Yikes!  I keep seeing advertising for back-to-school preparations.  Where, oh where, has the summer gone?

Getting everyone ready for school adds another level of anxiety and stress to the last few summer days.    Here are some tips to get you started and make the transition a little smoother.

1.  School Supplies:
   1. Get a copy of the school’s supply list.  I was able to find the school supply list for my local middle school on-line within just 30 seconds.  Doing a web search should result in a list similar to this (I searched “Lake Stevens School supply list”).  Local retailers may have these lists also.
   2. Once you have the list, shop at home.  Chances are, you will have a good number of the supplies already on hand.  There’s no need to purchase a full set of supplies every year.
   3. If you have supplies you aren’t using (or don’t foresee using in the near future), donate them to the school or to a local Boys and Girls Club.  I’m certain they will be put to better use than taking up space in your home.
2. Clothes:
   1. Check with you local school to see if there are dress codes that need to be followed. If so, ensure that your student reads and understands them prior to embarking on the clothes shopping adventure.
   2. Depending on the age of your student, you will more than likely need to go shopping with them.   Note I said “with them.”  Although it may be simpler to just do the shopping on your own, having your child with you may be more efficient.  If you shop with your child, you will ensure the clothes fit properly, they feel good on them, and are something they like and will wear.
3. Classes:  Hopefully at this point, classes have been signed up for.  If not, get in touch with the school to set an appointment to register as soon as possible.
4. Extra-curricular activities:  Have all extra-curricular activities been signed up for?  Has the appropriate equipment been arranged for?  If not, now’s the time to start working through that process.
5. Transportation:  Most of my clients work at least part-time out of the home, so arranging transportation for any after-school activities is critical.
6. Health requirements:  Does the school require specific health tests or immunizations?  Again, a quick on-line search led to this information for our local school district.

Changes in schedules tend to add a little stress to our lives, but some excellent pre-planning goes a long way to making the transition just a little easier!