It’s almost that time of the year again – back-to-school. Kids (and sometimes parents) can dig in their heels and refuse to get back into a routine. But routines can bring stability and tranquillity to a household. It’s the adjustment from relaxed summer days to structured school days that can be a challenge. Here is our advice for making the transition as calm as a summer breeze.

Clothing Size Check

Growth spurts during the summer mean the fall and winter clothing might not fit. Pull out the school clothes and the hand-me-downs and have kids try them on for size. It’s still summer, so make it fun. Turn it into a fashion show complete with a full-length mirror. Take photos too! If you’ve got a lot of clothing, break up the fashion show over a couple of days or only do one child per day.

As you and the kids are going through the clothes, keep a running list of items that you’ll need to purchase. It will be easy to see what the children already have in their wardrobes using all the “fashion show” photos you took.

Restock the In-Home Pharmacy

Go through your medication and first-aid supplies and restock where necessary. Ensure you have bandages, cold and cough medicine, and antibiotic ointment. Germs seem to be particularly prevalent during the first few weeks of school, and you don’t want to be running across town to the 24-hour (expensive) pharmacy.

Stock Up on Change and Transit Passes

Head to the bank and get a few rolls of coins. Dump them to a jar or bowl near where you prepare lunches to avoid scrounging for lunch money at the last minute. Purchase transit tickets/passes and taxi vouchers in advance, if necessary.

Sort the School Supplies

Go around the house and gather pencils, markers, notebook paper, and other supplies you or your children will need this school year. Cross-check what you have, with what the school requires/requests. (Check the school or school board website for the list of suggested items). Shop at home first, then head out to the store to get what you need.

Fill Out the Calendar

Before school starts, decide which activities your children can participate in (hockey, soccer, piano, dance, singing, music, etc.). Schedule everyone’s activities on a large wall calendar. Assign each person a different colour using by using dry-erase markers or coloured post-it notes. “Online” families may benefit from using a shared calendar such as Google Calendar.

While you’re at it, add in all of the civic holidays, school holidays, and professional development days. Then you’ll know well in advance if you need to book child-care or other children’s activities for those days.

Emotionally Prepare

Start talking about back-to-school around the beginning of August. Help your child feel positive about returning. Some children may feel anxious in the days leading up to the start of school, particularly if it’s a new school. Take a tour or attend your school’s open house (back-to-school night). This will help the kids get familiar with their new classroom and teacher, and to find out where the bathrooms are. (Being worried about using the bathroom is a big deal for some kids.)

It’s also a good time to have a talk about bullying and harassment and how to handle those behaviours. Kids spend a lot of time on their phones and computers, so remember to include social media situations in your discussions.

If the thoughts of getting organized to go back-to-school feel overwhelming, Out of Chaos can provide customized services to suit your needs. Simply send us an inquiry through our website or contact me at 604-813-8189.

Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay