How to Survive Back to School
I was in Walmart last week, and already the aisles are plastered with ‘Back to School’ signs. Have you seen them yet? Does it have your stress levels up a little? It's the first week of August, and maybe it is just me, but I am already panicking about that Labour-Day-Weekend dash to get everything we need to get ready for school. Our oldest starts kindergarten this year, and we’re struggling with the lists, the prep, the anticipation of what’s coming. Anyone with me?
Transitions and new beginnings cause tension, stress and conflict within a family, and we want to do our best to help eliminate some of that for you. September shouldn’t be looming over your head like a dark cloud; it can be a natural end to a fun-filled summer. Can you imagine if instead of stress, anxiety, and rushing around, the days before school returns are filled with calm anticipation and the final family memories of a great summer? No, you’re thinking...no, I can’t. How, with so much to do, can we possibly avoid that end of summer panic?
Start now.
Bite off little pieces along the way in order to enjoy every bit of summer, while preventing a mad dash in September. Some of these tips might even help you stay on budget when you’re back to school shopping! Here’s our plan of attack:
Week 1 - Inventory & List Making
Figure out which clothing and school supplies you already have in the house; this will help you create your list, and avoid over-purchasing things (4 rulers is probably more than enough)
Use your inventory to make a list of what you need to buy/find. Writing it down helps to stay within your budget, and helps you focus on looking for sales ahead of the Labour Day rush. It also prevents the impulse-buy of 12 fluffy pink pens for the pre-teen who ‘has to have them’.
Week Two - Routine Planning & Fall Activities
Figure out what your typical day is going to look like. Does everyone start school at the same time? What time do you need to be up in the morning for everyone to get out the door on time? What will the kids be responsible for (packing lunches? Tidying their room? Unpacking their bags?). When does homework need to be done? Look at your extracurricular activities too; are there any nights of the week that are shaping up to be crazy?
Without a plan in place, suddenly each one of your kids is signed up for 7 activities at conflicting times, and you spend your entire fall running from place to place. Don’t lose sight of ‘family time’ and the importance of relaxation when you’re scheduling out your week. Also, take note of that sneaky first PA day, so you’re not scrambling for day care at 10 pm on a Thursday night.
Week Three - Shopping:
Depending on your kids' moods, age, and opinions this may need a whole week. We’re far enough into the summer now that stores are starting to really mark down their school supplies. Pull out that list you made in week 1, and check the sales whenever you’re in Walmart/Staples/etc. Flipp App is an easy way to check many stores at one time. If your kids get ‘back to school’ clothes, it might be a good time to set out some guidelines for shopping (how much to spend? What clothes are needed? If your child is middle school aged (or up) this is a great chance to teach them about budgeting, helping them plan what they need and how much money they have.
Week 4 - Lunch Plans & Backpack Prep
Find some lunch ideas for the first few weeks of school, so you’re not throwing crackers and apples at your kids as they walk out the door (not that there is anything wrong with that). Here is a list of some amazing easy AND healthy lunch ideas we’ve come across. Have your kids help with this one; after all, they’re the ones that will be eating! To make lunch-packing easier, a standard grocery list might also be a benefit. My mom used one when we were kids - just check off what you need instead of making a list of what you remember.
Help your kids pack their backpacks with supplies and everything they need. Have you ever lost the school supplies that you just bought and had to go re-buy them before school even starts? Most of the things won't be needed until school starts, so why not pack them all up in their backpack in advance?
Weekend Before: Pick Clothes, Make Memories, Reduce Stress
Help your kids decide what they are going to wear for the first day (this may change 6 times before the first day, but at least you’ll have a head start).
Plan for a dinner out or take-out the night before school starts. This will limit the crazy, decrease the mess, and avoid dishes altogether. That way, when you’re wrangling over-excited (or nervous) kids into bed, you feel like you’re starting ahead. This will give you the opportunity to make some of those final summer memories.
These tips can help alleviate stress, and give you room to celebrate the new milestones in your family this fall. If you’re stumbling upon this during the last week of August, don’t panic! We’ve got 8 steps above; just divide them up amongst the time you have left, and now you’ve got a plan of attack for your remaining summer. Jump in, and try to make going back to school memorable for all the right reasons.
Have you mastered the back to school insanity? Help your fellow parents (and me!), and comment below!