You’ve made it – it’s summer holidays! For some of you the end of year school related admin has been off-the-scale and it’s a relief to have got through. Hopefully you have some enjoyable plans for the summer whether that’s days out with the kids, holidays in the UK or abroad or simply paddles and ice-creams in the park. It’s never too early, however, to be organised for that back-to-school transition. The summer holidays tend to whizz by quickly, especially if you are frantically juggling work and childcare. Don’t be running round like a headless chicken trying to find any school shoes that fit…we’re thinking of the hilarious scene as Julia from Motherland… for those of you that have seen it!
Make a Back-to-School Checklist
From pencil cases to lunch bags to school shoes to school bags, there are so many things to consider to ensure a smooth transition back into the school routine. Being a working mum can make this process even more challenging, but with a bit of organisation and planning, you can set yourself up for success. Make yourself a Back-to-School Checklist. This invaluable tool should encompass everything your child needs for a successful school year ahead. Break this master list into smaller, more digestible categories to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Perhaps have a section dedicated to schoolwear, another for classroom necessities, and don’t forget a column for school accessories. As you buy each item, savour the satisfaction of ticking it off your list, bringing you one step closer to a fully prepared school year. This method not only streamlines your shopping process but also ensures that no item is left behind in the rush of preparations. Remember, organisation is key and it all begins with your master back-to-school checklist.
Setting Up a Family Calendar for Everyone
Another way to get organised for the school year ahead… implement a family calendar to juggle the myriad of commitments for every family member. Map out school dates not to be missed, after-school activities, work-related deadlines, and essential gatherings. Perhaps adopt a little colour-coding for a quick and easy way to recognise who needs to be where at any given time. This shared calendar, ideally placed in a communal area or synchronised digitally for remote access, acts as a beacon of coordination, guiding your family. We find that this method is especially great for teenagers to encourage communication about their whereabouts, giving them responsibility and making sure that they are aligned with the rest of the family. Hopefully this approach diminishes the chances of double-bookings or missed appointments and really helps us out as Mums too to know where our teens have to be dropped off and picked up and when!
Establishing a Before-School Routine
Slipping back into a structured routine after the free-spirited days of summer can seem daunting, yet it’s important if you want your mornings to run smoothly and efficiently. Begin by deciding on a wake-up time that works for everyone, factoring in enough leeway for those inevitable last-minute searches for a misplaced shoe or a forgotten lunch bag. Encourage your kids to lay out their school uniform and pack their school bag the night before, including what they can for their lunch box. This not only teaches them responsibility but also eases morning stress. Make breakfast a simple yet nutritious affair that can be prepared quickly, leaving ample time for everyone to eat without rushing. By fostering a calm and organised start to the day, you empower your children to head off to school feeling prepared and confident. For our kids that are older than 6 or 7 we have a visible morning checklist so they know the steps that they can take independently eg clean teeth, get water bottle ready etc.
Don’t Forget Summer Fun
Amid the hustle of organizing and preparing for the new school year, it’s obviously important to keep the spirit of summer alive with joyful, kid-friendly activities. Allow space for spontaneous outings like a refreshing afternoon at the local pool or a leisurely evening walk. Create a mini bucket list of things your family loves to do together which will of course be age dependent—perhaps it includes star gazing on a clear night, embarking on a nature scavenger hunt, or crafting together on a lazy afternoon. For teenagers this could be doing something that feels exciting and spontaneous… perhaps driving to the beach to have a picnic at dinner time or taking the train somewhere new with some Insta-friendly locations? Ease your family gently from the carefree days of summer into the structured rhythms of the school year with hearts full and spirits uplifted.
