7 Back to School Tips for Bay Area Parents to Help them Be Prepared!

Is it just me or does Back to School, just get earlier and earlier every single year. I am going to date myself here, but I remember being SO MAD when school started on August 30th when I was going into high-school. Before then it was about about starting after Labor day…and then it just starting creeping earlier and earlier after that. School didn’t get out until mid-June so an August start just seemed crazy, lol.

Well, if you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, you know that school is about to start for most kiddos in early August and for some even late July!! Next up, it will be the holidays and then the New Year….wow ok, I just went down a rabbit hole there. Let’s get back to know, we are only half way through the year after all.

 

1) Establish a Back-to-School Routine:

Start gradually adjusting your child’s sleep schedule to match their school routine. Encourage earlier bedtimes and wake-up times a week or two before school starts. Having a consistent routine will help them adapt to the structured school day more easily. Make it fun, be creative. Create a bedtime routine they look forward to, such as reading to each other, telling stories, playing a game you make-up. Have something fun for them to do when they wake up in the morning, that will get them excited for school. Once example might be a special breakfast that they love, or a fun cartoon to watch that’s educational. (this might work so well on teenagers, they often love their sleep, lol)

 

2) Reconnect with Learning:

Spend time engaging your child in educational activities to rekindle their enthusiasm for learning. Visit the library, work on puzzles or brain teasers, or explore educational websites and apps. This will help them transition back into an academic mindset and sharpen their skills. Doing this with friends is also a fun way to get the kiddos excited to go back to school.

 

3) Encourage a Positive Mindset & Foster Open Communication:

This is really is two but they definitely should be grouped together. Emphasize the importance of a positive attitude toward school. Talk about the exciting aspects of learning, new friends, and extracurricular activities. Address any concerns or anxieties your child may have and offer reassurance and support. Encouraging a positive mindset will help them approach school with enthusiasm and confidence. Doing this will also establish open lines of communication with your child. Of course the next step that not enough parents take, is developing a relationship with their child teacher(s).  Attend back-to-school nights or orientations to familiarize yourself with the curriculum(this one is a biggie), expectations, and any changes in school policies. Regularly check in with teachers throughout the year to stay informed about your child’s progress and address any concerns promptly.

 

Budget Tips are up next….

4) Take Inventory Before Shopping:

Before heading to the stores, conduct a thorough inventory of your child’s existing school supplies. Sort through their backpack, desk, and drawers to identify items that can be reused or repurposed. By knowing what you already have, you’ll avoid purchasing unnecessary duplicates. Special Tip: add a special something into your school supplies that your kiddo would be excited about, such as character notebooks or bags. These small things, can make a kid feel very special.

 

5) Create a Budget and Stick to It:

Set a clear budget for your back-to-school shopping and determine how much you’re willing to spend on each category, such as clothing, shoes, stationery, and electronics. By having a budget in place, you’ll be more conscious of your spending and avoid impulse purchases. However, it is important to budget in some fun money.

 

6) Buy in Bulk:

For frequently used items like notebooks, pens, and pencils, consider buying in bulk. Warehouse stores and online retailers often offer better prices when purchasing larger quantities. Split the cost and supplies with other parents or consider donating extras to your child’s classroom or school. Let’s be honest, how many times a year do notebooks, pens, pencils, etc….get lost or broken.

7) Teach Financial Literacy:

Use back-to-school shopping as an opportunity to teach your children about budgeting, comparing prices, and making wise spending choices. Involve them in the process, explaining the importance of saving money and finding good deals. It’s an invaluable lesson that will benefit them throughout their lives.

 

Hopefully these 7 back to school tips for Bay Area parents help you prep for the upcoming school year and getting your kids excited. Don’t forget back to school photos as well! I know we rarely like spending close to $100 on photos that often don’t turn out well, so don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for tips for getting good school photos, or sign up for one of our Book a Session, Save a Life back to school sessions that will kid will have so much fun at!

 

Our Limited Fall Family Session Sessions have already dropped and will be booked up by the end of August, click here to learn more and reserve your spot:)