Did this summer even happen? Haha! Seriously, what a year. I can’t believe it’s already time to go back to school!
I know that school can look drastically different depending on where you live and your family decisions but I think we can all agree that there are some important steps that you can take to make back to school run a little more smoothly this year. And sign me up for anything that will uncomplicate and de-stress an otherwise extremely stressful year.
5 Things To Do Before School Starts
School Supply Shopping
Are you a fan of school supply shopping? As a young girl, this part of back to school was probably one of my favorites! Something about a new set of gel pens, you know?! Haha. But these days, as a parent, it can be pretty stressful to try to make sure each child has everything as specified on the list (especially when bins and shelves are completely wiped out)! Thank goodness for Amazon Prime!
Most schools and teachers will send a list before school begins of everything your child will need for the year. Haven’t received one or need a little guidance? Here’s a generic list.
Shop For Clothes
Depending on where you leave and how frequently your child will be going to school, here are a few must have items on my kids’ school clothes list:
Light Jackets/Wind breakers
Zip Up Hoodies
Sneakers
Rain Boots
Basics in Neutral Colors (long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, skinny jeans, etc.)
New socks and underwear
My kids have to wear uniforms when they go to school but we still stock up on fall clothes at back to school time. Our favorite places to shop are Old Navy, GAP, HM, Zara, and Target.
Set Up At Home Learning Space
You may already have an at home learning space set up from the end of the last school year but if not, I think it’s so helpful and important that your child has a space where they can focus on at home work. Whether it’s your kitchen table or a dedicated desk of their own, make sure the space is clean, tidy, and has easy access to any supplies they may need (paper, notebooks, computers, pens and pencils) is a great starting point.
Send Off Summer
Now for the fun part! It may have been the strangest summer we’ve all seen in a while, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a happy send off. Here are a few ideas for family-friendly ways to say goodbye to summer:
Take a hike
Visit a lake or beach
Have a pool day
Have a water fight
Go camping
Make s’mores at a Fire Pit
Go to a drive in movie
Take Photos!
Don’t skip this step! The transformation that occurs over a year is so fun to see and on top of that, this “first day of school” picture may be one that they show their grandchildren when they talk about the events of 2020.
