We all know that whilst the days might feel long (Mum joke!!), they’ll fly by in a blur. Then, like clockwork the day before school starts, there’ll be a mad panic about school uniforms, shoes, and bags. That’s when you remember the lost hat, the broken zipper, or the stationery you needed to buy and label. Here’s a helping hand with a back-to-school to-do list. We’ve put together some ideas to help you make the transition smoother and get back to school started with a win!
1. Start talking about school
I remember as a kid getting uncomfortable butterflies in my tummy the first morning back. My brother would try to encourage Mum to give him the day off. This anxiety is real and your child may be feeling it. For a short period before school goes back, start talking about it. A great conversation starter is to talk about the school day routine, their teachers, and all the friends they enjoy spending time with. Remind them what they’ve learned, and what’s ahead of them.
If your child is starting school for the first time, and they have a buddy, talk about the buddy with them. Maybe they have friends moving from preschool to a school with them. Share with them about when you were at school and how it has changed. Make sure you speak positively about school. Most importantly, listen. This may be the time they share fears, and anxieties or just fill you in on things you didn’t know. Be present and offer them your support so they begin the term feeling positive.
2. Playdates/catch-ups
Life gets busy in the school holidays, spending time with family, and most of us are still working. However, it’s important to keep some time set aside for catch-ups with friends. Ask them who they’d like to have over, or arrange a catch-up at the park. When friends visit, encourage the kids to go outside, play a game or climb a tree. Helping your kids reconnect with their friends will help get them excited about going back to school together.
3. Get back to a regular bedtime
If your family is anything like mine, bedtime rules slide over the holidays. We all enjoy our chilled-out evenings when watching a movie doesn’t affect how we perform at school (or work) the next day. Get them back into a bedtime schedule before school starts. Let them get a few good night’s sleep so they are well-rested and ready for all of the learning that’s to come. Being well-rested will also help them to deal with change as they move to new teachers, or share their class with different friends.
4. Refresh screen time rules
Another thing that seems to fall a little by the wayside is our family’s rules about screen time. I find it’s a good idea to reinstate those rules at least a week before school goes back. My children are grumpy for a couple of days when their screen time is reduced so it’s a good idea to avoid those arguments before we get too close to the start of a new school term. Find other things to do. Practice their musical instruments, read a book, do revision, or tidy their bedroom! However, don’t make it feel like a punishment. Give them a positive ‘reward’ for accepting these changes. It doesn’t have to cost you any money, it’s just an excuse to make them feel good.
5. Read a book
Encourage your children to read before they go back to school. Get them back into the habit of reading a chapter before they go to sleep or if they are younger, sit with them and help them to read. Even older children benefit from you listening to them. It aids them with the pronunciation of tricky words and helps them identify areas they might be struggling in. Even if they’re a great reader, it gives you some time together.
6. Check school bags, lunch boxes, and drink bottles
There’s nothing worse than discovering a broken zipper on a bag the day school goes back. Or the mouldy sandwich that has been festering unnoticed all school holidays. Yuck! Have a look at your child’s school bag, check zippers and empty pockets. Kids don’t need a new bag every year if last year’s bag is still going strong. It’s the same with lunchboxes.
Check that it’s still food-safe and mould hasn’t taken hold. Check reusable drink bottles don’t leak, and then very importantly, take the time to label everything. You’ll save yourself a fortune if lost lunchboxes make their way back.
7. School uniforms, shoes, and haircuts
It’s easy to underestimate how much your kids have grown over the school holidays. Clothes that fit at the end of last term, might be too small now. Shoes you thought would give you a few more months may now see toes touching the ends. Check out this school shoes guide from Prime Health Podiatry.
Make sure you have enough school uniforms to see you through the week. In summer it’s easier to wash and dry clothes but as cooler months approach it’s good to know you have enough school uniforms to see your child through the week without washing and drying.
Label everything. I know it’s time-consuming, but there is nothing worse than losing a new (expensive) jacket at the start of the term and never finding it again. And don’t forget the hat! Back to school is a busy time for hairdressers too, so bookings are essential at most salons.
8. School stationery
Do you remember the list you were given at the end of last term? You know. The one you put on the pile of things to do that has now been buried! It’s time to go and find it. There are lots of stores that have special offers on school supplies. If you don’t have the time to go and shop in person, order online. They’ll get your list ready for you so all you have to do is pick it up. Simples! Labelling the stationery is down to you though. The joys of being a parent!
9. School lunches and snacks
How often have you filled a lunchbox with carefully thought-out food choices, only for it all to come home uneaten? Start talking to your kids about what they would like for their lunches. If they’re old enough, encourage them to help make it. Preparing savoury muffins or making wraps with their favourite fillings will encourage them to eat what they find in their lunchbox. Cutting up fruit or veggie sticks together allows them to choose what they want. Encourage your kids to give you ideas. Make them responsible for their food choices, and for eating it too. But remember, sometimes, hanging out with their friends is a priority, and lunch can always wait until 3 pm!
10. Off to high school and more homework?
Preparing for high school can be daunting. Then there’s homework! Your child may be used to doing some homework already, however that will crank up once high school kicks in. Talk with your child about planning time to do it after school, and on weekends. You may want to reduce the number of extra activities they do during term, while they get used to it. Give your child some tools to help them. You might find using an app to plan their time works for them, or they may like to write it all down. Find what works for your child and support them during the start of a new journey.
Read more here about transitioning to high school.
11. School Vouchers & Learn to Swim Vouchers
The government often has vouchers for eligible children which can help towards the cost of living. To find the latest vouchers for kids and families, read our guide: School Vouchers & Learn to Swim Vouchers.
These vouchers are not available to all families. However, things change all the time. It’s worth checking back and keeping up-to-date.
