helpful hints + how to: preparing for school.

Summer is quickly ending in my neck of the woods, friends.  In twenty short days  I will be back to the days of packing lunches, chauffeuring and soccer practice.  Along with piano, violin and chess club.  The first few weeks of school can be a transition for us mothers as much as it is for our children.  In fact, I think maybe more so.  My children seem to be numbed by their excitement while organization is really the only thing that gets me through.  

Over the past several years I've learned a few things that have helped my family transition back to school.  Here are the things that first came to mind:

School Supply Shopping:  Do this as early as possible.  I know it's hard to think "back to school" in July but as soon as the stores start displaying supplies, start picking them up.  It's much easier getting everything in one place early.  Trust me.  I've had to hunt my way through four big box stores searching for a 1 1/2" binder in years past.  Learn from my mistake.

Clothes: Organize your children's clothes before you start hitting the sales.  I was happy to discover (while going through my boys' wardrobes this past weekend) two brand new pairs of jeans we'd bought for my 5 year old at the end of last year.  They are in tip top shape and still fit!  Going through everything gives me a chance to donate, toss and take inventory of things they really need.

Schedule:  I know it may seem early to some, but I begin getting my family back into our regular routines two weeks before the first day of school.  This means we start getting the children to bed at 7:30.  (The older children read in bed until 8:30 or so.)  Helping their little bodies transition into our school time schedule at a gradual pace is much easier than declaring "lights out!" at 7:30 the night before the first day.  Their internal clocks won't like you very much if you take that route.

{russell + hazel have lovely binders to keep you organized}

Calendar:  My children take the summer off from all lessons and sports.  Now is the time I start putting together our family calendar.  Synchronizing instrument practices and sport practices can be tricky when you have 5 children so the earlier I begin, the better.  I also try to get my hands on a school calendar so I can plan for school functions, no-school days and of course, back to school night.

Feast:  A family tradition.  The Sunday before the first day of school my husband and I hold a "Back to School Feast" for our children.  Basically, this is a special dinner to commemorate the beginning of a new year inspired by sweet Nie.  We introduce a new family theme, talk about their excitement or any anxieties they may be having, drink sparkling cider and enjoy one last summertime hurrah.  It's a lovely family night, you can read about our feast from last year here.

What back to school tips do you have?