A red Snoopy backpack and two pigtails… I remember my first day of school like it was yesterday!
My mom (also a teacher) made back to school time so much fun. She’d sneak a note on my napkin and a treat in my lunchbox. And she’d encourage me to look for kids in the classroom who looked lost or lonely, and go make a new friend.
Now I’m getting ready to do the same with my soon-to-be kindergartner and I find myself with the same checklist
1. Shop online!
This is saving me so much time and hassle. Our school supply list is intense: 36 glue sticks (No purple!) and 2 folders w/bottom pocket only – plastic preferred. Um….. is it just me or are these rules a lot more specific than when I was a kid? I don’t have time to scan the aisles and visit 10 different stores. I’m thankful for Amazon.com!
2. Ask other moms!
How do I help ease first-day jitters? What’s a good homework routine? How do I help my daughter make new friends?
Other moms advice is one of the best things I’ve ever found. I need help navigating the carpool drop off line and school programs. The more I ask – the better off I am. Plus, I’m making new friends in the process!
3. Talk Talk Talk!
My mom always asked how my day was. When I’d give a one-word answer, she’d ask more specific questions until I opened up. I knew I could talk to her about anything from report cards to bullies. She was very involved in my schooling and that lasted through College! I want the same for my daughter. Helping her navigate these years is my priority.
4. Prep the night before
My mom had a rule: permissions slips that didn’t get signed the NIGHT BEFORE didn’t get signed at all. Tough rule? Yep. But it saved us a lot of hassle on the day of big events.
Lunches got made in advance with all the non-perishable ingredients, assembly line style, each Sunday night. Clothes were laid out the night before, and anything that could already be in the car was.
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