Brisbane's Kids

10 Back to School Tips to Save Mums Sanity

1. Wardrobe check. Make sure that everything fits, and pass down items that are still wearable to brothers and sisters. Many Schools have a second hand uniform section and this can save hundreds of dollars over the years. Check the kids have enough socks and undies; no one wants to be hunting for either item when trying to get out the door in the morning.

2. Double check you have all the right school books and stationary. You can purchase some terrific stationary packs with the child’s name already printed on every pencil and pen. Very handy if you’re supposed to have everything labeled.

3. School bag check. Is the bag the appropriate size for the child? Are the straps wide and padded? Make sure the kids know that it’s important back care to wear their bag correctly.

4. Generally not only does school go back but so to a vast amount of afterschool activities. Plan the family week on a large family calendar so that everyone can see what everyone else is doing.

5. Prepare a weekly meal plan. You will save yourself time worrying about what’s for dinner; you’ll save money because you only go shopping for food once. A meal plan usually means more nutritious meals. It takes half an hour, start with what veggie’s you’ll cook every night then add a meat dish and finish with what carbohydrates you’ll serve. If you’re stuck, www.healthyfoodguide.com.au always has some good ideas.

6. Re-establish bedtime routines for all kids. A good night’s sleep is very important in reducing anxiety or stress.

7. Wake up the lazy sleepers in your family from the last week of the holidays to start to reestablish a morning routine.

8. Be prepared for all the paperwork and extra “stuff” like homework and permission slips by giving each child their own basket. The kids come home from school and empty all their stuff into these baskets. You the parent go through the baskets and sign what’s required then leave the paperwork in the basket to be collected again in the morning. These baskets can also be the collection spot for lunches / money / anything that needs to go to school.

9. Encourage the kids to get into the routine of laying out all their clothes the night before. This will avoid some of the morning yells of “Mum I can’t find my…..”

10. Every child wants to “fit in” at school and for some owning the right colour iPod just isn’t a priority for the family. But having the right Disney character on a personalized lunch box is a much more affordable option. Some of the “in things” at the moment are: anything with Hanna Montanna or High School Musical for the girls and Cars or Wall-E for the boys.
Hope this helps, if you have another good tip let us know in the comments.

Regards

Glenys

© 2009 Brizzy Kidz.