This one is for my fellow parents with school-aged children. As the school year gets underway, we all want to ensure our children are prepared for a year filled with learning, growth, and enjoyment. As a seasoned parent with two elementary school children, I’ve experienced first-hand the ups and downs of the academic year.
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I’d like to share my ultimate back-to-school guide and some personal insights to help you and your child navigate the challenges ahead.
Table of Contents
Establishing Routines for Success
A well-structured routine is key to a smooth school year. In my home, we’ve found the following daily routine helpful:
Back To School Morning Routine:
It’s good practice to start the back-to-school routine a few days before school started, but of course, better late than never.
- Wake up at the same time every day.
- Eat a balanced breakfast.
- Get dressed and ready for school.
- Pack all necessary school materials.
After-School Routine For Back To School
I order our snacks via subscription on Amazon, it’s fully automated once you have your list of healthy snacks picked out and make it a recurring purchase.
- Enjoy a healthy snack and a short break.
- Complete homework in a designated study area.
- Engage in extracurricular activities, clubs, or family time.
Back To School Evening and Bedtime Routine:
Planning for the next day the night before is not only great to have in place for back to school, it works for everyone and every situation.
- Have dinner as a family.
- Wind down with calming activities like reading or puzzles.
- Prepare for the next day.
- Maintain a consistent bedtime.
- Stocking Up on Essential Products
Being prepared with the right supplies can make a world of difference:
Typical School Supplies:
- 【SIZE&STRUCTURE】This kids backpack measures approximately 17″ x 12″ x 5″. One main compartment,…
- 【MATERIAL】This backpack for boys is made of water resistant Polyester material,easy to clean….
- 【COMFOT】This boys backpack is designed with padded shoulder straps and ventilated back design,…
- 【BACK TO SCHOOL】Medium boys backpacks for elementary, great choice for kids age at 5 6 7 8 9…
- 【VIBRANT COLORS】This kids backpack boys come in a variety of colors and designs. They are…
- Adjustable straps
- Front zip pocket with internal organizer
- Side water bottle pockets
- Interior laptop sleeve
- Back panel quilting
Some school districts provide students with supplies throughout the school year, here is an example of an essentials back-to-school list:
- Backpack
- Lunchbox
- Notebooks and folders
- Writing utensils and erasers
- Highlighters and markers
- Math tools
- Calculator
- Planner or agenda
- Laptop or tablet
Personal Hygiene Products:
- Hand sanitizer
- Face masks
- Tissues
- Wet wipes
Clothing:
- Uniforms
- Comfortable shoes
- Season-appropriate attire
To view a full list, view on Amazon
At-Home Study Area:
- Desk and chair
- Proper lighting
- Organizational supplies
- Reminder Board
Home Preparation for the School Year
We’ve found it helpful to keep these items stocked at home as well:
- Extra writing utensils and erasers
- Paper
- Glue, tape, and scissors
- Art supplies
- Printer Supplies
Snacks and Food:
- Healthy snacks
- Ingredients for easy meals
- Beverages
Health and Well-being:
- Comprehensive Emergency Kit: Includes adequate supplies for treating up to 50 people
- Convenient Packaging: An ideal workplace and home first aid, it comes in a durable plastic case…
- Easy Access: This convenient and versatile work, home and car emergency kit features a clear cover…
- Versatile: Ideal for homes, offices, construction vehicles, and more, this home and worksite first…
- Personal and Professional First Aid Solutions: First Aid Only offers a full line of first aid kits,…
- Manufactured by the #1 leading manufacturer of first Aid kits in the USA. 326 pieces of…
- Meets or exceeds OSHA and ANSI 2009 guidelines for 100 people. Meets United States FDA regulatory…
- Fully organized interior compartments provides quick access. Rugged, sturdy, high density plastic…
- Two separate layers of first Aid for large and small first aid Products and tilting shelves designed…
- First aid kit
- OTC medications
- Vitamins and supplements
- Humidifiers
- Vaporizer
- Lotion
Cleaning and Organization:
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry detergent
- Storage solutions
Catering to Your Child’s Academic Interests
Encourage your child’s passions with resources tailored to their interests:
For STEM Enthusiasts:
- Watch imagination come to life with the Professional 3D Pen
- Adjustable feed lets you regulate speed & flow for optimal control of material while you’re drawing
- Temperature is adjustable in 1 degree increments from 140 to 230 C, for optimal fine-tuning
- Large, OLED display lets you monitor temperature of material to help you achieve a wide variety of…
- Kit includes 3 colors of PLA plastic filament, A/C adapter and slim, ergonomic pen with 1 year…
- Science kits
- Programming tools
- Engineering sets
- Math puzzles
For Music Lovers:
- Instruments
- Sheet music
- Music theory books
- Recording equipment
For Theater Enthusiasts:
- Acting books/scripts
- Theater makeup
- Video camera
- Lighting equipment
Preparing for Wellness and Weather Changes
As a concerned parent, I’ve learned the importance of being ready for potential illness and weather changes:
Wellness Essentials for Sick Days:
- 𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙡𝙡…
- 𝙀𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙏𝙤𝙥-𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣: LEVOIT listened to feedback…
- 𝙈𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙀𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: Easily…
- 𝙉𝙤 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣…
- 𝘾𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙩: Customize the mist output…
- UPGRADED DUAL MODE – Our device combines forehead and ear measurements for double accuracy. Forehead…
- ENHANCED TOUCHLESS TECHNOLOGY – Our advanced 2023 chip ensures accurate results by eliminating…
- EASY TO USE, FAST and Quiet – The DMT-77 thermometer boasts fast, one-button operation for easy…
- THE ULTIMATE FAMILY THERMOMETER – The DMT-77 is the ultimate thermometer for adults, kids, and…
- BEST BABY THERMOMETER – With a large backlit screen, quiet vibration alerts, and an intelligent…
- Instantly clear everyday congestion and moisturize dry, stuffy noses
- Drug-free nasal saline spray provides relief from congestion caused by a cold or allergy spell!
- Safe to use daily on children as young as 12 months old. Drug-free relief / does not contain any…
- A simple, purified, isotonic saline solution with a hint of aloe and no added preservatives
- The ultra-fine saline mist provides targeted relief directly to your child’s nose for fast, but…
- Thermometer
- Pain and fever relievers
- Decongestants and cough medicine
- Throat lozenges
- Rehydration solutions
Weather-Appropriate Clothing and Accessories:
- Don’t let a little rain ruin your child’s day! With our raincoat and umbrella sets, they’ll be the…
- PREMIUM QUALITY GIRLS RAINCOAT: The sky blue Unicorn rain coats for girls 3-10 Years is made of…
- DURABLE KIDS UMBRELLA: The matching Unicorn/Rainbow 8-panel foldable Boys Umbrella is made of…
- RAIN GEAR SIZE: Kids rain jacket available in 3 sizes: 4/5 – Small-Medium (generally fits ages…
- KIDS RAIN SET CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Wipe toddler girl rain jacket kids with a damp cloth to clean. Do…
- WATERPROOF – Fully Seam Taped Jacket and Pant Rain Suit designed with FROGG TOGG’S Exclusive…
- JACKET FEATURES – Adjustable hood, full length parka fits over pants to avoid run off transfer,…
- PANTS FEATURES – Pull on adjustable elastic waist, adjustable leg openings, 4-panel cut straight…
- DURABILITY – The perfect rain suit for hiking, biking, puddle jumping, fishing or any outdoor…
- LIGHTWEIGHT and FLEXIBLE – Unique Polypropylene nonwoven fabric provides a truly lightweight…
- Rain gear
- Cold weather essentials
- Hot weather clothing
- Layering options
My Experience With Two Elementary School Children
Last year was filled with unpredictable events, from snow days to sick days and even half days. It was a roller-coaster ride with my two elementary school children, Lily and Max. They had their usual schoolwork, but they were also involved in extracurricular activities – Lily in drama club and Max in the school’s chess club.
When snow days kept them home, we took advantage of the situation by spending time together, building snowmen, and having hot chocolate. On rainy days, they’d put on their rain boots and splash in puddles. Half days were reserved for special activities, like going to the movies or visiting a museum. Sick days, though less enjoyable, gave me the opportunity to provide extra care and love to my kids.
Through all of this, I realized the importance of being prepared, flexible, and supportive. Each day brought its challenges and joys. I cherished the special moments we shared and watched as my children’s personalities and interests blossomed. I learned to embrace each day with a positive attitude and to prioritize my kids’ well-being above all.
Words of Encouragement for Fellow Parents
Parenting overall has its fair share of ebbs and flows. Take time for yourself, lean on your support network, and remember that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Your love, dedication, and support make a positive impact on your child’s life. Stay strong, keep going, and know that you’re doing an incredible job.
Share this blog post with fellow parents on social media to help them navigate the school year with confidence and ease. You’ve got this!
