Here are six things to keep in mind to ensure September runs as smoothly as possible:
1. Check the house for supplies
You are sure to have a few pencils, rubbers, rulers and pens hiding around the house so do a quick scan of things that you can use before buying a whole load of new stationary. This includes copies, notepads, pencil cases and even art supplies – back to school time is expensive enough as it is.
2. Gradually introduce an earlier bedtime
Your little ones are no doubt up to all hours in the evening and sleeping in until they want in the mornings now, so it is important to change this before September. About two weeks before they are due to go back start to introduce an earlier bedtime – about 20 minutes – and gradually wake them up a little earlier.
3. Clean out the school bags now
Don’t leave it until the last minute to clean out their school bags - do it now so that you are prepared. You are sure to find a few items in there, like pens, that can be reused or anything that really shouldn't be in there, like food...
4. Check the uniform
Before you head out looking for new T-shirts or socks, check your little one’s uniforms for holes, tears and pulls and set about mending them now. If you need to throw something out at least you have a couple of weeks to get a replacement.
5. Start a lunch plan
A lunch plan is a great way to ensure you never run out of ideas for your kids and end up buying food you don’t need. While you won’t be using it for a bit, now is the perfect time to get it started as the evenings are that bit quieter. If you want, sit down with your son or daughter and ask them what they’ll like – this can work in your favour or against.
6. Organise childcare
Make sure you have childcare organised before they head back, not the evening before. This will mean both you and your youngster will know what is happening and will help to alleviate undue stress.
