Back to School Checklist

The first day of school: it comes around every year like an unwelcomed birthday. Make things easier on yourself by combing this back-to-school checklist, developed over the years by an experienced mom - me.

1. My son, who will begin his first year of high school this year, is especially hard on his backpack. Therefore, we bit the bullet and paid for quality. Though his Under Armour backpack was over $70, he'll be starting his third school year with it. It's made so well that we expect it to last until he graduates.

2. I purchase (and stock-up on) school supplies throughout the summer in an effort to catch deep-discount sales. Be sure to label everything with your child's name or initials.

3. As summer begins to wane, your back-to-school shopping for clothes should begin. Deep discounts on warm-weather clothing are everywhere and easy to find. Second-hand shops are the perfect budget-minded solution for colder weather clothing (be sure to visit these stores at the end of summer for the best selection of colder-weather clothing).

4. Vitamins are well-known for their supplemental nutritive value. One in particular, B-Complex, is vital for stress-relief and relaxation. My kids don't leave the house without having taken one after breakfast. Be sure to check with your doctor prior to starting your child on a vitamin regimen.

5. Offer a hearty breakfast. A plate of scrambled eggs will help your child feel fuller longer. Eggs have also been proven to improve concentration.

6. Visit your school district's website for information on everything from the first lunch menu to the dates and times of each school's open house. Be sure to attend the open house - it'll ease some of his fears about leaving the safe, familiar haven of home to go to school.

7. Whether you call them sneakers or tennis shoes, it's wise to purchase a new pair before the first day of school. Gym class waits for no one.

8. It's important to be sure all immunizations are current.

9. Plan a back-to-school grocery store visit with your child to purchase packable lunch foods and special after-school snacks.

10. Physicals will be required if your child is participating in sports. Be sure to have them completed by the coach's deadline.

11. Charge that camera battery. You don't want to miss those special first-day-of-school photos! Getting on the bus, standing next to the big school doors, sitting at her desk and posing with her teacher are all classic photo ops.

To round out this list, be sure to visit Good Housekeeping magazine's August 2009 feature, "Smartest Back-to-School Savings: How to spend less on clothes, shoes, supplies, lunches - even tutoring." Their reliable tests sort the good from the bad, and they're not afraid to say anything negative about a not-so-good product.

Disney's Family Fun website offers a great list of school-related printables. You'll be organized and prepared with lunch box jokes, sick day activities, sticker labels for books and binders, and more.

Soon, you'll be joining moms across the country on the first day of school as they wipe a tear from their eyes and smile with pride. It's going to be a great school year!

SOURCE

http://www.mrhealthy.com/articles/diet-nutrition/brain-food.aspx