Back to school can be a stressful time for parents AND kids—no matter how zen you usually are. So today I’m sharing my best back-to-school tips for elementary school parents.
Lately I’ve been thinking about a lot of things that have helped us get through the stress of a new school year.
There were so many things I was NOT prepared for when my first little one started preschool and kindergarten.
So many things I wish I knew.
Today’s post is for moms who are sending their babies off to school for the first time… and it’s also for veteran moms to look back on, think about, and maybe even laugh at.
We’re all making this up as we go along.
So keep reading for some golden tips for elementary school parents during back-to-school. I promise it’s really useful, practical information—not something the old ladies at Target stop to tell you when they see crayons and envelopes in your cart.
See also Back to School Yoga for Moms.
5 things I wish I knew when my firstborn started kindergarten
Food preparation is everything
Correctly. Food is more important than ANYTHING. Food trumps buying school supplies and putting your child’s name on everything. It goes beyond school clothes and haircuts. Trump games with friends who may be in the same class.
No, I’m not talking about shaping your kid’s lunch into dinosaurs or whatever crafty moms do to make lunch pretty.
I say whatever you do…don’t let your child’s blood sugar crash in the first two weeks of school.
Get up a little earlier to fill their tummies with their favorite breakfast. Offer snacks the second your child gets in the car at pick-up.
Spend the Sunday before school planning, dividing and preparing as much as you can in advance. When you think you have enough food, go to Costco and buy more snacks.
I got it? Food is everything in the first few days of school.
Don’t spend an arm and a leg on school clothes. But buy new when it counts.
Well, here’s the deal. Used clothes are great for kids! And it’s so easy to find handmade goods from neighbors and thrift stores like Once Upon a Child, it’s kind of silly to get new stuff. There are really only two exceptions to this rule in my house — shoes and jackets.
Kids are so hard on shoes. So I buy new, quality ones back to school shoes at the beginning of each school year. (This year my oldest got all-white adidas shoes that she can wear for cheerleading and to school. My youngest chose more colorful sneakers that go with most.)
I also get a new one children’s jackets or hoodies. Even though it’s still 90 degrees here in August, I want them to be comfortable when the mornings start to cool. And I also know if we get one they like, they’ll wear it year round!
(Bonus tip: Get name stickers and put them on every outfit your kids wear to school. But especially the more expensive stuff like shoes, jackets, coats, and hoodies.)
Prepare for “spirit days”.
All my friends know how much I hate dress up days at school.
I HATE.
HATE.
DETEST.
I know they’re fun for the kids and all…but I don’t feel like driving all over town looking for a Cat in the Hat costume. I don’t like waking up at 5am to style my kid’s hair like Cindy Lou Hu. And I SUPER hate having to coordinate with another parent so our kids can tune in on Gemini Day or feel like a reject. I’m sorry, I’m not sorry. This is not fun.
And it’s even less fun when your schools come on those dress-up days the week before.
Don’t let it happen.
Request the schedule now along with random early release days and teacher work days. Put it in your calendar. Trust me on this one.
Don’t sacrifice yourself. It’s not worth it.
I’m sure you’ve seen the memes. “Behind every well-dressed kid is a mom who looks like she’s surviving a zombie apocalypse.” (It’s a paraphrase, but you get the picture.)
Why do we do this? We worry so much about matching front door bows and pictures that we completely neglect our health and well-being. I know I’ve done it many times. I bet you have too.
Sure, we can all have a good laugh about it. But let’s be real about something. Our children need us to be grounded and reassuring during a time of BIG transitions and often BIG emotions. So often we focus on getting that perfect photo to commemorate their big day that we don’t take the time to figure out how to help them have a better experience.
Slow down. Breathe. Be present with your child. And reassure both of you that everything will be fine.
Trust yourself.
People love to make new moms feel like they don’t know anything.
This is SO wrong.
No one knows your child like you. So trust yourself and your intuition. Don’t want your child to be pulled away from you kicking and screaming? PESTO LIKE THIS. Do you know that your child acts like a psycho when the second red food coloring touches their lips? Stick to snacks that make sense for your child.
Are you responsible. (Sorry, teachers.)
If you feel uncomfortable with anything in the first two weeks of school, support your child. Let the school know you care and care. Even if it’s annoying. School management may have more experience. Maybe they really want the best for your child. But only YOU know
