Going Back to School Checklists

The following is a back to school checklist with some tips and tricks to make back to school easier for everyone involved.

First on the list is the obvious: School supplies. This is includes paper, folders, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, etc. Your school should provide you with a list of all the things your child might need. Just be sure to shop ahead of time for sales throughout the year so that you can get the best prices. In addition, consider buying extras of “essentials” and put them away for later, as there is a good chance your child won’t tell you they are out of notebook paper until it is gone. This helps you avoid midnight runs to the store. Buy the basics, not the designer as it won’t make any difference in the long run, and will save you a ton. A basic notebook costs about $0.20, whereas one with Hannah Montana on it will cost you $1.89.

School supply shopping can actually be fun.

The second thing on the list is what the school requires: Immunizations and proper registration. You will want to find out if any physical examinations or immunizations are required for your child. Often if they play a sport or are going into a new level of school they will need a dr. visit. Get it scheduled early as they won’t be the only one. Be sure to see if there are any new registration requirements this year for your school, and that you have enough money to cover fees. In addition, you will want to make sure you have the contact information updated for your emergency list, and have familiarized yourself with the school policies for lateness, absence, illness, and discipline.

Next, make sure your child has what they need besides regular school supplies: Back-pack, water bottle, lunch box. Your child will need a backpack with good support and that they like, after all they will be using it daily. Also, make sure that they have a re-usable water bottle, and an insulated lunch box.

Of course no kid can go back to school without some clothes. When shopping for clothes first take the time to go through your child’s closet and get rid of non-fitting, and stained items. Then take an inventory of what you have left, and what you need to complete their wardrobe. You will want to get “mix-and-match” items so that all pants go with all shirts. Use a list to avoid buying what you don’t need, and to not forget what you do.

Your next concern should be food. Your child has to eat a meal at school, so either get them a lunch plan at the school that you have paid for, or stock up on the essentials for them to make a lunch at home. Have your “non-perishables” ready, and make sure you keep track of the perishables so your child has something to take to school for lunch each day.

Routine is next. Back to school is impossible if you are not on a routine. So, have a set schedule (homework, dinner, play, bath, etc.), and make sure you set aside time to do their reading, and to straighten their rooms, spend time as a family, and allow them some free time each day.

Last but not least, make sure they have a safe way to and from school. This means make sure they are on the bus route, that you can take them, that you have a carpool set up, that they have a bike lock, etc. so that they get to and from school as they are supposed to.