Here are our back to school tips for the new term! We’re never sure why the school holidays seem to go so much quicker than the school term but you can’t hide from the fact that it’s back. The early morning wrestle to get kids ready, lunches packed and yourself ready for the day ahead. We know the struggle is real. We’ve pulled together a few helpful tips to hopefully ease that back-to-school feeling.

1. Prepare – From school lunches to packed bags, try preparing everything the night before so there isn’t the chaotic struggle in the morning. If you have older kids get them involved in preparing their lunch with you. They will learn more about food and nutrition and therefore be more appreciative and understanding of the meals they eat.
2. Try – It’s amazing how much children might grow in the weeks of the summer holiday so it’s a good idea to try school uniform on before first day of school! Don’t forget that PE kits, school uniform, lunchboxes and more need labels so they don’t get mixed up with other kids. Check out My Name Label to order your labels now.
3. Excite – We know for some kids going to school can be quite a traumatic experience. We suggest getting the kids excited about their day, find out what class they have and tell stories of what you loved in those classes. Share experiences and reassure that they will enjoy it once they get involved.
4. Teach – Make the most of your school journeys and get the kids to recite their times tables to you, or the latest phrases they have learnt in a language class, what word they learnt in science or what they are going to make in art. Use this time to enhance their learning and cement their understanding of what they learn in school time.
5. Routine – As much as possible a routine for the kids will help them in the long run. If they know getting up in the morning at the same time is followed by breakfast, brushing the teeth, getting changed and getting their stuff ready to leave the house then they will be better prepared for the whole school year. Maybe trying to avoid TV before school, any last minute homework and any big distractions that can prolong leaving the house for the school run.
6. Help – If you children need some extra help or encouragement in Maths or English then check out Explore Learning who offer support to kids aged 4-14 at over 100 centres nationwide.
7. Reward – At the beginning year there are often new school projects, so keep an eye out for interesting exhibitions and events that might inspire and help gather information. Here are some great ideas on exhibitions happening in the next few months.

Have you got an back to school tips? We’d love to hear how you manage the transition back into school. Share with us on Facebook and Twitter.