Back-to-school season is here, so it's time to gear up for another exciting year of learning! We asked local experts about tips to set your child and household up for back-to-school success.
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- Shop From Home First. Do the inventory of what you already have before heading for the back-to-school shopping, you will be surprised how many items you can take off your list. -Yulia Watters, Finist and the Owl Owner
- Give Your Calendar Some August TLC. I like to transfer our school district's calendar to my planner and Google calendar. Kick the end of summer blues by planning a fun family activity to look forward to in the Fall. We like to go apple picking each year, and we already have time blocked off for it in October. -Brynn Dixon, Click Joy Photography
- A Consistent Daily Routine. Help your kids develop good habits and manage their time better with a consistent daily routine that includes: a regular wake-up time, set times (for homework, study, and outdoor play), a healthy and homemade dinner, and an appropriate bedtime.
- Get The Kids Input. As a family-based decluttering expert and home organizer, I cannot emphasize the importance of the before- and after-school routines and starting the routine early, before school starts. To start, ask your kids: What do THEY (each) need to do each morning before school to set themselves up for a good day? Remember, what works for one, may not work for all. What would a successful coming home routine look like? Get their feedback to help hold them accountable to their systems (and tweak as needed). If they can, have them write it down to display. If they cannot, have them help take pictures of the steps. Kids are visual—having this in a prime location will be key. - Kim Mazewski, Consciously Cleared and Contained Owner
- Team up with teachers. Ask teachers what their preferred communication method is: email, app, or phone. Download and test required apps and sites before the first day of school.
- Establish zones to keep clutter from taking over. Shoes live by the door, only the most regularly worn ones. Avoiding excess here helps limit confusion, poor compliance, and miscommunication. Focus on giving each kid their spot; 1-2 hooks (max) for 1 coat/hoodie and a large bin to drop their backpack and accessories. Create a system for incoming papers that need to be reviewed (permission slips, homework, etc.) AND for special art or materials, you’ll want to store for sentimental reasons. -KM
- Read, Ask, Repeat. Read with your child and ask them to summarize what you just read. Review math facts. For older students, the best thing you can do to help them prep is to ensure they get enough sleep. Leaving the phones in the kitchen where it won't buzz all night will help prepare them for the school year. -Juli Bennett, Back to Basics Owner
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Back-To-School Resources
- "Parenting with Love and Logic" and "Parenting with Love and Logic for Teens." They were my go-to books while raising my four children. Also, check out your school website and the Delaware Department of Education. There are so many free resources on those sites that parents don’t always know about. - Juli
- Kim recommends “Mindful Parenting Podcast with Hunter Clarke-Fields 478: Create an Optimal Home Environment.”
- “Google Calendar! It's free and something that the whole family can have access to. I love that my husband and I can see each other's additions or updates in real time. This leads to a lot less communication breakdowns in the busyness of the school year.” - Brynn
- Yulia’s favorite books include Berenstain Bears Go Back To School, Llama Llama Back to School (Pre-K/K), and New From Here (Middle School).
What is your go-to back-to-school tip? Comment here.
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