So here we are – Summer’s over (what there was of it) and it’s time to think about Back to School. I know that some of you, the more organised ones, will have been quietly sorting this out all summer, and won’t be stressing at all. This blog, however, is aimed at the rest of you, who I suspect are in the majority, who will be starting to panic at getting everything back in place again, especially if one or more of your little darlings is moving on to a new stage or a new location.
For me this year is bittersweet. Back to School has been a big thing for me for the last 15 years, but this year I have nobody in school – they will both be heading off to university at the end of September, and that is a whole different kettle of fish! But in theory, this means I have a bit more time, and so I am going to write a whole month of blog posts for the new school year, starting with tips and advice on how to get the kids ready and sort out your new routine, and moving on to things that you can do if you miss them, or if you suddenly find yourself with a bit more free time (yes, I know, but we can dream!)
So this is the one with the general purpose advice, gleaned from my own and my friends’ experience of Back to School time. Look out for more about they why and the where and the how over the next few days.
Back to School Time
Back to school time can be a busy and stressful time for mums. There are so many things to think about, from getting the kids’ school supplies to getting them organised for the new year. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here are 10 back to school tips for mums, expanded to give you more detail and help you make the most of this important time:
1. Make sure your children have everything they need.
This is number one for me. Try not to be that mum who does not have the correct kit on day 1. This includes school supplies, clothes, and transportation (including any bus or train passes that they might need).
Make sure that all their school clothes are clean and still fit (it’s amazing how fast they grow over the summer), and that they have suitable shoes and sports shoes in the correct size. If they are at primary school, check whether the children typically come back in summer or winter uniform in September
Double-check the school supply list, especially if you have a new school this year, and make sure your children have everything they need before the first day of school.
Don’t forget to figure out how they will get to and from school each day, and double check all of the timings when they are expected to arrive at each place. If your child is travelling alone on public transport, make sure they know what to do if things don’t quite go to plan.
2. Help your children get organised.
A good organisational system can make a big difference in how smoothly the school year goes. This absolutely starts with you and getting yourself organised with a solid system in place – that will be one of the main topics this month.
But as your children get older you can help them set up a system for keeping track of their school work, homework, and activities. This could involve a planner, a homework folder, or a wall calendar. You can also help them create a to-do list each day or week to help them stay on top of their tasks. The sooner you can rely on them to help you a bit, the less stress there is for you.
3: Discuss expectations with your children.
It’s a good idea to spend time with each child and discuss what is happening for them in the new year. Is it a transition to a new school or a new Key stage, or is it just a change of classroom and teacher? Are there exams or tests in the year? Will they be in the same class as their friends? Ask them what they are excited about, and also if they have any worries or problems. Are there any new extracurricular activities they would like to try, or any of their current activities that they would like to stop doing?
Be attentive and listen to whatever they tell you and do your best to reassure them that it will all be ok. By discussing these things with your children, you can help them set realistic goals and feel more prepared for the challenges ahead.
4. Set a good sleep schedule.
Getting enough sleep is essential for children’s learning and development. Make sure your children go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This will help them be well-rested and ready to learn when they start school.
If you keep a different sleep schedule in the holiday months, then start transitioning back to school sleep time a week or so before they go back. If you have one or more new schools this year, think about the journey times needed, and make sure to adjust everybody’s sleep schedule to accommodate the changes.
5. Establish a regular morning routine.
This will help your children get out the door on time and avoid the morning rush. The routine could include waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing lunches. You can also help your children create a bedtime routine to help them wind down and get a good night’s sleep.
As above, when your children are small, you are completely in charge of the routine. But as they grow, you can start to hand over parts of the routine to them, and you can just check that they have done the steps, rather than having to help them with everything. Children mature at different rates though and you may find that some of your children are better able to cope with mornings than others, and it is also normal to see a bit of regression when they reach the teenage years.
6. Make time for fun activities.
Don’t forget to schedule some fun activities into your children’s schedule. This could be playing outside, going to the park, or reading a book together. Fun activities can help relieve stress and make the school year more enjoyable.
Be aware though that some children need time when they first get home from school as they may be very tired, and if they are introverted they might need some time alone to decompress after the day. Try to figure out a programme of homework, rest and play that works well for your individual children’s needs.
7. Be positive and supportive.
Back to school can be a time of change and adjustment for children. Be patient and understanding, and offer your children your support. Let them know that you are there for them and that you believe in them. It may seem like nothing to you that they are in the classroom next door with a different teacher, but there could be many things within that set up that may worry your child.
Maybe the teacher can’t remember their name or pronounces it wrong. Maybe they are sitting next to somebody they don’t like. Maybe there is a new subject area they feel uncomfortable with. There could be many things that are a big deal to your child so if they don’t settle down after a few weeks, see if you can find out what is bothering them.
8. Talk to your children’s teachers.
Get to know your children’s teachers and stay in touch throughout the year. This will help you stay informed about your children’s progress and any challenges they may be facing. You can also ask their teachers for advice on how to best support your children’s learning.
9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends. Also try to keep in touch with the other parents in your child’s year. They can be really helpful when your child doesn’t know the answer to something. There are also many resources available to help mums with back to school planning. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.
10. Enjoy the new school year!
Back to school can be a fun and exciting time for both children and mums. Make the most of it by spending time with your children, getting involved in their school activities, and supporting them in their learning. Best of all, make the most of the time that you have without them and look after yourself, so that you are refreshed and ready to greet them when they come home.
I hope these tips help you have a smooth and stress-free back to school season!
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