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Ah, back-to-school season—a mixture of excitement, dread, confusion, and spending far too much money on stationery. It’s a chaotic time for both parents and kids, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be. Here are a few simple ways you can make the back-to-school routine go smoother this year, and every year after.
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Make Some Savings
The National Retail Federation estimates that parents will spend almost $850 on back-to-school purchases like supplies, clothing, shoes, and electronics. This can be a big financial blow for some families, especially those with more kids.
The easiest way to save money is to ask yourself what you really need to buy: Do your kids actually need brand-new supplies, or are the ones from last year doing just fine? When you do need new supplies, there are ways to save on them, such as stocking up at your local dollar store and taking advantage of coupons.
You may also want to cut down on some household costs to offset the back-to-school expenses. You could focus on organizing and prepping your meals to reduce waste, or think of some free weekend activities for the fall. You also don’t really need cable, now that streaming options exist. If your kids will be watching shows or movies on a tablet, make sure to pair it with a protective case that can withstand drops or spills.
Give the Family Time to Transition
Make sure you start the transition out of “summer mode” well ahead of time. Prepare your kids for what is going to change, adjust bedtimes, and ease into a set daily routine with structured activities. Make it slow, steady, and subtle.
Encourage Better Sleep
Chances are good sleep hygiene has gone out the window during the summer, which can lead to learning problems at school. A few tips for better back-to-school sleep include sticking to a schedule even on weekends; banning TV, video games, and phones in the lead-up to bed; and designing a family bedtime routine that you can all take part in.
Prepare for the Sickness Fake-Out
Kids will occasionally pretend they are sick to get out of school. This year, be prepared with an action plan when this happens. Psychology Today recommends establishing a sick policy ahead of time (e.g., going to school unless you have a fever), which avoids the long, argumentative conversations in the morning. It also helps to avoid lecturing and to listen to them—there’s often a deeper reason why a child is trying to get out of school.
Get Better at Waking Them Up
If getting the kids to wake up in the morning is a struggle, there are a few techniques you can try. Turn on the light and open the door 10 minutes before their wake-up time, so they wake up naturally. Set up a rewards system for good morning behavior, or make it a competition between smaller kids.
Set Up a Great Homework Area
In the same way as it is easier for you to work in a nice, comfortable office, it is easier for children to do their homework if they have a pleasant space to do it. When selecting a bedroom desk, for instance, make sure it is appropriately sized for them, that there is enough storage, and that they have a comfortable chair to go with it.
Start the Year Fresh With a Declutter
An end-of-summer declutter can give both parents and kids just the organizational boost they need to start the school year on the right foot. Remember to include the kids in the process (it’s their room, after all) and to focus on specific areas, like clothes and school artwork.
Back-to-school season is a challenge for parents and kids, but it’s also an opportunity. The overhaul in everyone’s daily routine makes it easier for better habits to be introduced, such as healthier sleep routines, smoother mornings, or staying organized. Embracing this wave of optimism for the year ahead can be extremely powerful, so stay positive and make the best of the weeks to come.
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