Back-to-School - My 5 Point Checklist

It's that time of year. Back-to-school. Summer is winding down and we must tackle the necessities for the upcoming school year. These are 5 items I review in getting ready for the new year.

1. Confirm transportation and timing. If you have kids at multiple schools, this can be tricky. Don't wait until the first day to figure out you can't be in two places at once. Make sure everyone knows how they are getting to school and when they need to be ready to walk out the door. Not...I just need to put my shoes on. Not...I need to make lunch. Walk. Out. The. Door. I recommend allowing extra time for the first few days.

2. Wardrobe review. Set aside clothes for the first couple of days of school and tell your kids not to wear them. The idea is to avoid urgent laundry needs the night before the first day. There will be enough going on to get everyone ready. It's not a great time for someone to need their favorite shirt cleaned because they spilled on it the day before. And they will spill on it. Don't forget to check their shoes and socks and if they want anything special done with their hair.

3. Who is setting the alarm clock and for what time? If you are currently waking up your household, it might be time to consider giving some of this responsibility to the kids. My kids have alarm clocks in their bedrooms. Not the alarm on their cell phone, if they have a cell phone, but clocks. Yes...I am still getting up to make sure they are up. My teens might hit snooze all morning, but they have their moments when they get moving all on their own.

4. What are they eating for lunch? Purchased at school or do they bring them? Agree on a meal plan for at least the first few days. No morning arguments over there is nothing to pack for lunch or they don't like the school lunch being served. When you feel they are ready, give them ownership of packing their lunch the night before. I have had kids do this at different ages. If they have been managing to make themselves snacks all summer, they are most likely ready with a little guidance.

5. Pack supplies, school forms, and backpacks the night before, if not sooner. If there is a lot of labeling, you'll want to start this a few days prior. I do recommend labeling. It's not just for the little kids. My older kids forget items in classrooms all the time. The morning is not the time you want to be filling out forms or sharpening pencils. If there is any paperwork you can submit prior to the first day, take advantage of summer school hours.

Back-to-school can be a stressful time for kids and parents, but it doesn't have to be that way. Over the years, I have become certain of one thing, you can always regroup. The first few days are a learning time for everyone, so give yourself and your kids a break if something slips through the cracks. Above all else, the first days need patience and positivity!