Preparing for a New School Year with the Kids
I’m writing this on the weekend before my daughter starts school again. The inbox is overflowing with school emails, I still need to buy supplies, and I’m gearing up for the return of the school drop-off and pick-up routine. Every year, I tell myself I’ll be more prepared, but here I am again. So, this time, I’m making a list to share—and to keep on record for future years when I’m in this exact same position.
School Supplies
Before diving into the aisles of stationery and supplies, I start by going through everything from last year.
Reuse What You Can: Dig through last year’s supplies and see if anything can be reused. Half-filled notebooks, pencils, and even rulers have a way of surviving the school year. It’s not glamorous, but it saves money and cuts waste.
Declutter the Old: Throw out old notebooks, artwork, and worksheets that no longer need to be kept. Ideally, I would’ve done this at the end of last year, but like most parents, I was completely done with school by then.
Make a List: Once I know what’s reusable, I jot down what needs to be purchased. Special books or supplies for extracurricular activities are added to the list so nothing gets missed.
Shop Early: The earlier I hit the stores, the better. No one wants to fight over the last glue stick in a crowded aisle.
School Lunches
Lunch prep is always a major part of back-to-school planning. I find it helps to have a system in place before the chaos of the first week hits.
Check the Gear: Is the lunchbox still in good condition? Does the drink bottle still close properly? These small checks save stress later.
Plan the Menu: I make a list of foods specifically for lunches, including fruits, veggies, and snacks. I also plan ahead for canteen days—Wednesday, in our case—when my daughter buys lunch because it’s the day she goes to her dad’s house and doesn’t need to bring a lunchbox back.
Snack Storage: Designate a specific area in the fridge or pantry for school snacks. This helps keep the snacks from disappearing during after-school grazing sessions.
Prepping Ahead: If I’m feeling super organized, I prep cut veggies and fruit for after school. This gives me some breathing room before starting on dinner.
A Designated Space for School Bags and Homework
To keep the house from being overrun by school things, I created a designated spot where everything goes.
Bag Storage: I emptied out a cupboard specifically for my daughter’s school bag, books, and other essentials. Having one reliable spot saves us from frantic morning searches.
Homework Zone: I try to keep a tidy area for homework that’s free from distractions, so she can get things done without wandering around looking for supplies.
Establishing an Evening Routine
Evenings during the school year can feel rushed, but having a consistent routine makes things smoother.
After-School Transition: After a little downtime when she gets home, we jump into practicing her instrument, having dinner, and then spending a bit of family time together.
Wind Down: By the time we’ve finished everything, the evening seems to disappear. That’s why I focus on winding down and prepping for bed without too many distractions.
Easing into the First Week Back
The first week of school is always an adjustment for everyone, so I take things slow to help ease into the routine. I’ll even try to order premade meals so that I don’t also worry about the hassle of cooking dinner and the cleaning associated with it.
Focus on Routines: The structure of school days can feel abrupt after the freedom of holidays, so I prioritize setting a predictable rhythm for the week. This helps my daughter—and me—get used to the new schedule without feeling overwhelmed.
Stay Flexible: I remind myself that not everything has to run perfectly in the first week. The goal is to make sure we’re getting back into the swing of things without adding unnecessary pressure.
Reflecting on What Works
Each year brings new challenges and lessons learned. I use this time to think about what worked last year and what didn’t. Did the evening routine feel rushed? Did I spend too much on supplies I didn’t really need? Adjusting as I go helps make each school year a little smoother than the last.
Preparing for the new school year can feel overwhelming, but having a plan helps keep the chaos at bay. And if you’re anything like me, having these notes to refer back to each year.