It is that time of the year when we all feel the need to make resolutions that we will probably not stick to. It is also that time when you start realising that this holiday will not last forever and sooner than you think, the kids will be back at school.
If there is one good ‘resolution’ you can make, it is to start preparing for the first day of the new school year early.
Imagine having everything ready for school a week before school starts? It is possible! Here are a few tips:
1. School supplies
Buying and labelling school supplies is probably the worst of ‘Back to School’. Even worst is sorting through old stationery and last year’s school bags. Grab the bull by the horns:
• throw away any stationery that cannot be used anymore
• donate all old, but still usable school supplies to under-privileged schools or charity organisations
• buy only what is necessary and immediately label it and put in your child’s school bag, ready for the first day of school
• store all extra stationery in an ice cream container for use during the year
2. Routine
As much as kids should not be bound to any routine during the holiday, it is a good idea to slowly get them back to school routine in the last week before school starts. Setting up a regular bedtime and wake-up routines before school starts is a crucial step to prepare your child for school and a practical way to cut down on first-day stress.
3. Prepare
Going back to school can cause anxiety, especially if you are going to a new school or starting school for the first time. If children are prepared, they will feel less anxious. You can help by making sure your child has everything he or she needs on the first day of school; school bag, stationery, books, the correct uniform, etc.
If your school has a digital communication platform like D6, download and check the schedule for the first week of school.
As John Wooden says “Confidence comes from being prepared”, probably the best gift you can give your child going into a new school year.