It’s nearly back to school time (eek!) so now is the best time to get yourself and the kids organised.
And while we’re sure you have a system that works, here are some of our best tips to get you prepared for the coming year.
Mums, you got this.
1. Give your kids extra responsibilities
Depending on their age, kids can prove a great help in getting things organised for school each day. Not only will it take some of the burden from busy parents, it teaches them independence and responsibility. For example it could be their job to get younger siblings out of bed in the morning, or to pop the lunches into each school bag, or to have their own bags packed and ready to go each evening.
2. Draw up a plan
While as mums we often have to be ready to deviate from a plan – such is the unpredictable nature of parenthood – having one in place to begin with is crucial! A simple blackboard with the rundown of the morning’s routine and the jobs to be completed in the evening will help keep you on track.
3. Create a handy ‘snack’ store
A handy idea is to have a snack store in the cupboard so you’re never stuck for lunches. We suggest filling a large food saver with non-perishable goodies like dried fruit, seeds and packs of mini crackers. We love the funky-shaped Carr’s Oddities – they’re baked not fried, and come in tasty salt and vinegar or bacon flavour varieties.
4. Get the kids prepared
Adjusting the kids’ sleep routines is an excellent way to get them prepared for back to school. This way they won’t be rudely awakened, literally, when that alarm goes off on their first day back! During the holidays routines can be vastly different, so the week before school time get them up earlier and to bed earlier, so they’ll know what to soon expect.
5. Talk to them about any worries
Kids often experience anxiety during the lead-up to back to school. They may feel worry about the schoolwork, or if they’ll make friends, or just generally due to the sudden change. Sitting down and talking to them about these worries can help alleviate their fears, as will showing them lots of love, cuddles and understanding.
6. Blast that paperwork
We know, filling out all those forms isn’t exactly our idea of a wild time either, but they have to be done! So we suggest sitting down with a nice cup of coffee and a scone (just to make the chore a bit nicer) and blasting through them in one go. Not the best fun in the world, but once they’re done and dusted they won’t be hanging over your head – or languishing forgotten in a pile somewhere.
7. Label EVERYTHING
Label, label, label! This way you’ll keep on track which sibling owns what, and their teachers will know not to get their things mixed up with other pupils’.
