Back to School: 3 Top Tips for Preparing and Organizing
By Pam Myers
Maybe last year, you got a little tired of books and papers all over the place. And perhaps the kids weren’t getting their homework done before bedtime. Was studying getting done? Did everyone make their appointments and scheduled extracurricular activities? Were your kids prepared for the first day of school last year?
Chances are, you can see room for improvement in your preparation and organization for the school year…and your kids probably agree. Here are some tips for preparing and organizing for back to school that may help.
Get Ahead of the Game
You’re reading this article, so you’re probably already ahead of things! Staying that way can help a lot in preparing and organizing for the upcoming year. Look out for school supplies when you are out doing your regular shopping – pencils, pens, notebooks, etc. often go on sale as stores clean out their inventories in preparation for the upcoming year. Go ahead and buy them at the discounted price and keep a school supply stockpile.
While you are getting ahead, think about clothes. Grab good deals for out-of-season clothes as you are running your regular errands. A lot of getting ahead is a mindset – just always be on the lookout for back to school stuff, even when it’s June and you aren’t in the mood!
Take Inventory
Like the stores, now is a good time to take inventory of what you have. It can be quite an eye-opener when you realize how many school supplies are already around your home. Pens, pencils, paper, and notebooks are often hiding in various places in your house. Pull them all out and throw out what can’t be used, and reuse what is still in good condition.
You can do the same thing for back to school clothes. Take inventory of your kids’ clothing and see if anyone can wear hand-me-downs, for instance, or if you can mix and match clothes. This helps avoid paying for clothes you don’t need, and helps you focus on what you actually do need.
Change of Schedule
Going back to school is often a schedule jolt – sleeping late and staying up to midnight (or after) has to give way to the school year’s early mornings and earlier bedtimes. Try to ease into this schedule before school starts to help everyone prepare for the upcoming change. Go to bed and get up a bit earlier as the school year approaches.
About Pam Myers, BSEd
Pam Myers received a BsEd in Education and her teaching credential from USC and was a 6th grade teacher for 13 years for the Ocean View School District in Huntington Beach, CA. She and Dr Bob met at USC and were married in 1971. Pam is the proud mother of two grown children, Lauren, who is a Special Education teacher in the La Habra School District and a son, Greg, who is a TV and Film editor. She retired from the public schools to raise her family and has continued to work with children and families through various activities including serving as a PTA president, working with OC Philharmonic Association to bring music education to children and is serving in the youth ministry at her church. Pam and Bob worked as a team on his radio shows and she provided management support in his private practice. Painting and live theater are her passions as well as the protection of children and animals.