Going back to school after summer vacation isn’t easy for kids; that means it’s difficult for parents too. You can help make the process of going back to school much easier for your child by using these helpful tips to ease those back to school blues.

Talk to your children about the fun of seeing their friends again, about all the fun they are going to have, and about the new subjects they will learn about. If your child is burdened with a bit of back to school anxiety, let him or her know there are many other children who feel that way too.

Why not plan a shopping trip to your child’s favorite store. Put down a date on your family calendar when the shopping trip will take place and give your child something to look forward to. Prepare a shopping checklist with the things they need. A new outfit or two and a brand new pair of shoes will help get your child excited about the first day of school when they can wear their new clothes.

Another simple way to boost up your child’s spirit is to ask some friends over for a day; ask children who are in the same class as your child and any other friends who are starting school at the same time. The kids can talk to each other about all the fun they will be having and this play date will also help them re-connect with each other. Chatting with other kids will also help each of the children to feel more comfortable going back to the classroom.

Start planning for the first day of school by beginning a bedtime regimen a couple weeks before the big day. This way, your child will be in an established routine by the time school does start.

Is your child starting school for the very first time? Perhaps you can check your neighborhood to find another child who is enrolled in the same school. The two kids can walk to school, or to the local school bus stop, together. It always helps to relieve tension and anxiety when you can share an experience with someone.

Just remember, most children will have a bit of anxiety about returning to school on that first day. It’s normal, and it can be stressful and exciting for them. Most teachers will understand how difficult returning to school is for kids, and will take some extra steps to ensure that each child feels comfortable and happy on the very first day back.

Schools do not have extra money for back to school supplies in their budgets these days, so it’s up to parents to provide some of the basic supplies their kids will need. If you, like many other parents, have to go shopping for school supplies here, are some ideas on how to save some money. 

The first thing I do is write a checklist of supplies I need. You can find free printable checklists online. Just print one out and write down your supply list.

Save Money With Smart Shopping

What is smart shopping? Do you belong to a warehouse store like BJ’s or Costco? If you do, you can save money by buying your back to school supplies in bulk. Remember to bring all your coupons to save extra money. That’s one example of smart shopping, but there’s more.

Another place that is sure to have everything you need, and may offer sales during the summer months, is an office supply store. The office stores sometimes have give-a-way supplies for school, plus they may offer discounts or accept manufacturers coupons.

Save money by buying the store brand when it comes to pencils, pens, and pads. You just might find some recycled paper products there too. You can go green and save some extra money with recycled products.

 Make A Checklist Of Tax Free Store Days

Some states offer specific shopping days when school supply purchases are tax free. I really like to shop when I don’t have to pay taxes, and it’s a great way to save money on those kids school supplies. Find out what days your state offers these tax exempt specials and be sure to mark it on your family calendar!

Dollar stores are another place where you can find school supplies. These stores have a little bit of everything, including supplies like: tissues, hand wipes, Zip close bags, plastic snack bags, brown lunch bags, and other items you will need to pack lunches or send to school with your kids. The best part is you will get the supplies you need, and save money since nothing is priced over a dollar.

Stock up on items you know you will use during the school year. A great example are those white poster boards. These boards are great for art work, science projects, or any extra credit project your child does. When you see them on sale, grab several and put them away until they are needed.

Planning Tip:

When you purchase school supplies online you usually get money saving offers in your email box. Sometimes these offers are up to $25.00 off on a purchase of $100.00 or more. When new chains of office supply stores open in your area, you will find money saving coupons in your local Sunday paper.

You can find discounts, deals and even coupons for a free item! Supplies are expensive and taking advantage of every promotion, sale, and coupon offered will save you a great deal of time and money.

Preschool First Day Checklist

The first day of preschool is very near and you can make the transition smooth and simple for your child. While your child will be a bit hesitant about leaving you, experts offer a few guidelines which will help your child feel safe and sound in their new surroundings, and help you feel comfortable as well.

Start A Few Weeks Before School Starts

A couple of weeks before the start of school, search your child’s closet and let him or her pick out a couple outfits to wear. You could also make a trip to the local mall and shop for some new school clothes.

A new backpack or a lunchbox would be a great preschool accessory. Allow your child to select the color and the design. Additionally, you can also visit the back to school aisle and let your child select some pencils, crayons, pencil box and a few other supplies they will need in preschool.

Another expert recommendation is to talk over with your son or daughter what they can expect on the first day of preschool. Mark off the date school will begin on your family calendar so your child can count down the days.
Call your child’s preschool and ask if you can bring your child for a visit to become familiar with the new setting. Let your child know how long he or she will be at school, and plan a route from home to the school so your child will feel at ease the first day.

Mom, Plan A Nightime Routine

Some moms plan a nighttime routine in the weeks before preschool begins. Start with bath time, go on to reading time and then it’s time to get into bed. The experts recommend that you give your child a few weeks until the schedule feels natural.

Create a morning checklist of things to do; create a colorful poster with cut out pictures and put it in your child’s bedroom. On the poster put pictures of his or her routine such as: washing their face, brushing teeth, putting on pants and a shirt, eating a good breakfast, and other things in your morning routine.

Bringing Your Child To Preschool

On the very first day of preschool, use the route you planned and walk or drive your child to school. Walk your child into the classroom, greet the teacher and re-introduce them to your child. You can talk to the teacher about any special instructions or needs right there.

As you leave, be sure to give your child a kiss and a hug. Let them know how very proud you are and that you will be back when school is over. Don’t make it a long goodbye, just make it reassuring and comforting. When you leave, you may have a little cry like many other moms!

If you are feeling anxious about your child’s first day at preschool, just give the school a call to see how they are adjusting. The day will be over before you know it, mom, and you will be back at school hearing about your child’s exciting first day!