Back to School Tips & Advice

Love it or loathe it, the transition from summer fun-time to back to school can be brutal! From early morning wake up calls to making sure your child eats a hearty lunch, follow our top tips for a smooth transition into the new term...

Settle Back into your School Routine Well in Advance

When the school rush comes, hurrying your children out the door will be less painful if you've managed to break some of their lazy summer habits - you know the ones that we're talking about. In the build up to their first day back at school attempt to scale back bedtimes and put an end to those mega long lie-ins. Slowly reintroducing a relaxing bedtime routine will come in handy when you're scrabbling to get the kids to school on time. 

Tackle Homework Head On

Trying to coax your child into doing their homework can sometimes seem like a losing battle. The best way to tackle this time-old problem is by incorporating homework into their everyday routine. By establishing a time and a place for studying at home, it won't seem like such a chore when they have to do it. In order for your child to get the most out of their studies make yourself available during homework time. Whether they're sat at the kitchen table and you're cooking dinner or you're reading the paper and they're working in the living room - make sure you're around to check in on your child’s progress and lend a hand if needed.

Plan After-School Activities

If you're a working parent and your child finishes school before you get home, it's important to figure out where your children will go, what they'll get up to or who will be home to greet them. If you’re in need of some after-school care, check with your child's school or other parents if there are any facilities or places that they'd recommend.  During those first few days back at school try to be there when your child gets home - you'll be able to ask them about their day, help them adjust to their new schedule and discuss their teachers.

Be Adventurous with your Children's Lunch Boxes

Gone are the days when a humble ham sandwich would suffice. In an age of allergies and healthy food policies enforced by schools, planning a packed lunch can be problematic. So make sure you get the school policy on just exactly what you can and can’t put in it their lunch box. The best approach is to sit down and discuss with your kids exactly what they want. Alternatively take them shopping with you and get them involved in what they eat. If you're struggling for ideas, we've put together some fun ideas ourselves. 

Keep Track of your Family

Things can get pretty hectic at home, so you’re going to need to do something to keep track of who needs what and when. A diary, calendar or wall planner are probably your best options however if a post-it note covered fridge is more your style, roll with it. Having an organised home life will set a brilliant example to your children and ensure that you're always on top of up-coming events.