Whether it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten, or they’re taking the big leap into college life, getting ready for a new school year is always an exciting adventure! From finding the perfect backpack, to stocking up on cool school supplies, and choosing the right after-school activities, each stage of their educational journey has its own unique set of essentials.
In this article, we’ll walk you through tips on how to prepare, as well as advice on the best back-to-school supplies for every milestone, ensuring your child is ready to conquer anything that comes their way. So, let’s dive in and make this school year the best one yet!
First Day of Elementary School or Kindergarten
Starting school for the first time is a monumental milestone for both children and their parents. The anticipation of this new adventure can be filled with excitement, curiosity, and a touch of nervousness. As a parent, ensuring your child is well-prepared for their first day can make all the difference. Below you’ll find comprehensive tips and must-haves to help you and your child get ready for this exciting new chapter with confidence and ease. Let’s get into it!
Adjust Their Sleeping Habits
- Gradually shift their bedtime and wake-up time earlier to align with the school schedule.
- Start this routine at least a week before school begins to help them adjust smoothly.
- Create a calming bedtime routine, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath.
- Ensure they get enough sleep for their age group, typically 10-12 hours is what’s needed for young children.
Serve a Nutritious Breakfast
- Arrange a healthy, balanced breakfast with options like oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and fruit.
- Include protein-rich foods like eggs or nut butter to sustain their energy levels.
- Avoid sugary cereals and pastries that can cause mid-morning energy crashes.
- Ensure they stay hydrated with a glass of water or milk to keep them focused and alert.
Plan Their Outfits
- Choose comfortable, familiar clothes that they can easily move around in.
- Lay out their outfit the night before to avoid any morning rush or stress.
- Include layers, such as a light jacket or sweater, in case the classroom is chilly.
- Label their clothes with their name to prevent any mix-ups or lost items.
Provide a Satisfying Lunch
- Pack a well-rounded meal with fruits, vegetables, protein, and a small treat to keep them energized.
- Use fun, easy-to-open containers and include a reusable water bottle.
- Avoid overly sugary foods to prevent any blood sugar spikes.
- Add a small note or a fun sticker to make them feel special and loved.
First Day of School Essentials
- Backpack: Choose one that’s comfortable, appropriately sized, and easy to carry.
- Supplies: Crayons, glue sticks, safety scissors, and a zippered case for small items.
- Clothing: An extra set of clothes in case of spills or accidents.
- Comfort items: A small toy or book to ease any anxiety.
- Pencils, erasers, notebooks, folders, and a pencil case.
- Lunchbox: Opt for an insulated type that’s easy to open and has enough room to fit for a balanced meal.
First Day of Middle School or High School
Navigating the transition to middle school or high school is a crucial step in your child’s academic journey. This period introduces new challenges and opportunities, making preparation key to a successful start. Let’s explore a few ideas on how you can ensure they’re well-equipped and comfortable as they set off on their next chapter.
Establish Effective Study Habits
- Set a Routine: Create a consistent study schedule that includes time for homework, review, and breaks.
- Designate a Study Space: Ensure they have a quiet, well-lit area dedicated to studying.
- Use Study Aids: Incorporate tools like note cards, apps, and online resources to reinforce learning.
- Encourage Time Management: Teach them to prioritize tasks and manage their time efficiently.
Get Organized
- Use a Planner: Encourage them to keep track of assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities in a planner.
- Create Folders for Each Subject: Use color-coded pocket folders or binders to keep their work organized and categorized by subject.
- Clean Out Regularly: Set a weekly time to clean out their backpack and organize their study area.
Encourage Independence and Responsibility
- Set Goals: Help them set academic and personal goals for the school year.
- Promote Self-Advocacy: Encourage them to ask for help when needed and to communicate with teachers.
- Assign Chores: Give them responsibilities at home to build a sense of independence.
- Teach Accountability: Hold them accountable for their schoolwork and their actions.
Foster Social Skills and Extracurricular Involvement
- Encourage Participation: Support their involvement in clubs, sports, or other other activities.
- Teach Social Skills: Discuss the importance of making friends, teamwork, and resolving conflicts.
- Balance Academics and Social Life: Help them find a healthy balance between schoolwork and social activities.
- Monitor Their Well-being: Stay attentive to their emotional and mental health, providing support when needed.
Middle School or High School Essentials
- Headphones or Earbuds: Useful for listening to educational videos or music during study time.
- Personal Hygiene Products: Items like hand sanitizer, tissues, and deodorant.
- Wireless Charger: For keeping electronic devices charged during the day.
- Planner or Digital Calendar: For tracking assignments, deadlines, and extracurricular activities.
- Backup Supplies: Extra pens, pencils, and paper for unexpected needs.
- Laptop or Tablet: For completing assignments and accessing online resources (if required by the school). As an extra precaution, we would recommend storing it in a laptop sleeve for protection and easy access.
- Folder for Important Documents: To keep track of permission slips, forms, and important notices.
Extra Curricular Activity Essentials
- Sports Equipment: Soccer cleats and shin guards, or a regulation-size basketball to practice, or a pickleball paddle and a ball.
- Art Supplies: Prismacolor colored pencils and Strathmore sketchbook, or Winsor & Newton watercolor paints and brushes, or Elmer’s glue and crafting scissors.
- Music Gear: A tuner, extra guitar strings, and a pick for guitar, or cleaning rod, and music stand for flute, or rosin and a shoulder rest for violin.
- Drama and Theater: Basic costume pieces like a black leotard, or props such as a fake sword, or a printed script in a binder.
- Academic Clubs: A lab notebook and safety goggles for a Science club, or note cards and Post-it notes for a debate team, or a robotics kit and programming software for a Robotics club.
First Day of College – Hello Independence!
As they gear up to move across the country, or share an on-campus apartment with their bestie at community college, it’s time for you to step into your new role as their behind-the-scenes supporter. While they dive into university life, juggling assignments, self-care, and their newfound freedom, your job is to make sure they’re not drowning in chaos. We’ll dive into how you can be their unsung hero, offering support and keeping them on track – even if they don’t always admit they need it. Because, let’s face it, even the most independent students can use a helping hand from time to time!
Budget and Financial Planning for University
- Family Budget Meeting: Use apps like GoodBudget or YNAB to create a detailed budget together.
- Set Up Banking: Open a no-fee student bank account with mobile features.
- Apply for Aid: Collaborate on scholarship and financial aid applications.
Organizing University Supplies and Study Space
- Shopping Day: Buy a reliable laptop, noise-canceling headphones, and cloud storage.
- Home Study Area: Set up a quiet, well-lit space for remote study sessions.
- Install Digital Tools: Use apps like Evernote or Notion for organization.
Prioritizing Health and Well-Being for University Students
- Health Apps: Download MyFitnessPal for nutrition and Insight Timer for meditation.
- Campus Health Visit: Explore campus health and mental health resources.
- Family Routines: Create a balanced sleep and exercise schedule together.
Getting to Know University Campus Life
- Family Campus Tours: Take virtual or in-person tours to find key locations.
- Orientation Events: Attend together to meet other families and learn about resources.
- Explore Clubs: Use CampusGroups to join clubs and activities of interest
College Life Essentials
- Compact Storage Bins: Maximize space and keep belongings organized.
- Shower Caddy, Duffel Bag and Flip Flops: These are a few necessities for the best shared bathroom convenience.
- Table Lamp: Provides extra lighting for late-night study sessions.
- Command Hooks and Strips: Decorate your space without causing wall scuff marks and use these hanging for signs and storage.
- Collegiate Merchandise: This is the perfect way they can make friends, by getting behind sports teams or joining a fraternity or a sorority.
- Laundry Hamper with Wheels: For easy transport to and from the laundry room.
- Multi-Outlet Power Strip with USB Ports: To efficiently charge multiple devices.
- Personal Fan: Keeps the dorm room comfortable.
- Over-the-Door Organizer: Adds extra storage for shoes, accessories, and toiletries.
- Area Rug: Adds comfort and style to the dorm room floor.
Ready, Set, Go!
As you prepare your child with custom back-to-school supplies, remember that this journey from their first day of school to their college send-off is a rollercoaster of milestones. Watching them transition from ABCs to SATs, and eventually off to college, is both heartwarming and bittersweet. So, savor the school drop-offs, laugh at their silly projects, and cherish the moments that will someday become precious memories. From crayons to college applications, you’ve got this, super parent!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2019, and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Hazel is a content specialist that reigns from the amazing land of Cork, Ireland. If her natural red hair doesn’t showcase her Irish roots, her love of humor and spontaneous outbursts would be a clear indicator. When she’s not looking out for her amazing team mates, she’s usually re-writing song lyrics – tirelessly trying to incorporate them into her writing pieces. She has a quirky, lively, and caring personality and her little dog Eddie makes her the happiest overall.
