10 Things You Can Do to Rock the First Week of School
The pending school year is upon us. Sadly, the carefree and fun summer is slipping and soon we will trade our flip flops for new sneakers and our beach totes for backpacks (well, here in Georgia we can wear our flip flops for a few more months!)
If you are like many parents, you may dream of mornings where the routine runs smoothly and the kids are out the door on time. You may even be searching Pinterest for healthy lunch and after school snack ideas, or looking forward to the routine. But you also may be concerned. The end of the previous school year didn’t go as planned, and the state of the world right now feels unstable. Staying home feels comfortable and safe. And chances are, your children may also feel that bit of first day jitters.
Wherever you find yourself on the scale, try these back to school hacks to make that first week run as smooth as possible.
Here’s some tips to help your first week of school run more smoothly:
10 Things To Make that First Week Awesome:
TWO to FOUR WEEKS BEFORE SCHOOL: As much as you may dread it (or if you are a nerd like me look forward to it) try to get as many of the school supplies as you can from the school list as soon as possible. (read: as soon as the school releases the list!) Getting things early will give you time to order items that may be out of stock. My kids love doing this with me, as they love to pick out their own folders, pens, etc. You can even have kids pick out items that aren’t on the list they will need: a new backpack or lunch box? A new water bottle? Pencil box? Then I put it all in a giant rubbermaid and put it away so it doesn’t get used, and it also isn’t sitting there as a reminder that school starts soon ;)
THREE WEEKS BEFORE: Do a closet inventory. Do they have enough school clothes? Too many? Are there things in there that don’t fit or are not worn? Enough underwear and socks? What about shoes? We try to keep it simple: one pair of sneakers, one pair of shoes for water like Natives, and one pair of nicer shoes like sandals or dress shoes. Then, go shopping if your child needs something new to round out their wardrobe, and donated what is no longer needed.
ONE WEEK BEFORE: Begin pushing up the bedtimes and keeping schedules as normal as possible. It may be hard with last minute travel plans (and take those! You need it!) but as much as you can, try to put your children to bed earlier by 20 minute increments until you have their normal bedtimes. It can take a while if your kids are like mine, with late bedtimes in the summertime. This is also a great time to establish (or reestablish) new routines.
THREE DAYS BEFORE: Take your kids to the grocery store and ask them to help you with lunch items, if your child takes lunch to school. Ask them what they want, within reason. Help them understand what a healthy lunch consists of. Ideas include a sandwich, a fruit, and a vegetable, and a small treat and a drink. I love bento boxes like this one or this set. They have really taken the hassle out of packing lunches and are much better for the environment than all those plastic baggies. Then, teach your children how to pack their own lunches. Kids as young as elementary school can pack their own lunches and it takes a lot off your shoulders. It also sends your children the message that you believe in them, and they will most likely eat what they pack themselves!
ATTEND MEET AND GREET. This may sound like a given, but when kids can see their school buildings and meet their teachers, it really helps decrease those first day jitters. Younger kids may even want to make a card for their teacher on their first day of school.
PRAY FOR and ENCOURAGE YOUR TEACHERS, STAFF AND FELLOW STUDENTS. I was a sub one day for a teacher at my girls’ school. I left a note telling her I was praying for her. I saw her the next week and she came and gave me a tearful hug. “Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me. I need prayer so, so much.” Never underestimate the power of prayer and encouragement for these teachers and staff.
FOR THE FIRST WEEK: Try to plan simple breakfasts and set out the night before. That first week is a doozy, and having things ready to go in the morning will help things run smoother. I recommend a couple cereals with the bowls and spoons on the table so all you need to get out is the milk or yogurt to go with it.
THE NIGHT BEFORE: Set out all clothes, shoes, bags and supplies so they are ready to go. Have kids pack lunches the night before to avoid hassle.
TALK ABOUT FEARS AND ANXIETY. Kids and parents may be feeling nervous for various reasons. Talk with your child about it. Let them share their concerns and validate the fears. A lot of times younger kids resist school because of a deeper issue that can be easily resolved.
AFTER DROP OFF: Celebrate. You made it through that first morning! Go on a coffee date with yourself, your spouse, or a close friend. Evaluate: what went well? What could go better? What can be tweaked for your family? What other ideas do you have?
Remember, it’s a process and lots of trail and error. We are human beings and works in progress. But with a bit of planning, you will be able to rock that first week of school, setting your year off right.
Need more support? As a mom to 5, a certified parent coach and a previous teacher, I offer one to one coaching over zoom. Book a 30 minute coffee date with me over Zoom so I can hear about your parenting concerns and how I can best come alongside you.
Now go have a great rest of your summer, enjoy all those remaining moments, and walk forward in confidence! You’ve got this!
