothes that are to small (donate them)

__ Wash a weeks worth of all acceptable clothing; have them pressed and ready in ADVANCE.

__ Check out back to school sales and separate WANTS from NEEDS.

__ Get Back To School Clothes At 50% Off.

BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES ON A BUDGET

__ Go over shopping list together. This teaches them how to get organized. (A skill that applies to more than shopping)

__ Set a budget for supplies. It will help your child set priorities & learn how to manage money.

__ Check the school website or call for a list of required supplies.

__ Find out whether students will store supplies at school or bring them home each day.

__ Set up a supply shelf or storage container in your home that you can use all year long.

__ Place supplies near the place your child will do homework, you’ll be modeling good organizational skills and they’ll have what they need close by.

__ Stock up on the basics at The Dollar Store. Pencils, notebooks, glue sticks and other inexpensive school supplies.

__ Buy a backpack or bag to carry daily items.

TJ Maxx has $7 Jansport Backpacks.

Have a GREAT School Year!