Tips on Tuesday: Back to School Tips

It's creeping up on us...back to school time. Well, maybe 'creeping' isn't the right word. At our house, back to school is bearing down on us like a Nascar driver coming into the straightaway. I've been thinking of what we do to make the start of school go easier and wanted to share what we do and some ideas I've found.

First and foremost, get enough sleep. We try to start a week or two in advance with backing bedtime closer and closer to school year bedtimes. I don't know about your family, but we let bedtime creep later and later as summer goes by.

Besides going to bed early enough, start waking up closer to the normal school wake up time. Some people also get their kids dressed on time as well, but we tend to let them have a few extra jammie mornings before school starts. (I also have 3 kids who can all dress themselves which takes us less time than when I had to dress one or more.)

Remember to start the day right. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Make sure your kids start school with a full tummy.

To help alleviate some of the anxiety of starting a new year, remind your child of the fun times you had in the past at school (or tell of some of the upcoming fun things if it's a new school). We get to visit the teacher and room before school starts and we talk about some of the fun things we saw in the room. We talk about the friends that we already know in our room and remind our kids the best way to make a friend is to be a friend. The other kids are as nervous as you. Remember to smile and try to meet someone new.

Pack backpacks the night before school starts so you aren't scrambling before school starts to find all you need to take with you.

Same idea with lunches. Most schools give an advanced schedule of lunch menus so you know in advance if your child will eat at school or take a lunch. If taking a lunch, pack it the night before and leave in the fridge. I then put a note that says "Take Lunch" on the backpack. Some friends use clothespins to remember. If the backpack needs something in the morning, they put a clothespin on the backpack. I find that with three kids, a clothespin isn't enough. I need a paper note to remember what is missing.

Line up shoes and backpacks (and jackets if needed) the night before so it's in one place and ready to go.

As a parent, remember to tell your child how much you love them. Knowing you care is one of the best things that can help keep your child's attitude positive.

We are looking forward to a great school year!