6 Tips for Getting Your Children Ready To Go Back To School

Summer is officially here, but before you know it, your children will be heading back to school. Unfortunately, for most parents, going back to school involves a mad dash to the mall to shop for all the things their children will need to get them through the school year. These are six helpful tips to ensure that you survive getting young students back into their learning routines.

1. Review The School's Requirements and Recommendations

Most schools distribute a list of supplies teachers want their students to acquire. If your child has multiple teachers, check for duplicate requests or unique items to ensure you are not buying school supplies you already have, don't need, or do not meet the class requirements.

Some schools want their students to use the same supplies, which they take charge of purchasing and distributing, whereas others may provide options to help parents select and purchase supplies. Standard supplies most young students will need include:

• Notebooks

• Pens, pencils, and markers

• Rulers

• Scissors

• Folders

• Book covers

Be sure to carefully follow the school's supply guidelines to avoid making additional school shopping trips or purchases.

2. Take Inventory of What You Already Have

Before you start making your shopping list, go through your child's backpack from the previous school year or your home office to determine if you already have any of the requested supplies. Some items will appear on teachers' lists every year and may easily last for multiple grades. In addition, younger children can make excellent use of remaining supplies that older children did not use before graduating to advanced levels.

3. Shop Online

If the idea of shopping for school supplies leaves you worrying about fighting your way through crowds of families vying for the same items or that you will forget to buy something important, turn to your computer and make your purchases online. In addition to saving yourself the time it takes to travel to a store, locate your items, and wait in line to pay for them, you can browse through the aisles of your favorite store from the comfort of your own home. This relaxing approach to shopping will also allow you to stock up on any office supplies you need at home.

4. Assess Their Lunch Supplies

School lunch is an important consideration when planning for your children's return to school. Create a meal planning and list any supplies you need to ensure that your child heads out each day with an enjoyable and nutritious meal. Start by providing your child with something sturdy for carrying lunch. Be sure that anything your child uses for lunch is still in good shape before the beginning of the school year. If it has stains, holes, or other damage, it is time to replace it with a new lunch box. An igloo lunch box is an excellent choice because it has an anti-microbial lining, is easy to clean, and leak-resistant. Plus, it is collapsible, allowing it to fit into your child's backpack to ensure that it never gets left in the lunchroom.

Be sure you also have the appropriate accessories to go into your child's lunch container. Children are more likely to drink water and remain well-hydrated throughout the day if they can take a refreshing drink from a fun water bottle. Lunch and snacks will also stay fresh when you pack them using airtight containers and bags. Don't forget a healthy breakfast is always important, and you can plan a morning routine for this upcoming school year to make things easier for you and your kids.

5. Limit Their Choices

Parents who plan to shop for school supplies with their children must be careful to avoid giving their children too many options from which to choose. Although you want your children to enjoy expressing themselves through their supplies, too many options from which to choose will frustrate and overwhelm everyone and possibly lead to overspending.

Turn to what you already know about your children's preferences and present them with only two options from which they can choose. As a result, they will enjoy feeling empowered when making the final decision, and you will enjoy a shorter shopping experience.

6. Plan Ahead for Getting Children Back To School

Unless your children are changing schools, you probably have a good idea of the types of supplies they will need to progress through each grade. Consider purchasing staple items, such as pens, pencils, and paper, whenever you come across a sale. In addition to saving money, you will have ample inventory on hand by the time the new school year rolls around. Keep a copy of each child's school supply list on your phone to ensure you remember what to buy when you have unexpected opportunities to stock up throughout the year. Your children will probably run low on essential items sooner than you realize, but gradually replenishing dwindling supplies will help you avoid hurried and exhausting school shopping trips. Remember always to consider extracurricular activities for each child’s school; you might need some outdoor or unique supplies.

Preparing for the new school year can be challenging for many parents. Contact the customer service team at Max Warehouse to help you create the perfect welcome back to school plan that suits you and your children before summer break ends.