I'm a list maker.
I'm so attached to my lists that I will add tasks after the fact just to be able to cross them off. I know. I KNOW. But it works for me.
I'm currently writing my To Do List for Back to School. If you've been a subscriber for a while, you know what's coming...
Here's your Macaroni KID Back to School To Do List!
- Mark your calendar with all the things, big or small.
- Check the school websites for all things Back to School. This time of year, these things will 100% sneak up on you.
- Make doctor and dentist appointments for before school starts so you don't have to fight for the late afternoon time slots.
- Get Sports Physicals done and submitted.
- Go get school supplies STAT, or you'll be paying the office supply store prices.
- Label said school supplies.
- Pre-sharpen the pencils.
- Secure a backpack.
- Do your kids' shoes fit?
- Buy socks in bulk. Trust me.
- Ensure that your high schooler has completed summer assignments (mine hasn't started yet).
- Talk about that first day 'fit.
- Buy the school parking permit.
- Pay school fees. Remember, most schools will let you pay for a few fees at a time and spread them out. School is expensive!
- Buy lunch/snack supplies.
- Get the haircuts now.
- Fill out our Get to Know Me printable for your child's teachers.
- Print out our playdate cards.
- Accept financial aid awards for your college kids.
- Waive the university health insurance by the deadline. That is an expensive mistake to make if you don't.
- Get senior photos scheduled if you haven't already. They are typically due in September.
- Go through last year's school clothes and donate what doesn't fit.
- Get planners for your kids (unless they are supplied by the school).
- Figure out your water bottle situation.
- Start adjusting those summer sleep schedules.
- Practice your new morning routine, especially if it is new,
- Plan for before/after school care.
- Update glasses and/or contacts.
- Prepare any medical forms needed.
- Order or buy books that are needed for the first week of school.
- Set up carpools.
- Sign up for extracurricular activities.
- Chat with your kids about how they are feeling about school starting.
A Few Pro Tips
- Buy only one or two new outfits before school starts. Weather and trends change on a dime. Get more clothes once you know what's in.
- Hold off on buying college textbooks until you go to the first week of classes. I can't tell you how annoying it is to return a textbook that is "on the list" but "you don't really need."
- Try not to over schedule yourself or your kids for the first couple of weeks of school. Or really ever. But definitely those first couple of weeks. It's chaotic enough without adding extra activities.
- Keep a tub of school supplies on hand. These can be supplies that ended up going unused, or those pencils you picked up for a penny. Then check it before you shop for new supplies.
- Don't play anything big for the night before school starts. Odds are, there will be a Back to School Night that evening that will ruin your plans.
- Start adjusting bedtimes (and wake up times) at least a week or two before school starts. Ask me how I know this.
- Take a few minutes to breathe.
Did I miss any? Please let me know if I did so I can add them to this list... and my own!
