The Ultimate Back to School Guide

As summer comes to a close and the school year approaches, the excitement and anticipation of a fresh start fill the air. For many parents, especially moms, back-to-school season is a time of preparation, organization, and ensuring our kids are ready for success. To help you navigate this busy time, we've put together the ultimate back-to-school guide with tips, tricks, and resources to make the transition smooth and stress-free.

First things first, Create a Back-to-School Checklist

A checklist is an excellent way to ensure you have everything covered. Here are some key items to include:

- School Supplies: (pens, notebooks, binders, etc.) Ten times out of ten, the school will provide you with this list. You can upload the list to sites like Target and Walmart, and they will generate a cart that includes all of the required items. To save a few coins, take a trip to the dollar store. They often have many name brands like Crayola at a discounted price. Consider buying in bulk for items that your child will need throughout the year. Don’t forget to label everything to prevent loss.

- New Clothes and Uniforms: You can save time in lines at uniform stores like Logo Express and Skobels by ordering on their sites. Save a few coins, and shop your child's closet to see if any items can be used in the new school year.

- Most schools now require students to wear mesh or clear backpacks to school. Find cool backpacks and lunchboxes on Amazon.

- Required textbooks that aren't provided by the school can be pricey. You can rent textbooks from Amazon and Chegg or borrow them from the New Orleans Public Library.

Keep in mind, that there are many Back to School supply drives that include uniform vouchers, backpacks, books, and even Chromebooks. If you require additional assistance with purchasing uniforms contact your child's school.

Next, Set Up a Homework Station:

Designate a quiet, organized space for your child to do homework. Stock it with all the necessary supplies and eliminate distractions to create an environment conducive to focus and productivity.

Start Establishing a Routine:

Getting back into a school routine can be challenging after a relaxed summer schedule. Start adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times a couple of weeks before school starts. Establish a morning and evening routine that includes time for homework, after-school activities, chores, and relaxation. Spend 15-30 minutes before bed, wrapping up the day, to prevent waking up to yesterday's chaos.

Meal Prep for Success:

Planning and preparing meals in advance can save you time and stress during the busy school week. Consider creating a weekly meal plan, prepping lunches the night before, and having healthy snacks readily available. Preparing freezer meals will save time. If that's too much, at least having a menu will take a load off. Ask the kids to pick one meal out of the week to get them involved.

Create a Command Center by designating a spot for backpacks, shoes, etc, and in this area, you'll keep paperwork and school supplies organized with a rolling cart or mini bookcase. Use a family calendar to Get Organized and keep track of school events, extracurricular activities, and important deadlines. Encourage your child to use a planner to manage their assignments and responsibilities. You can even use sync phone calendars with Apple or Google for convenient on-the-go planning. Planning outfits for the week will help with guesswork. Set aside a day when you get the kids' clothes together for the week. Stackable bins or hangers can be labeled by the days of the week, perfect for easy mornings.

Prioritize Health and Wellness: Ensure your child is up-to-date on vaccinations and has had their annual physical before school starts. Encourage healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced meals, and adequate sleep. Teach your child the importance of handwashing and hygiene, especially in light of ongoing health concerns.

Get Involved:

Stay engaged with your child’s education by attending school events, joining the PTA, and maintaining open communication with teachers. This involvement shows your child that you value their education and are there to support them. This is also a great time to reach out to your child's social worker and school counselor to ensure they are on track for a successful school year and set up any special needs meetings if needed.

Encourage a Positive Mindset:

Talk to your child about their feelings regarding the new school year. Address any anxieties they may have and encourage a positive attitude towards learning and making new friends. Remind them that it’s okay to ask for help when needed. Positive affirmations are a great way for kids to start the day and help build confidence.

Don't forget to Plan for Extracurriculars! Help your child explore their interests by signing up for extracurricular activities. Whether it’s sports, music, art, or science clubs, these activities provide opportunities for personal growth and social interaction. After-school activities such as Be Loud Studios, Beyond the Stage, and Excite Allstars are great options. Stay prepared for the afternoon, car bins are a must for extracurriculars! Keep a bin in your car filled with essentials such as clothes, water, snacks, lotions, brush, mouthwash, etc.

The back-to-school season can be a hectic time, but with a bit of planning and organization, you can set your child up for a successful year. The Department of Education provides a multitude of resources to prepare families for a successful school year. You can check them out here: Raise the Bar: Resources for Parents and Families | U.S. Department of Education.

Use this ultimate guide as your go-to resource to ensure a smooth transition and a positive start to the school year. Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences!