Redhead Baby Mama | Atlanta Blogger

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10 Ways to Get Ready for the First Day of School

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I can hardly believe it’s Back to School time… I keep hearing on the radio and reading on some blogs that, “Summer is in Full Swing,” and it’s totally not.  Here in the south, we let out of school in May and are headed back the first or second week of August, so the last dog days of summer are upon us.  Red is starting officially starting preschool this year, which means a new routine and lots of preparation for everyone.  If you’re getting ready for school too, here are 10 easy ways (everything from picture signs to backpack choices) to help you and your school age child prepare for the new school year!

1. Print out your Back To School sign: If you’ve been trolling on pinterest this time of year, you’re bound to come across a bunch of cute pre-schoolers modeling perfect outfits and holding little “First year of _____” signs. I’ve collected a few on my Back to School pinterest board.  These signs are pretty cute, and an easy way for moms of future graduates to get all of their photos in order 20 years from now.  I caved to the trend and made one for Red in Picmonkey with a cute chalkboard background and fun fonts…
First Day of Pre-School sign
2. Take your “First Day” photos BEFORE the first day:  Avoid the rush. No one wants to get up any earlier for school for a fashion shoot.  Instead of rushing on your first morning, take advantage of the extra time the weekend before school actually starts and get your child dressed in their school clothes.  Grab his backpack (empty is fine) and if you like, your “First Day” sign.  Snap some shots in the front yard casually and have fun!

3. Check out the BTS Sales and Grab a New Backpack: Make sure to look for wide, padded straps for little shoulders.  Make use of all compartments, loading the heaviest items towards the child’s back. If you think that all that gear will weigh your kids down, check with your school for approval of a rolling backpacks.  Consider any stairs or weather that could make using one harder.  Finally, adjust the bag to make sure it rides high and is not too heavy. The BEST part of a new backpack is that you can use it as a time capsule to store your favorite projects, report cards and papers from this school year.  It’s all together!
4. Try out some lunches: Seriously… try out some of your lunchbox menus (*this is my eMeals affiliate if you feel so inclined) at home! See what your child likes and what they might not love.  Urge them to taste new foods, and come up with some creative presentations (I’m not talking Martha Stewart style; I’m talking mini bento boxes, cookie cutters for sandwiches and Ants on a Log…).  Keep it simple, but switch it up and have a dry run at your house! (photo from eMeals)

5. Label all Clothing: If your child is in daycare or preschool, clothes will be changed and coats will be left.  Get a leg up by sewing or ironing in labels to all your important pieces. Don’t forget hats, gloves and even swim goggles if your student has swim class.  Beautiful, personalized labels can be commissioned on Etsy for really cheap!

6. Scout your Bus Stop: Make sure your child knows exactly where the bus stop is and what time the bus comes.  If you’re walking your grade schooler to the bus stop, talk about how to get ready in the morning and what they need to remember.  If there is an abundance of school age kids in your neighborhood, try to find a bus stop buddy before the first week so they feel comfortable.

7. Attend the Meet and Greet: Many schools, preschools and Moms Morning Out programs will have a Meet and Greet day, where students and parents are welcome to the classroom for a few hours to meet the teacher, explore the classroom and have fun with fellow students.  Be sure to attend this important event to help your child find their classroom, meet the teacher and get other important information about his school.  

8. Find a Homework Spot: If you don’t already have one, designating a quiet, distraction free homework spot is a GREAT asset for a school age child.  Make homework rules, like No TV or playtime until all homework is completed.  Have adequate supplies at the homework station so your child doesn’t wander around looking for them and become distracted.  Above all, be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but remember… never do the homework for them! (Photo from Shanty 2 Chic)

9. Practice Going to Bed Early: AND getting up for breakfast.  In the weeks before school, start setting your alarm clock.  Feel free to taper into bedtime as well as wake up times to assure that the first day of school doesn’t leave anyone dragging their feet or feeling less than ready.  Grab hearty breakfasts and multivitamins to fuel little brains until lunchtime. No one wants to feel hungry in the middle of show and tell!

10. Make the First Day Easier by Talking About It:  Remind your child that there are probably a lot of students who are uneasy about the first day of school.  Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun!  If it’s not your child’s first year in school, refresh his memory about previous years, when he may have returned home very happy and excited because he had a good time.

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    Comments

    2. That is so neat he got to sit up front in the fire truck! I bet that was really exciting for him!

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    3. I love all the family activities Chick-fil-A has at their locations! I bet that Red will forever remember this memory!

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    5. that must have been fun for him! I remember getting a fire truck at one of my sons birthday parties. The kids loved it

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    7. Those are all great tips. I HAVE to get a picture of my kids on the first day of school with the bus. Thankfully we have the same driver every year, so she already knows to expect it 😉

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    8. These are really great tips! Although I am many years past my first day of school I kind of want to make those Nutella Grams for myself…

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    9. Your son is a cutie.These are all great tips.I can not believe our kids will be going back soon.

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    11. That looks like fun! My kids always love things like this. I’m glad the community is so open to teaching them.

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    17. It looks like he really enjoyed being in the fire truck. Maybe next time they’ll let him try on a firesuit 😉

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    18. Awww, look at Red looking so handsome! He is going to love going to school! I remember when both of my daughters started preschool I burst into tears because it was hard to be away from them and they’re growing up too fast!

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    19. That does look like a fun day, and you’re right the world is small, we find connections all of the time that make us laugh. I’m glad you had a nice family day. 🙂

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    20. Little boys and fire trucks! It’s like they were made for each other. He looks like he really enjoyed getting to check it out. The look on his face in that cruiser though – priceless!

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    23. Your son looks like he is having so much fun in the truck. It sounds like you had a fantastic day.

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    24. School is coming up here soon isn’t it? The first day of school is always a little scary but seeing as you have Red all prepared… He won’t have a thing to be worried about.

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    25. These are some great tips. Good idea on taking pictures before hand. I would have run around the first day of school to get pics.

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    27. Thank you so much, what great tips! My son has always been with me or my mother and he starts preschool this fall! I think I am more nervous than him lol

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    28. I never thought about taking pictures before the first day of school! These are some great ideas!

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    29. School starts soon, yikes, I cant believe summers going to be over before we know it! Great tips!

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    31. Isn’t is cute?! Skip-hop makes some of the BEST stuff! (If you feel so inclined to use my Amazon affiliate, please do!) 🙂

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    33. I just bought some from Etsy, they are too cute and super durable. Opted for the sew in instead of the iron on.

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    34. He’s so excited he could bust. Everytime we head for the garage, “Mama, go see school?” 🙂

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    39. What great ideas to start getting into the routine of going to sleep and waking up early and to scout out the bus stop. I’m not so sure about the photos of the first day before the actual first day – it somehow seems “wrong” to me 😛

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    40. I’ve been to Chick-Fil-A for Family Night before, but we never had touch a truck there too. Looks like Red had a blast!

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    41. These are pretty basic tips. I make my kids go to bed at the same time during the summer, so when the school year rolls around it won’t effect them. I was worried when my son went to Kindergarten last year, but he did amazing! I can’t believe I’m a mom of a 1st & 5th grader this year!

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    44. These are some great tips to be prepared for back to school time! I love the idea of the Back To School sign!

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    45. This better be the only time that kid is in a cop car! Tell Red, he gets one get out of jail free card- no more!

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    48. Great getting ready for school tips – we always started the week before going to bed and getting up early. I think that really makes a positive difference.

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    51. I definitely think talking about it and even finding a fun book to read about it is important. I’m excited for you guys and your first school adventure!

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    52. Such a fun experience. I love taking my girls to see any service vehicles and trucks. They always love it. Red is too cute!

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    53. We have my son’s backpack from last year and it’s in perfectly great condition, but I want to get him a new, cuter one, ha. That one featured is really fun!

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    54. What a moment that will be when you put him on the school bus for the first time. Bring lots of Kleenex! I did it twice and let me just say it is a mixture of love, fear and pride

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    56. Great tips! I love the idea of scouting out the bus stop. Kids can get so nervous on the first day that it is a good idea to have them familiar with the bus stop process. It will be one less thing for them to worry about.

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    57. These are fabulous tips. I have a little one starting school in the fall and I have been worrying like crazy about what to expect. I am a worrier. This is great and very helpful. Thanks.

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    59. Taking photos before the day of is a great idea!! That will definitely cut back on the early morning, first day stress.

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    62. Kennedy has been going to a mother’s day out program that runs on my school schedule (I’m a teacher) and I think these are great tipes! I just ordered her backpack and matching lunchbox for next school year!

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    64. Thanks for including eMeals in your roundup, Lindsey! We’ve pinned it and always appreciate you!

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    65. We missed the family night this time! I hope we are able to hit up the next one. Red looks like he’s in heaven with the firetrucks and police cars!

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