Back to School Tips: From Summer to Scholar

It seems like summer has just begun and you are already thinking about back to school shopping. Buying back to school supplies isn't the only way to prepare your children to go back to school. Try these back to school tips to ease the transition from summer to school.

Morning Back to School Tips

Your children have probably been sleeping in during the summer. Two weeks before they are ready to go back to school, start getting your children up earlier. Gradually wake them up a little earlier each morning so you don't have to deal with grumpy kids before they go back to school.

Another back to school issue is getting the kids ready. A week before your children go back to school, have them get fully dressed and ready by the time they would need to be ready by when they go back to school. This will save you some frustration when school starts as you can iron out the wrinkles when you aren't actually worried about being late to school.

Bedtime Back to School Tips

Follow the same principle for bedtime. If your child has been staying up later at night, gradually have her go to bed a little earlier each night before she goes back to school. This will promote good sleep habits once she goes back to school and needs more rest.

Back to School Tips for New Clothes

At the beginning and middle of summer, you can find winter clothing on sale. Why not take this opportunity to stock up on back to school clothes for the fall? A long sleeved winter shirt will work just as well in your child's back to school wardrobe for the cool days of fall.

Back to School Tips for Used Clothes

Shop your local thrift store for back to school clothes. Be prepared for some grumbling from your children. Consider leaving your children at home if you are sure of their sizes and you think they would be embarrassed by shopping in a thrift store. Thrift stores are a great way to save money on back to school clothes.

Back to School Tips for Homework

Transitioning from the lazy days of summer to nights spent doing homework can be a major adjustment. After your child goes back to school, take time each day to discuss his or her daily homework assignments. This will provide your child with a reminder and keep you in the loop.

Consider purchasing a homework planner if your child is old enough. Having a brand new planner when they go back to school might encourage your child to keep track of homework assignments when he goes back to school.