Back to School Checklist 2006
Back to School - 2006-2007
It’s that time again. The hustle and bustle of school shopping, dreaded by parents and children who fear that it will never end. Followed by the excitement and anxiety of the first day of school. Think about it, can you remember your first day of school. This is a big day for your little one (or ones) and your chance to be the hero! Good Luck, believe us you WILL need it!
Click here to get information regarding schools in Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, Henry and Nelson counties.
Read Below for a Back to School Checklist with tips on buying school supplies, preparing for the first day, bedtime and morning rituals, setting schedules and more.
BUYING SCHOOL CLOTHES AND SUPPLIES
paper, folders, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, etc.
shop ahead of time for sales throughout the year
buy extras of "essentials" and put them away for later
buy off-brands whenever possible to cut costs
simplify your child's wardrobe to "mix-and-match"
take an inventory before heading out to the stores
shop with a list to avoid buying things you don't need
CLEARING OUT THE CLUTTER
go through closets and give away clothes / shoes that don't fit
help your kids let go of old toys and outdated interests
clean out old school supplies to make room for the new
spend one day before school starts organizing your child's storage
do it "with" your kids, and not "for" them
have each child's room spotless by the night before school starts
CONTACT THE SCHOOL
find out if any physical examinations or immunizations required
see if any new registration requirements this year
get your child's schedule and names of teachers
names and contact info for your child's classmates' parents
give school emergency phone numbers to reach you
designate others who may care for your child in your absence
get copy of school policies (absence, illness, discipline, etc.)
CREATING A LAUNCHING PAD
set up a spot near the door for items that need to go to school
backpacks, school books, sports equipment, instruments, etc.
spend 15 minutes each night gathering supplies for tomorrow
use a cubby for each kid if you have several children
no more hunting for missing books and supplies in the morning
GETTING READY AHEAD OF TIME
make lunches the night before to save time in the morning
do "non-perishables" (juice box, chips, fruit) a week at a time
put in pantry in lunch bags labeled with child's name and day
lay out your child's clothes for the entire week on Sat. or Sun.
collect up school supplies for next day before going to bed
plan out and shop for a week's worth of dinners at once
MAKING BEDTIME EASIER
have a set schedule (homework, dinner, play, bath, etc.)
spend 15 minutes before bed straightening up
gather all supplies for the next day before bed
create "calming" rituals (bath, reading, soft music) before bed
help kids get up in time by insisting on a strict bedtime
stay away from TV late at night
MORNING RITUALS
set an alarm clock allowing plenty of time to get ready
complete your AM routine before the kids start to get going
simplify your morning routine as much as possible
complete as many "getting ready" chores the night before as can
have a set schedule (shower, dress, breakfast, chores, etc.)
make mornings fun with music, but stay away from TV distractions
create a sense of structure to start off the day
put breakfast supplies within kids' reach to make things easier
develop consequences for not being ready on time
PUTTING YOUR SCHEDULE IN ORDER
set up a central family calendar in a high-traffic area
family meeting once a week to discuss each person's schedule
record each person's appointments in a different color marker
make each child responsible for reporting his / her activities
schedule in regular appointments (soccer practice, piano lessons)
immediately transfer dates from other schedules to your calendar
be sure to block off family time at least once a week
TEACHING KIDS TO SET BOUNDARIES
limit the number of extra-curricular activities at one time
limit amount of artwork that may be displayed at one time
when a new piece of artwork goes up, one must come down
Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com -- offering "a world of organizing solutions!" Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau, get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you, or get some help starting and running your own organizing business.
posted by Heather Yocum, Realtor @ 7:22 PM
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