The month before your child goes back to school can be a hectic one, with a lot of things to remember. Here's a handy list to help guide your way.
- Check the clothes your child already has and make list of items needed to start school. Check with the school to see if there are clothing rules.
- Make sure you have the school uniform, if it is required.
- Gather school supplies from previous year and determine what you still need to purchase for the new school year. Older children will probably need different items than children in grade school.
- Get a good lunch box and/or backpack. These get a lot of wear and tear. Rolling backpacks are better than ones that go on the back because they don't put a strain on the child's back or shoulder.
- Determine where children will go after school by arranging for child care or arranging for a place they should go if you are still at work.
- Think about getting an alarm clock for kids.
- Gradually get your child used to waking up earlier.
- Plan your child's lunches. Prepare some items that can be frozen ahead of time for busy days.
- Update your family calendar with all activities and school schedule.
- Check the bus schedule or determine how your child will get to and back from school.
- Get immunizations and physicals. Fill out any necessary medical forms for school, especially if your child has a special medical condition.
- Make master list of important phone numbers for the children to have available in an emergency.
- Label all items that will be taken to school. They can easily be lost.
- Set schedules for homework, TV, bath time and bed time and create a chart so everyone knows the rules.
- Create a homework area in your home, away from the TV. If a computer is part of the homework area, make sure it is located in a public area of your home where you can monitor the computer use.
- If your child will be carrying a cell phone, clearly go over the rules of using the phone. When it is appropriate and when it is not.