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The lazy days of summer are slowing coming to an end and the beginning of a new school year is just around the corner. It’s time to start thinking about all those back to school essentials, which go beyond just school supplies and new clothes. Here’s a break down of what I’ve noticed helps in making back to school a more fun, effortless adventure, rather than a rushed, flurry of activity.
Reintroduce the School Routine
I don’t know about your house, but the kids at ours get to run amok during the summer, staying up late, waking up late, watching TV all day, etc. Routine goes out the window. But I’ve noticed that if they are reminded about the impending change and gradually get reintroduced to their school year routine – reincorporating a bed time, setting the alarm earlier each day, providing educational stimulation via games, reading, assignments, etc. – they do much better during their return to school.
Talk it Out
While excitement is generally one of the emotions kids feel about heading back to school, many may also experience some anxiety and fear about what the new year may bring. Make sure you allow for an open line of communication for them to talk it out and express their feelings.
- Take advantage of any registration/orientation days where you can meet the teacher and explore the classroom/school together.
- Remind them first-day jitters are normal.
- Remind them of fun school activities – hanging out with friends, lunch, recess, art – which ever most interests them.
- Send them off with positive, fun, motivational notes in their backpacks and/or lunch boxes (see free printable below).
- Check in on their day as they return and continue to highlight the benefits of an education, socializing at school, etc.
Go Back to School Shopping Together
I know at times it may seem like it’s just easier if you do it alone, but I know that as a kid, going back to school shopping just added more excitement to the process. While I’m not suggesting you allow them to run amok and talk you into buying everything their hearts desire, it does help them feel empowered and part of the process when they can tag along and participate in what they’ll be donning that year.
You can even begin the process at home, as you let them in on your budget and decide what clothes fit or don’t fit and what supplies you already have and/or can be reused for the year. This will not only help you get your back to school shopping lists in order, but it will also allow you to make room for the new items.
Get Organized
As you head our for back to school shopping, don’t forget that you’ll also need ways to keep everything organized so that it’s ready for the beginning of the school year. That could be anything from backpacks, to lunch boxes, to various organizers/bins/baskets to meet all your needs.
Thankfully Big Lots has everything you’ll need and more, at the right price, to help take some of the pressure off you during this whole process. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself, your kids and your lists in order and begin laying the ground work for all the back to school fun to come. Before you know it, the first day of school will be upon us and you want to be ready!
What back to school essentials will you be investing in this year?
Digital Content Creator & Multimedia Designer at Your Sassy Self
I'm a Mexican-American, Sassy, Bilingual, Professional Woman with a passion for life long learning, sharing, and living my best life. I'm the founder and digital content creator for Your Sassy Self and work full time as a Multimedia Designer. Let's connect and see how we can change the world...or at least change our perspective of it. 😉
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Great ideas. I really loved the motivational notes. When my baby was little, I would use post-it notes until she begged me to stop.
Signs of a great Momma ? Thanks for sharing that Susan and for dropping by! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!