I know! I know! As a teacher, it is way too early for me to talk about going back to school. However, I am putting my mom hat on and getting myself prepared for the back-to-school shenanigans. In this post I will be sharing a few recommendations that make going back-to-school a little less chaotic. So let’s jump right in…
Clothes Shopping:
- Take inventory: See what they can still fit and what needs to be purchased.
- Budget Now! With school starting mid-August, we still have a few more pay cycles to budget for clothes. For my 3 children, who wear uniforms, I am setting aside $200 in July and $200 in August for their clothes.
School Supplies:
- Check your school’s website for needed supplies. Cross out what you already have and highlight what is still needed.
- Don’t forget to factor in a new backpack if needed!
Organize your calendar*:
- Access the district calendar on the school’s website.
- Place all of the days off and important dates, like Open House, on your personal calendar NOW! These dates will sneak up on you if you delay.
- Add extra curricular activities.
- Include your work schedule/events
- Plan doctor’s appointments and family trips. (I know it’s early, but it’s better to have it mapped out now)
- Schedule hair appointments before the first day of school!!
*Revisit the calendar often, going back to add events like Homecoming, conferences, etc.
Lunch Accounts:
- Can you start adding to your child’s account now? Do it. If not, start setting aside money that you can add to it once you’re able to.
- Does your child pack? Start stocking up on items they like now AND begin budgeting lunch items back into your monthly grocery bill so you’re not caught off guard.
Bedtime Routine*:
- Determine the best bedtime based on their age (this resource will help with that), your child’s school day, and extracurriculars. This year my kids will be in the bed by 9pm.
- Based on the bedtime, determine a good dinner time. We are moving ours up to 6pm this year.
- Begin practicing this routine the first week of August so that everyone can adjust and changes can be made if needed.
*As a parent I know this has to be flexible, but having a routine for MOST of the days out the week will truly make life easier.
As always, the best advice I can give is to plan as much as you can. The school year will get very chaotic, so now is the time to plan for the things you can in advance. Also remember to prioritize the items needed first! It’s okay to continue shopping for the non-essential items throughout the school year if your budget requires that. I definitely believe in telling children no or not right now. We can only work within our means.
Also, don’t forget to check out your state’s tax free weekend and any back-to-school giveaways that can help absorb some of the cost.
How do you prepare for back-to-school shenanigans? Let me know in the comments.
