Back to School Tips and Advice

Whether you love it or you loathe it, the transition from summer fun-time to back to school can be brutal! From the dreaded early morning wake up calls to making sure your child eats a hearty lunch, follow these top tips for a smooth transition into the new school year...

Settle Back into your School Routine Well in Advance

When the school rush rears its head, hurrying your children out the door will be less gruesome if you have managed to beat most of their lazy summer habits - you know exactky the ones that we're talking about. In the build up to their first day back at school attempt to rein in late bedtimes and put an end to those mega long lie-ins. Slowly reintroducing a relaxing bedtime routine will come in handy when scrabbling to get the kids to school on time. 

Tackle Homework Head On

Trying to coax your child into getting their homework done can sometimes appear to be a losing battle. The best way to tackle this age-old problem is by incorporating homework into their everyday routine. By establishing a time and place for studying at home, it won't appear to be such a chore when they've got to do it. In order for your child to get the most out of their studies make yourself available during homework time. Whether they're at the kitchen table and you're preparing dinner or you're reading the paper and they're working their way through it in the living room - make sure you are there to check in on your child’s progress and lend a hand should it be needed.

Plan After-School Activities

If you're a working parent and your child finishes school before you get home, it's important to figure out where your children will go, what they'll get up to or who will be home to greet them. If you’re in need of some after-school care, check with your child's school or other parents if there are any facilities or places that they'd recommend.  During those first few days back at school try to be there when your child gets home - you'll be able to ask them about their day, help them adjust to their new schedule and discuss their teachers.

Be Adventurous with your Children's Lunch Boxes

The days when a humble ham sandwich would suffice are far back in yesteryear. In this age of allergies and healthy food policies enforced by schools, planning a packed lunch is much more likely to be problematic. So make sure you know the school policy on just exactly what you can and can’t put in it their lunch box. The greatest approach to this is to sit down and discuss with your children exactly what they'd like. Alternatively you can take them shopping with you and get them involved in what they eat. If you are struggling for ideas, we've put together some fun ideas ourselves. 

Keep Track of your Family

Things can certainly get hectic at home, so keeping track of who needs what and when is something wise to invest in. A diary, calendar or wall planner are probably your best options however if a post-it note covered fridge is more your cup of tea, go with it. An organised home life will set a brilliant example to your children and ensure that you're always on top of what's coming up.