What date do your kids go back to school this year? Some schools start in early August. Others are after Labor Day in September. Whatever the Big Day is, you should be getting things ready today. Early planning for going back to school will keep your family on target and minimize stress. In fact, you can make it fun!

Five Simple Steps To Help You  To Get Ready For A New School Year

Here are some simple ways to get you started: 

1. Make a file for each of your children.
2. Start a family calendar/planner for keeping track of important dates.
3. Find the school calendar online and print a copy of it.
4. Set appointments now for everyone in the family.
5. Make a shopping list.

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Now, let’s add a little detail to each of these tips.

1 Make a file for each of your children. Using colorful individual file folders, or creating sections in one three-ring binder, will keep important information for each child readily available. It may even make sense to make one for each of the adults in the home and even the pets. These files will contain paperwork that pertains to each person uniquely. Some of these papers will be: newsletters from the school or classroom teacher, medical records to be brought to school, school supplies lists, reading assignments due the first day of school, sports team information, forms to be completed, sale flyers and/or coupons to take shopping etc.

2 Start a family calendar for tracking important dates.  When you pick out your planner, be sure that there is plenty of  writing room in the calendar portion. You will be writing down all important upcoming events including the first day of school, doctors’ appointments, shopping dates etc. Don’t forget vet appointments for your pets and other dates like car maintenance [oil change?] and so forth. Being able to see it all on a master calendar will help you to avoid over-booking yourself or forgetting something important. Write the entries in pencil or use an erasable pen, knowing that things do change. It will keep you planner looking neater if you erase and then rewrite instead of crossing things out.

3 Find the school calendar online.  Most schools have a website. They should have a printable calendar for you with vacation days and school events noted on it. If they do not have a printable calendar, call and ask them for a paper copy to keep your child’s folder.  Use the school calendar to refer to; write the pertinent school events on the calendar in your planner. Occasionally schools do have to change planned events. Keep an eye out for school newsletters in case that does occur. There is nothing worse than showing up on the wrong date or going to the wrong location.

4 Set appointments. By now you probably have arranged for school physicals or dental appointments. You will also want to set up hair appointments, plan days to take the kids school shopping, etc.  Again, write them on your master calendar.*

*What about keeping the dates on the calendar in your phone? Good idea, but do it both ways. People have experienced cell phone failures, you know. [I dropped mine on the garage floor as I was getting out of my car. The screen shattered and using it was impossible. I was so glad that I also had phone numbers and schedules written down.]

5 Shopping Lists. The school should provide a school supplies list for each grade. You can take the list with you. Keep an ongoing shopping list for each child as you discover clothing and other items that will need to be replaced.  Kids grow so fast. where you may have thought a jacket or pair of sneakers would still work fine for the beginning of a new year, you may be surprised. Check everything out and write down everything that no longer fits or is worn out. You will need to get them.

So what are you doing to get ready for school to start again? It doesn’t have to be a hassle. Plan some family fun for those school shopping outings.  Grab an ice cream cone or even go out to breakfast or lunch together. It can become a favorite time of year. It is all up to you!

How to get ready now for school to start again #backtoschool #organizing #tips Share on X

Enjoy!