6 ways to prepare the kids for the new school year

Counting down the days until the kids go back to school?

The first day of term is fast approaching and if this isn’t your first back to school rodeo, you already know that prep for the new school year can be overwhelming and stressful, particularly if you have multiple kids (and you’ve left the task a little later than you wanted).

To help to take away the pressure, we’ve put together a list of tips and tricks to help you and the kids get ready for the learning year ahead.

1. Go shopping for essential school supplies

One of the most important and necessary back to school tasks is stationery shopping. While you may dread the yearly shop, there’s a good chance your little ones have been waiting all holidays to pick out their new signature pencil case.

From pencil casers to lunchboxes and backpacks, school supplies are stocked at most major supermarkets, as well as at Officeworks, Target, Big W, Kmart and Smiggle.

2. Help them establish a new sleeping routing

It’s all too true that kids’ sleeping patterns are quickly thrown out the window during school holidays – they stay up later and they sleep in more. Over the summer it’s not such a big deal, but during the school term, a poor sleeping routine can have a real negative impact on your child.

To help to get your little ones get into the ‘early to bed, early to rise’ mindset, start setting stricter bed times a week before the new term kicks off. To ease the struggle, be sure to eliminate any potential distractions like toys and tech items.

3. Get ahead start on the lunch box prep

There’s nothing more frustrating than opening up your kiddies lunch box only to reveal a half-eaten sandwich and untouched fruit. To avoid the dilemma this upcoming school year, take the back to school occasion as a time to level up your sandwich game.

Whether it’s involving more leftovers into lunchtime or hunting out new snack recipes you can pre-prepare and freeze for the week ahead, planning new and creative lunchbox ideas will not only make your life easier, but excite the kids too! And if you’re stumped for recipes, we’ve got plenty of ideas to give you a kick start.

4. Label all their important items

It might be a fiddly chore, but labelling all of your kids’ belongings is a task well worth investing in, especially if you want to avoid missing jumpers and water bottles the first week back!

If you don’t have the time (or the budget) to invest in pre-ordered labels there’s no need to panic. User a marking texta to write your child’s name onto fabrics, stainless steel and glass.

5. Check their school shoes and uniform fits

There’s nothing more mortifying than dressing your kids for their first day back at school, only to realise their shoes are too small and they can barely fit into last season’s shirt. To avoid the dreaded thought, make sure you check their essential uniform items fit well before the new term begins.

A new school year, usually calls for a new pair of school shoes. Many shoe stores will professionally measure your child’s feet so their shoe is the perfect fit. Be sure to go for a pair with sturdy soles that will outlast the playground.

And if a new school uniform is in need, call your children’s school and see if you can sneak in an appointment for a new uniform fitting. If not, don’t be scared to reach out to other parents for hand me downs to get you through the first weeks.

6. Purchase a family calendar

The start of a new school year also sees the welcome returned of after school activities, play dates, sport and the list goes on. To help the kids, but more importantly you, keep on top of the upcoming manic schedule, purchase a wall calendar or monthly planner.

This weekly whiteboard calendar from Kmart is easy to update and comes with magnetic accessories, making it fun and interactive for the kids. Hang it up in the kitchen or lounge room for easy household access and use.