Disclosure: This is a paid collaboration with Very.
We may only be a week or two into the summer holidays but I already have one eye on when the kids go back to school. Not because I’m mean, but simply that there’s so much to prepare!
Fortunately, the Very school bus turned up outside our house last week, packed with all the uniform – including the all-important new shoes – that youngest will need.
So, with all of this in mind, here are my tips for a smooth start to the school year.
Get the uniform in early
Yes, kids have an irritating habit of growing over the summer but it saves a lot of stress when you get any necessary new uniform while the school routine is still fairly fresh in your mind.
We always order one size up and it has never let us down as an approach.
Keep their brains engaged
Going back to school can be a bit of a shock to the system after six weeks off so I’m a firm believer in keeping a couple of educational activities ticking over.
For my lot, that means reading whatever they like as well as using a maths app every day. I think of the latter as stealth learning as they seem to enjoy it!
Plan topical days out
Our primary school is pretty good at letting us know about upcoming topics and I’m sure they’re not alone in that. So if you have any idea of the things your kids might be learning about, why not plan a relevant day out?
For example, we’ve taken the kids to nearby historical sites and museums. They’ve had fun and got a head start on key subjects too.
Go past school
As we get nearer to the start of term, we always go on a walk or two near the kids’ schools. Just to get them in the mindset of being there and to make the first day less daunting – especially if it’s a new school.
Like checking out somewhere you haven’t been before on Google Street View before you go, but with fresh air and exercise thrown in!
Have lots of fun
Above all, it’s important for kids – and parents, for that matter – to decompress over the summer. I do think life is harder for kids these days so, while it’s worth keeping school in mind, it’s also vital to switch off a bit too.
There’s nothing wrong with a bit of extra screen time and a few late nights.
I hope these tips have helped – enjoy the rest of the summer holidays and good luck with preparing for your kids to go back to school!
