Back To School Tips

First Day of School

It is that time of year again.  This year, I'm not as excited to send my babies off to school for some reason.  I have truly enjoyed the time I have spent with them this summer and the summer just simply went WAY too fast for me!

But, in just a few days, that bright yellow school bus will be pulling up to the end of my driveway to take the children on an amazing adventure.  Hopefully the adventures will be at school and not on the bus ride there!

I'm drinking my morning coffee and it hits me suddenly as to how unprepared I am for Monday.  So, I thought I would share my thoughts, as scattered as they may be, on how we are getting ready for the big day.

First thing is to start with a list.  I am a huge fan of lists.  I even make lists....of LISTS!  I have a binder that I have put together with the attempt in being more organized.  For awhile it was a lifesaver!  But, we had a situation with one of the children who became ill and I forgot about the binder all together.  Now that things are back to some sort of "normal" and I'm rebuilding the old binder! I'll blog about the binder very soon.  One part of the binder is a daily To Do list as well as a monthly To Do list.

What's on my list for school?

• Call the bus drivers.  Both of my girls are going to new schools.  One is starting Middle School and the other is going to kindergarten (gasp!).  I just want to be sure I have them at the stop on time.
• Review school lists to make sure that I have purchased all of their school supplies.  I know I missed a few odds and ends.
• Store contact numbers now while you have them handy.  Bus drivers, schools, etc.  You never know if you are out and about and need to reach someone in an emergency in regards to your child.
• Plan out lunches!  My five year old is the hardest to please.  She eats very little.  I think she is the pickiest of eaters.  I don't recall having such a hard time with my other two kids.  They have to be told to stop eating so much.  So, I have to put some thought into her meals to make sure that she is not starving by the time she gets home.
• Outfits.  Well, this should be interesting.  Elementary schools require a uniform where we live and that will make things so easy.  However, one of my kids is starting Middle School this year and she is able to wear street clothes.  Her school also has little to no air conditioning.  So, I'm sure we will have a fun time figuring out what to wear.  I highly recommend laying out clothes the night before.  Especially for a tween.
• SET the alarm clock.  My children have been little night owls all summer and will have some adjustments to make getting up earlier in the mornings.
• Set all backpacks by the door the night before.  Nothing like hearing the bus honk the horn and your child is running around in a panic trying to find their things.

I hope that your little love bugs have a fabulous school year!  What advice would you offer for Back to School?