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As the days of summer gradually come to a close, it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming school year.
Getting your household back to school ready involves more than just flipping the calendar. It requires thoughtful planning and organization to ensure a seamless transition from the laid-back days of vacation to the structured routine of school life.
To help you navigate this process with ease and minimize stress for the whole family, here are five valuable tips to help prepare for back to school.
1. Set a schedule
Establishing a consistent routine is crucial for a successful school year.
Start by creating a daily schedule that includes wake-up times, breakfast, school drop-offs, after-school activities, homework time, time for relaxation, and bedtime.
Start by gradually adjusting your child’s sleep schedule a few weeks before school begins. Gradually shift bedtime and wake-up times to align with the school day to help them ease into the routine.
Implementing regular mealtimes and incorporating physical activity into their day will further promote a healthy and structured lifestyle.
Having a visual representation of their daily routine, such as a dry-erase board or fridge calendar, will provide structure and minimize stress.
Involve your child in the process, allowing them to provide input and gain ownership over their schedule. This involvement will empower them and foster a sense of responsibility.
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Take inventory of the required school supplies for each child. Check what supplies you already have left over from last year. Then consult the school-provided supply lists and involve your children in making a comprehensive shopping list, if needed.
Take advantage of back-to-school sales and discounts to save money.
Essential items include:
- Notebooks
- Binders
- Pens and pencils
- Pencil sharpeners and erasers
- Pencil pouch
- Backpacks
Take note of any specialized supplies required by your children’s schools such as calculators and textbooks.
Once you have the supplies, create a designated space for your students at home. A dedicated study space will help their concentration and productivity and enable them to excel academically.
Organize supplies and other materials to be easily accessible to your child. Consider using labeled bins or shelves to keep everything in order. This organization will not only save time but also instill a sense of responsibility and ownership over their materials.
Encourage good study habits by setting aside specific times for homework and providing guidance when needed. Celebrate achievements and provide positive reinforcement to motivate your child.
3. Update medical information
Ensure your children’s medical information is up to date. Schedule a visit with their pediatrician for a check-up and to address any necessary vaccinations.
If you opt out of vaccinations, you must obtain a vaccination waiver. Check with your school for any other requirements or documents necessary.
Obtain any required medical forms from the school and complete them accurately. If your child has specific medical needs, such as allergies or medications, communicate this information with the school nurse and relevant staff members.
Providing updated medical information will ensure your children’s health and well-being while at school.
4. Setting academic goals
Encourage your child to set academic goals for the upcoming year. Discuss their aspirations and help them develop a realistic plan to achieve them.
Break down long-term goals into smaller, manageable milestones. This process will enhance motivation and provide a roadmap for success.
Create a vision board or a written list to represent their goals visually. Display it in their study area as a constant reminder of their objectives.
Regularly revisit these goals and celebrate their progress, fostering a positive attitude towards learning.
Tips to guide you in setting meaningful and achievable goals with your child
- Reflect on past performance
- Identify specific areas for improvement
- Set SMART goals
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
- Break goals into milestones
- Create an action plan
- Monitor progress and provide support
- Revise and reset goals
This process instills a sense of purpose and self-discipline, promoting a positive attitude towards learning and ultimately contributing to their overall academic success.
5. Promote mental and physical well-being
Back-to-school readiness extends beyond academics. Prioritize your child’s mental and physical well-being to ensure a successful school year.
Encourage open communication and allow your child to express their feelings and concerns about the upcoming school year. Address any anxieties or worries with empathy and reassurance.
Promote a healthy lifestyle by providing nutritious meals and snacks. Involve your children in meal planning and grocery shopping, and motivate them to make healthy choices.
Help them stay active by encouraging them or even joining in on regular exercise routines and outdoor activities to support their physical well-being and release pent-up energy.
Get them involved in extracurricular activities that align with their interests. Participation in sports, clubs, or artistic pursuits can enhance their social skills, build self-confidence, and provide a well-rounded educational experience.
Homefinity is here to support you and your family’s growth
By following these five steps, you can create an organized and supportive home environment that sets the stage for a successful school year.
Remember, involving your children in the process will not only teach them valuable skills but also help them take ownership of their education.
Be sure to make the most of the space in your home by organizing and decluttering.
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Or perhaps you want to refinance your current mortgage to free up funds for your children’s education.
Either way—let the professionals at Homefinity guide you through the process.
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Get started with Homefinity today!*Pre-approval is based on a preliminary review of credit information provided to Homefinity which has not been reviewed by Underwriting. Final loan approval is subject to a full Underwriting review of support documentation including, but not limited to, applicants’ creditworthiness, assets, income information, and a satisfactory appraisal.
