Be prepared is a motto that mums (and dads) should always adhere to, and this includes getting the kids and their school gear organized long before the new school term starts. This is especially important to beat last-minute rush if the family often has an annual vacation during the long school holidays. Here are some tips to get organized.
School Uniforms and Other Clothing
Get all school uniforms out and see if they will still be wearable the coming term. Fix anything that can be fixed – torn pockets or missing button, for example. If the kids have outgrown the uniforms, get them new ones. The kids will need shoes and socks that fit nicely as well. Other clothing to check include art smocks, raincoats, hats, jackets and jumpers. If the kids don’t wear uniforms to school, make sure whatever clothes they will be wearing are presentable as well.
Schoolbags, Lunchboxes and Water Bottles
While some school bags can be used for a few years, others may not have such a lasting effect. Check for torn parts and zips. If they are really worn out, replace them. The same goes with lunchboxes and water bottles. Keep old lunchboxes and bottles as spares. Get older kids to choose their own schoolbags, lunchboxes and water bottles. Kids tend to be possessive of the items they have chosen themselves and will take better care of them.
Stationery Supplies
Get writing materials, exercise books, folders, pencil cases and other stationery supplies early. Once these are purchased, wrap the books with plastic covers or clear contacts and label all items clearly. Do these chores as soon as possible, especially if you have more than two kids and there are heaps of books to be covered and scores of items to be labeled!
A marker pen is often useful to label school items. Alternatively, get an easy-to-use labeling machine to do the job. There are also many colorful and attractive sticker labels that kids like having on their books, folders and pencil cases.
Snacks and Drinks
Stock up the pantry at least two weeks before school starts. Check the expiration dates properly, though. Crackers, healthy snack bars, fruit bars, nuts and seeds, packet fruit juices and flavored milk can all be bought during the routine weekly grocery shopping trips. Some mums prefer to buy them in batches so that they don’t have to get them all at once the last few days before school reopens.
When mums are organized, there won’t be a crazy last-minute rush to get things done. School uniforms, schoolbags, lunchboxes, water bottles, stationery supplies as well as snacks and drinks are items that should be given priority in any preparation to go back to school. Some mums find buying online helpful as well if they can’t make so many shopping trips.
Those who find this article useful may also be interested to check out Getting Ready for School and Healthy School Lunches.
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