Back-to-school time can be stressful for everyone. Kids and parents often dread that time of year because of the change in routine and the long list of to-dos. But it doesn’t have to be this way! With a bit of planning and some fun activities, you can turn this potentially chaotic time into an exciting and enjoyable experience for the whole family. This blog post provides a comprehensive back-to-school checklist that gets the kids involved, giving them a sense of control and excitement for the new school year.
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Declutter and Refresh
Start by spending some time with your kids going through their clothes and school supplies like backpacks and binders. Have them try on clothes and separate out anything they don’t want. You can take the unwanted items to a consignment store like Once Upon a Child or Plato’s Closet to get some extra spending money for back-to-school shopping. Anything that doesn’t sell can be donated. This activity not only helps in organizing their things but also gets them excited to have some of their own money to spend on what they like.
Tip: When replacing old backpacks and binders, consider investing in high-quality ones that will last all year. Check out these durable and stylish backpacks and binder sets on Amazon.
Create a Vision Board
Encourage your kids to think about what they want their school year to look like by creating a vision board. This can be done on paper, poster board, or digitally using tools like Notion or Miro. Give them some prompts such as:
- What kind of clothes do you want to wear?
- What extracurricular activities do you want to participate in?
- How do you want your study space to look and feel?
- What kind of breakfasts, lunches, and after-school snacks would you like to have?
You can even make a vision board for yourself alongside them for a fun and creative family activity. This helps them visualize and get excited about their goals for the upcoming school year.
Tip: Consider using this vision board kit specifically designed for young people to make the process even more fun and engaging.
Make a Plan
Once the vision boards are done, it’s time to make a plan to bring their ideas to life. Sit down with your kids and discuss the practical steps needed to achieve their goals:
- Check the dates for sign-ups of their chosen extracurricular activities.
- Help them go through their wardrobe to see what clothes they already have that fit their desired style.
- Make a list of additional items they still need and prioritize them.
- Plan how to create their ideal study space using items you already have or might need to buy.
- Stock up on their favorite breakfast and snack items to make school mornings smoother.
By creating a clear, actionable plan, you’re helping your kids feel more in control and less anxious about the upcoming school year. This step is crucial for easing school stress and turning their vision into reality.
Tip: Setting up a comfortable study space can boost their enthusiasm for homework. Consider adding a cozy bean bag chair and a functional desk organizer to keep things tidy.
Go Shopping
Give your kids a budget for back-to-school shopping and let them lead the way in choosing the stores and items they like, while you provide some guidance. For example, ask if they really want to spend half their budget on a particular pair of shoes, and suggest checking off the other items on their list first. This not only makes them feel empowered but also teaches them valuable budgeting skills.
Tip: Look for deals on school supplies. Many online retailers offer bundles that include everything from pencils and pens to notebooks and folders at a discounted price.
Get a Haircut
A fresh haircut can make anyone feel like a million bucks. Take your kids for a haircut, making sure there’s enough time for it to settle and for them to figure out how they like it styled. This can help reduce any anxiety they might have about their appearance on the first day of school.
Create a Command Center
Organize an area near the front door or wherever they enter and leave the house. This command center can include:
- A calendar for keeping track of games, appointments, and projects
- Hooks for coats and backpacks
- A place for shoes
- A system for papers like permission slips, handouts, and homework
- A cabinet or space for sports equipment
Having a designated space for these items helps keep everything organized and reduces the morning scramble.
Tip: Use a magnetic whiteboard calendar to easily update and keep track of important dates, and install sturdy hooks for backpacks and coats.
Establish a Morning Routine
Involve your kids in creating a morning routine to ensure they can get through everything they need to. Some kids want every minute of sleep they can get, which is fine! Stock up on grab-and-go breakfast items or get them involved in prepping breakfast the night before or on weekends. Make sure to practice the routine before the school year starts to work out any kinks. For more tips on creating morning routines, check out this post on Creating an Effective Morning Routine for Busy Moms.
Tip: Quick and healthy breakfast options can make mornings smoother. Try these delicious and nutritious breakfast bars.
Do Something Fun
Plan a fun outing or trip for the whole family before school starts. This could be a camping trip, a day at the zoo, or something free like a nature hike or a picnic in the park. Ending the summer with a memorable family activity can help ease school fears and make the transition smoother.
Summary
These tips will help make your kids excited to take on the new school year. By involving them in planning and preparation, they’ll gain a sense of independence and control over their lives. This, in turn, will ease back-to-school anxiety and reduce school stress. Remember, the goal is to make the transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible, so don’t forget to romanticize the process by making it fun and engaging for your kids.
I’d love to know what you thought in the comments below and any other suggestions you’d like to add. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest and sign up for our newsletter to get even more awesome ideas on how to take time for what matters most.
For younger kids or toddlers, check out this post on How to Foster Their Independence. Happy back-to-school season!
FAQ
How do I adjust to going back to school?
Adjusting to going back to school can be easier with these tips:
Focus on the Positives: Highlight the exciting aspects of returning to school, like seeing friends, learning new things, and participating in fun activities.
Establish a Routine: Start practicing your school morning routine a week or two before school starts to ease into the new schedule.
Create a Command Center: Organize a space at home to keep track of school-related items, which helps maintain order and reduces stress.
Get Involved in Preparations: Involve your kids in back-to-school preparations, such as shopping for supplies and setting up their study space, to help them feel more in control.
How do I calm back-to-school anxiety?
Calm back-to-school anxiety with these strategies:
Do Something Fun: Plan a fun family activity before school starts to create positive memories and distract from anxiety.
Involve Your Kids in Planning: Helping kids prepare for school by creating vision boards and making plans can give them a sense of control and reduce anxiety.
Practice the Routine: Establish and practice the school morning routine ahead of time to build confidence and reduce first-day jitters.
Create a Relaxing Study Space: Set up a comfortable and organized study area with your kids, which can help them feel more prepared and less anxious.
Talk Openly About Fears: Encourage open conversations about their anxieties and fears, providing reassurance and support.
How do I prepare for back to school?
Preparing for back to school involves several key steps:
Establish a Morning Routine: Develop a morning routine with your kids to ensure smooth and stress-free mornings.
Declutter and Refresh: Go through clothes and school supplies with your kids to identify what needs to be replaced or updated.
Create a Vision Board: Help your kids visualize their goals and desires for the school year through a vision board, which can include outfits, study spaces, and activities they want to participate in.
Make a Plan: Sit down with your kids to create a plan for achieving their goals, including what supplies they need, extracurricular sign-ups, and organizing their study space.
Go Shopping: Give your kids a budget and involve them in the shopping process to teach budgeting skills and ensure they get items they like.
Get a Haircut: Schedule a fresh haircut to boost their confidence for the first day of school.
Create a Command Center: Set up an organized area at home with a calendar, hooks for backpacks, and a system for papers to reduce morning chaos.
How can I be happy about going back to school?
You can be happy about going back to school by:
Making the Process Fun: Turn back-to-school preparations into enjoyable activities, like shopping for new supplies and organizing their space together.
Creating a Vision Board: Visualize the positive aspects of the upcoming school year, such as new outfits, fun activities, and a personalized study space.
Planning Fun Activities: End the summer with a memorable family outing or trip, which can create positive associations with the start of the school year.
Setting Goals: Encourage your kids to set goals for the school year and help them plan how to achieve them, giving them something to look forward to.
I love getting ready to back to school as a teacher.
I think these would work for anyone, even adults needing to get into a new job or new lifestyle! Thanks for sharing!
I have always loved the beginning of a new school year. Even as an adult, I still get excited about this time of year. These are some solid tips to help get kids excited, too.