Whether you are sending your child off to their first day kindergarten or your teen to college. There are some tips to help get back to school organized:
For children of all ages:
- Start by creating a check list
- Obtain a list of supplies from the school. Many times the school will send a letter home or you can check out the school’s website.
- Create your own list of supplies and items to prepare.
- Start discussing school schedules or routines, lunches, time management (bedtimes for younger children) and budgets (for older children).
- Inventory what you have on hand, what can be repurposed or what new items are needed. Then schedule a shopping time.
For college students:
- They should make a list and so should the parents and then compare the two. There is a great on-line resource for a checklist for college-bound students.
- Create an area as a landing for items gathered for school so they are in one spot. Or consider waiting to buy some things once on campus especially if the school is further away or items are too costly to ship.
- Use items such as crates or a foot locker to pack. These items can be used for storage or furniture in the dorm.
- Discuss things such a laundry, problem-solving, healthcare and how you will stay in touch (frequent emails or weekly calls) now.
For younger children:
- Make child-care arrangements for after school, if necessary. Also, think about how to handle sick and snow days now.
- Create a school storage supply area (shelf or drawer) to store bulk items so they are all in one place.
- Give each student at home a file drawer or bin to contain completed work and current assignments.
- Create a quiet study center for each child.
By planning ahead going back to school can be organized and stress-free. I would love to hear your ideas.