My tan is starting to fade and I have just made that expensive trip to the shoe shop – signs that can only point to one thing, it is almost time for the kids to go back to school!

You may be looking forward to getting back into the school routine, although for some, after having weeks of perhaps more leisurely mornings, the thought of having to get the kids fed, dressed and off to school all before 8:45 is a daunting prospect! We have put together a back to school checklist for you to avoid any last minute panics.

Double check your child’s school information:

  • Most schools send out newsletters or an information sheet at the end of the summer term to advise which topics your child will be covering over the next academic year. It is worth familiarising yourself with this to see if there has been any homework set over the summer holidays. I know that I need to set some time aside to help my son make a super hero out of a toilet roll! I also need to sign up to a website for school lunches and select my son’s lunches for the term ahead – things have considerably changed since I was at school!
  • Check the school calendar for specific events that may be happening in the first few weeks back at school.

back to school checklist and stress reducing tips

School uniform and essentials:

Children grow rapidly and so it’s no wonder that we often find that there are several items that need replacing each school year.

Essential bits and bobs:

  1. Name labels for clothes and dishwasher proof name labels for water bottles and lunch boxes.
  2. School uniform; trousers/skirts, jumpers/cardigans and polo tops/shirts/blouses. The easy iron options are ideal to save some time as well as stain resistant polo tops – although I’m not totally convinced that they live up to their claim of being stain resistant!
  3. Warm waterproof coat, hat, scarf and gloves for the winter months
  4. Socks and comfortable shoes (slip-proof options may help avoid accidents in the playground and velcro may be easier than laces for your child to use)
  5. PE kit (shorts and t-shirt) with plimsolls, socks and a gym bag to keep it in
  6. Swimming kit if your child’s school organises swimming lessons
  7. School bag (or book bag with the school logo on – this can usually be bought from the school)
  8. Lunch box (if not having school lunches) and a drinks bottle
  9. Check to see if they need any extra things – my son needed to take welly boots when he started in reception class as there was a mud kitchen in the playground!
  10. Schools now often recommend certain stationery for your child in order to fit with the teaching methods they use, so look out for a list of requirements. The items that your child will require will depend on their age and school year so be aware of how their needs change.

back to school checklist and stress reducing tips

Routines and priorities change quickly in our children’s lives, which for some of them can be quite a lot to take on board and often proves stressful.

It can be helpful to establish a routine to deal with this together with your child.

Benefits of a back to school routine

A ‘school routine’ can help ease stress. Key aspects include ‘quiet time’ – to read or complete homework, along with ensuring your children go to bed at a fixed time.

Plan and buy healthy breakfast options and make packed lunches the evening before so that you don’t end up struggling for ideas in the morning.

If your child is about to start a new school, if you can, introduce your child to other classmates before school starts, this is a great way to help them feel positive about school and give them the best chance of making friends.

Discuss school and any anxieties they may have before their first day. Addressing any worries before they start will give you the opportunity to deal with issues before your child becomes too upset and teary at the school gate, it is all about reassuring them. Bet you can still remember that back to school feeling…

 

If time is not on your side and you need some extra help with purchasing school uniform, stationary or tips for making healthy pack lunches then we would be happy to help. Get in touch to find out how we can.