As the school year approaches, it’s time to think about the chaos that comes with it—new backpacks, oversized shoes, and parents everywhere desperately trying to catch up on multiplication tables to avoid the dreaded summer brain drain. But don’t worry, you still have time to get yourself and your little scholars somewhat organized. Here are ten tips that might help you (or not) be ready for school before the bell rings!
- Start Shopping Early: Most parents wait until after the first day of school to tackle the supply list, which often ends up crumpled at the bottom of an already worn-out backpack. Avoid the back-to-school rush by shopping now, when everyone else is still soaking up their summer freedom. You might end up with the wrong kind of notebook paper or not enough three-ring binders, but hey, that’s why we have online shopping!
- Prepare Your Child for Heavy Lifting: This isn’t about you—it’s about your child. Those stacks of textbooks and binders won’t carry themselves, so maybe it’s time to start strength training for the little ones.
- Conduct a ‘Bus Stop Drill’: To ease back into the morning routine, practice getting ready in a hurry. Sneak into your child’s room at the crack of dawn and wake them up as if you’re running late. Frantic reminders about shoes, homework, and permission slips will help them acclimate to school mornings. Just do it enough times until they can get ready in five minutes or less, or until they file a restraining order against you.
- Declutter the Crayon Box: If you’re like many parents, your crayon collection is a graveyard of broken pieces. Before you splurge on a new box, sift through the remains. You could melt them down into new crayons—if you ever get around to it. But let’s be honest, most of that will probably end up in the trash.
- Homework Station?: If you’re confused by the term “homework station,” you’re in good company. Pinterest may have suggested it, but really, what does it even mean?
- Create an Accountability Folder: Keep your kids on track with checklists and chore charts. Because, yes, you definitely need another thing to remind them about daily!
- Do Some Meal Prep: One of the biggest time-sinks during the school year is packing lunches. Consider making a bulk batch of sandwiches and freezing them for the year. No need to worry about freshness; chances are your kid won’t eat the lunch anyway!
- Choose a First Day Outfit: Your child will want to feel comfortable, but let’s face it—Mom has her own agenda. Pick out that adorable apple-patterned dress (there’s a matching one for the sibling, of course!) for a perfectly coordinated photo opportunity for social media.
- Prepare for the First Day Photo: Have you begun working on those adorable “First Day of Kindergarten” signs with your child’s age and interests? If not, you might want to consider holding them back a year; after all, the perfect photo is a one-time opportunity!
- Sharpen Those Pencils: And by sharpen, I mean literally sharpen the pencils you already have, instead of buying more every year. You likely have enough pencils lying around to construct a small replica of the Eiffel Tower.
So there you have it! Follow these tips, and while you may not be fully prepared for the school year, at least you’ll be in good company with other parents who are winging it. For more insights into navigating life’s challenges, check out our post on the home insemination kit.
In the realm of parenting, there’s always something to learn, and for more specialized information on starting a family, visit the CDC’s resource page or explore slow cooker cranberry sauce ideas for those busy school nights.
Summary
As the school year approaches, parents can prepare (or not) using a mix of humor and practicality. From shopping early for supplies to practicing morning routines, these ten tips offer a lighthearted take on the back-to-school frenzy, reminding us that organization can be chaotic yet manageable.