Down to the wire, you find yourself stressing over the first day of school. If you are like me, summer ended way too early and now you are running around crazy trying to make sure everything is finished.
Would it not be nice if there were a checklist that you could print out and check off those last minute tasks before the big day? Now there is! Here is a to do list sure to get your kids out the door prepared and ready.
Double check supplies
By now you should have gotten the list and bought the supplies. Be sure and label the items and pack your child's bag. This is a great activity to do together that way you are truly double-checked.
Plan Lunch Routine
It is that time to decide if your child will bring his lunch or buy. Either way takes a little preparation. If your child chooses to take their lunch, make sure you have a lunchbox as well as something to put in that lunchbox for the first week. It can be something as simple as a peanut butter and jelly, fruit and a drink, but make sure it is planned out. Be prepared to change mid-week after all your child's friends chose to do the opposite. Go on and pack the lunch the night before that way all you have to do is make sure it gets to the car. There will be too much to do that morning to have to worry about packing lunches. If your child chooses to buy lunch, make sure you know the procedure for sending money and follow it.
Plan Transportation
Do you know how your child will be getting to and from school? Find out and practice it!
First Day clothes
I know many believe that first day is not that big a deal. As a former teacher, I am here to tell you it is. Teachers are very guilty of making impressions on how a child is dressed so don't make the mistake of sending your child in inappropriate clothes. Lay out his or her first day outfit the night before. It takes the stress out of choosing and outfit on that first day.
Label! Label! Label!
I can not stress this enough. The first day is difficult and a teacher has not had the time to know what belongs to who so make sure you label all cups, lunchboxes, jackets, clothes or any personal items.
Plan that first day breakfast
You want your child to go to school ready to learn. If your child is starving, they are not learning. Take the time to plan a special breakfast for them. It could be a simple muffin or taking them to their favorite fast-food breakfast place. Just make sure they are energized for the morning,
Bathing and teeth and hair brushing
I know this is common sense but you will be surprised in the chaos how many times we go to drop him off at school and realize no one ever brushed my child's hair. As they get older, you are not as involved so some times the basics get overlooked. That is why it is on the checklist.
Teacher Survival gift
I do this every year as a way to let my child's teacher know that I support her work. I pack a first day survival kit for her in a gift bag. It is really pretty simple. Sometimes it has a muffin for a mid-morning snack, slippers to rest her feet after a long day, chocolate to take away the stress, etc. Get creative and she will appreciate the planning and thoughtfulness.
Make sure The Camera is Ready
First days are big deals and in this day and age documenting them could not be easier. If you use a film camera, make sure you have film. If you use a digital, make sure your batteries are charged.
Kiss your child
No matter how old your child gets, the first day can be a nervous time. Be sure to not show your own nerves or stress. Instead love on your child like never before. Make sure they know you believe they are the most special child and that they are loved. Then pray over them and their day.
I hope this list makes the last few hours memorable and less stressful. Happy Back to School!
