Wow, where did the summer go? It feels like just yesterday we were looking at endless sunny days ahead, and now here we are with only a few days of the holiday left! And those sunny days were not so endless as we thought. In fact, they were largely absent most of this year! And now, as the days start getting shorter and a new season approaches, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed with the back-to-school prep. But don’t worry, we’ve got some friendly tips to help you breeze through it all!
1. Make a List & Budget
Start by making a list of what you need to buy. Set a budget and shop around—most stores have great offers on school uniforms right now! Supermarkets often have fantastic deals, and for those fast-growing little ones, sometimes cheap and cheerful is the way to go...especially as they seem to trash everything no matter the quality! Short sleeve shirts are a smart choice—they’re easier for kids to manage, and once it gets chilly, they’ll be cosy in a jumper anyway!
2. Ease Into the Routine
Going back to school can be a shock to the system especially if bedtime routines have been in summer mode. A few days before school starts, begin transitioning to the school schedule. Maybe even do a “practice run” the day before—kids can try getting dressed in their new uniforms, and you’ll feel more prepared too. And don’t forget to wash those new shirts—they can be a bit stiff right out of the packet!
3. Stay Organised
A family calendar is a lifesaver! Keep it in a central place—whether that’s on the fridge or in a shared online calendar—so everyone stays in the loop about school dates, assemblies, drop-offs, and pick-ups. The mental load is HARD on mums...let's try to share the burden.
4. Let Their Personality Shine
Kids love picking out their own lunchboxes and backpacks, especially when they feature their favourite characters. It’s a fun way for them to express themselves and get excited about the new school year.
5. Label Everything!
Trust me, labelling is a must. The last thing you want is for that brand-new uniform to go missing. A fun trick? Label each shoe with half of your child’s name—when they line them up correctly, they’ll see their name and know which shoe goes on which foot! You can buy iron on labels online or label stamps too.
6. Build a Relationship with the Teacher
A good relationship with your child’s teacher can make all the difference. Show up at events, be supportive, and don’t forget to share the positives along with any concerns. And, for bonus points, use the right lingo—say goodbye to “Infants” and “Dinner Ladies” and hello to “Key Stage 1” and “Lunchtime Assistants”!
7. Navigating Secondary School
If your child is starting secondary school, it’s a big step for both of you. Keep calm and try not to let your own anxieties show. Your child will be taking on more responsibility, like managing homework, keeping track of their schedule, and maybe even navigating public transport. A practice run on their new route can be really helpful, and don’t forget to pop some emergency money in their bag, just in case!
8. Invest in Quality
At secondary stage, it’s worth spending a bit more on quality uniforms. Shirts that don’t need ironing if you hang them up after washing? That’s a game-changer for busy parents! And don’t stress about a coat just yet—October will do...that's if they can bring themselves to wear one!
9. PE Kits & Homework
PE kits tend to wander, so labelling is key. Encourage your child to get everything ready the night before to avoid morning meltdowns over missing items. As for homework, it’s best to stay relaxed and supportive. You can guide them, but ultimately, it’s their responsibility.
10. Listen to the Chatter
Make time to listen to your child’s stories and experiences. Your reassurance will mean the world to them. You know they're going to start talking when their head hits the pillow so maybe get bedtime started a little earlier than usual to make time to talk.
Here’s to a smooth, stress-free start to the new school year—Happy New Term!
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