Back to School Tips

Summer has flown by, and the school year is sneaking up on all of us. Don't be caught off guard on the first day of school, instead, ensure that both you and your children will be prepared for the start of another hectic year by following these simple tips.

School year schedule

Summer nights are for staying up till midnight and waking up at lunch, but the summer has come to an end and the school bell will soon be ringing at 7:30 sharp! So instead of giving your children a rude awakening on August 19th, ease them gradually back into a school year routine. During the last two weeks of summer, re-introduce a school year bedtime. Begin waking late sleepers earlier and earlier, closer to the hour they'll need to rise when school begins.

Create calendar central

The school year has it's own way of drowning you in activities before you know what's happening. School functions. Scout meetings. Ballet lessons. Nothing calms the chaos like Calendar Central: a centralized site for all family calendars and schedules. Color code everyone's activities and don't forget to keep track! Post the calender in a place where everyone will see it (on the fridge, near the phone, etc.) When your hair stylist calls to schedule an appointment or Susie's mom wants to arrange a play date, you'll know at a glance whether you're free that day.

Plan before you shop

August is the second-biggest sales month for clothing retailers. Back to school clothing sales begin as early as July! Don't wait till the week before school to do your shopping or you may find yourself fighting another mom for the last pencil pouch. An informed shopper is a savvy shopper, so prepare before you shop. Take an afternoon and assess each child's clothing and school supply needs so you don't get caught buying unnecessary items.

Also, remember, Florida's tax free weekend is August 2nd-4th!

Gather your papers

School entry may require documentation from immunization records to report cards from the previous school year. Athletes need proof of medical examination. A little preparation can prevent frantic last-minute searches for a birth certificate or registration confirmation.

Call your child's school or check the school district Web site beforehand to find out what paperwork will be required--then find it! You won't be sorry come registration day..

Make a practice run

How will children get to school? The first day of school is no time to find out it takes twice as long as you thought to walk to the nearest bus stop! Before school begins, make a practice run to get children to the school on time (and don't forget to account for early morning traffic)! If they're walking to a bus stop, help them learn the route and note the needed time. Also post your children's bus schedule on your bulletin board or refrigerator to prevent the chaos of a missed bus. 

Improve the daily routine

The school year will have your head spinning before you know it, so don't be caught off guard! Sports practice, music lessons, youth group, doctors appointments, and other various commitments may leave you spending less time in your house than you thought. Get organized and don't get left behind in the school year shuffle!

Cut time in the kitchen: create a menu plan and never again wonder "What's for dinner?"
Streamline dinner preparations. Try a session of freezer cooking to stock the freezer with prepared entrees for stress-free dinner on sports night.
Conquer the paper pile-up. Set up a basic home filing system to track school paperwork, volunteer activities and household planning