By Annie Lafrance
Whether it's the return of toddlers to daycare or the transition to high school, the start of the school year is sometimes a source of stress and even anxiety for the youngest and a real headache for parents. How to survive the start of the school year? By getting organized.
Plan the family schedule
Back to school also means the return of the family calendar: swimming lessons for one, dance classes for another, not to mention appointments with the optometrist and dentist. How do you reconcile it all? By registering each event in a family organizer.
Installed on the fridge door or near the vestibule, it ensures that no appointments are forgotten, in addition to avoiding scheduling conflicts. Above all, it encourages all members of the family to take responsibility.
For toddlers, there are also several organizers and motivational tools, like those from Minimo (photo below) to help them in their quest for autonomy. We love it!
Gradually get back into the routine
Late nights, skipped naps and eating on the go? The holidays are a shock to routine, and that's a good thing. Taking a break from the schedule is good for both kids and parents.
Even though it is good to enjoy the holidays, it is still advisable to get back into some good habits a few days before going back to school, especially for the bedtime routine.
Taking a moment to do some evening reading and talk about the day is a moment of calm and complicity that promotes good sleep.
This way, everyone will be wide awake and early on the first day of school!
Reuse as much as possible
Back to school can also be a source of financial stress for families, especially with inflation and the many supplies to purchase.
Before heading to the store, it is best to take inventory of what you already have and what can be reused.
Are you missing some schoolbags or specific pencils? You can do an exchange with another parent in your neighborhood or make a request on one of the many Facebook donation groups in your neighborhood. Paying it forward is always a win-win.
When shopping, it's often best to invest a few extra dollars in quality supplies that will last for several years and can be used by more than one child.
Some brands, like Herschel , are also known for their reliability. In addition to being made of recycled (and resistant!) textiles, the Heritage backpack will accompany your child during their school journey!
*I have already made the mistake of buying cardboard duo-tangs, which were certainly more economical, but which did not even last half a year!
Involving your child
Back to school is above all HIS back to school! Involving your child in certain tasks will allow him to feel "grown up", but also to be reassured. Even the youngest can help identify daycare or kindergarten materials, fill his backpack and choose the clothes he will wear on the first day of school.
When shopping, you can also let him choose the pattern he prefers for his lunch bag or pencil case. After all, it's his gear!
Do a rehearsal
Starting kindergarten, moving, or even high school: no matter the child's age, new life steps can create anxiety. One trick to reduce it is to do a rehearsal.
How? By walking or driving with him, visiting the new schoolyard (even if the child visited it in May, it is often a blur in his mind) or doing a "rehearsal" by walking to the bus stop.
For the very young, carrying a transitional object, such as a muslin blanket or a stuffed animal from home, is reassuring for children who are anxious or worried about being separated from their parents. This object will reassure them and remind them of home or your presence.
Our favorite: Jellycat ultra-soft, fun plush toys
Love making lunches
Back to school also means the return of lunches, which, for many, represents a boring chore.
What if we changed that? Making lunches can be enjoyable and even fun. All you have to do is vary the menus by favoring diversity, fresh foods and, above all, respecting everyone's tastes.
*At home, my daughter only wants hot meals in a Thermos while my son prefers cold lunches that he can eat quickly.
Among the lunch essentials, Munchbox boxes are practical for separating food and keeping it fresh.
The lunch or snack break will also be much appreciated withpretty, colorful, fun accessories , and, above all, suitable for children's little hands.
Happy back to school!
Cover photo: Lunch bags from Dans le sac company
