8 Tips for Getting Ready to Go Back to School

Heading back to school can be an anxious time for parents, teachers, and kids! It doesn't have to be a scary or stressful time for anyone; these tips will help the process. 

Parents and teachers scramble to get prepared, while the students anxiously await to see what their future holds. Will the teacher be nice? Are the kids in the class going to be kind? Is this school year going to be difficult? 

Don't fret! Here are some tips to make going back to school more comfortable for everyone. 

8 Tips for Going Back to School

1. Make a Meal Plan

The first week back to school is hard, and there are more things for everyone to do. Make a meal plan and know what's for dinner. You might schedule some easy Instant Pot meals or cook a few freezer meals on the weekend. 

2. Create a Go Station

Every parent dreads the scramble to get ready before school. Where are everyone's backpacks? Did you forget your lunchbox? Remember to wear shoes! 

To reduce the chaos, create a "Go Station" where everything is kept. Your kids can find their backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes, coats, musical instruments, and other essential items they need. 

3. Make a Checklist

You don't want your kids to forget to eat breakfast or brush their teeth, but tired kids forget essential tasks. Set out a simple checklist each morning, and include things such as brushing your teeth, brush your hair, get dressed, eat, and get your lunchbox.

4. Healthy Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Don't send your child to school without breakfast. If you are busy getting ready in the morning yourself, put breakfast together the previous night. Pancakes cook in the toaster, and casseroles in the Crock Pot are delicious. 

5. Pack Lunches the Night Before

Don't add to the stress in the morning by trying to pack lunches as everyone gets ready to leave. Instead, pack lunches the night before. Plan out meals on the weekend to ensure you have everything necessary. 

6. Drop and Go 

It's hard not to want to hang out and help your child adjust, but kids do better if parents drop and leave quickly. This is especially important for young, nervous students. Don't cry until you get to your car! Tearful goodbyes are never a good thing for a child. 

7. Make a Study Space

Kids need to study and complete their homework, and making a study space for them gives them a distraction-free zone to do so. Make sure your child has a comfortable chair and proper lighting to do his work. Add a calendar where he can put due dates for homework and projects. You might want to add some educational posters around the area as well for inspiration! 

8. Set Up a Family Calendar

School life makes a family busy! Set up a family calendar that everyone can see. Put practices, events, family commitments, and more on this calendar. Kids need predictability to ease back into school time.

Going back to school doesn't have to be stressful. With a little preparation and creativity, everyone can be excited and ready for school to start!