How to Prepare for Back to School

Back to school is a time of excitement, anxiety, and even a little bit of sadness for both parents and their children. Preparation is one of the best ways to handle the transition from carefree summer fun to a structured school setting. Completing a back to school checklist can help you stay on top of things and and make the transition easier on both you and your child.

Get school supplies ahead of time.

In the days leading up to the school year, expect a rush at the store to score school supplies. Beat the crowds and avoid picked-through products by purchasing all your back to school supplies now, instead of waiting until the last minute.

Plan your child’s wardrobe & back to school outfits.

Now is a good time to go through your child’s closet and see which items of clothing are in good shape and still in style. Organizing back to school outfits will help you decide which, if any, items of clothing you need to purchase or replace, saving you time and stress.

Reach out to your child’s teachers.

Attend meet-the-teacher night, orientation or other welcome events, but don’t stop there. Make a point of introducing yourself and learning about class activities and expectations for the year.

Start sticking to a schedule.

Establish a routine at home and stick to it. Be consistent with bedtimes, waking times, and getting-ready patterns.

Plan lunches.

Unless your kid plans to eat cafeteria food every day, you’ll want to plan and pack a healthy and tasty lunch for them. Knowing what you plan to pack for them ahead of time will keep you from scrambling in the mornings trying to throw a bag lunch together.

Open the lines of communication.

As with any relationship, communication is key. Talk to your child about going back to school, expectations, and any questions or concerns they may have. Make sure they know they can come to you for help with anything, whether it be trouble understanding a homework assignment or interpersonal problems with others.

If you have any questions about any of the schools in South Sioux City, you can contact the South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce for more information, including contact information for the school, upcoming events, and how to get involved.