Tip 1: School Supplies

If you haven’t already done so, get your school supplies list from your child’s school. Retailers like Walmart and Target also have a great feature on their websites where you can enter the school name and location to retrieve the supply list. You can even order directly online and have it shipped to your home or local store. Back-to-school shopping can add up quickly, so check out some of our tips to save on school supplies!

Tip 2: Before and Aftercare

Balancing your child’s school schedule with your workday can be a real challenge. Before and aftercare gives working parents the flexibility they need while keeping kids engaged with activities like games, homework assistance, and hanging out with other students. You can check with your child’s school to see what programs are available and decide what best fits your family’s needs. Having a childcare plan in place will make the back-to-school transition a lot easier for everyone.

Tip 3: Transportation

You have a few options when it comes to transportation. Your child may ride the school bus, walk to school, or get dropped off in the morning. If your child is taking the school bus, you may want to see if you have neighbors with children who are riding the bus so they can walk to and from the bus stop together. If you’re driving your child to and from school, know the school’s drop-off and pick-up procedures. Going over transportation details can give you peace of mind when the first-day rolls in.

Tip 4: Meet the Teacher

If you haven’t already, consider setting up a time to meet your child’s teacher. It’s a great opportunity to put a face to the name, discuss learning plans, and find out the best way to stay in touch – whether by email, phone call, text, or an online portal. After all, your child will be spending just about every day with this person!

Tip 5: Develop a Sleep Routine

If your child has been staying up late during the summer, now is the time to ease back into a bedtime routine. Gradually shifting bedtime and wake-up time a little earlier each day can help both you and your child adjust before that first big day arrives. A consistent routine now means a smoother start later.

Tip 6: Get Organized

Getting into a routine can be challenging, but a little organization can make a smoother transition. One organization tip is to prep school snacks and lunches the night before school. Start by making sure you have the groceries you need. Single-serving snacks are always easy, but you may consider buying in bulk and creating your own single servings with small snack bags. You can do this ahead of time so it is easier to assemble your child’s lunches. It can also be helpful to lay out clothes the night before school and set your child’s backpack by the door with everything needed for the next day. Calendars can also help keep track of assignment deadlines, tests, extra-curricular activities, etc.