7 Tips for For Reducing Back-to-School Stress

It’s that time again! As parents ourselves, we know how stressful starting a new school year can be – for both you and the kids. For this reason, we’ve scoured the internet for the best ideas and advice on how to make getting ready for the upcoming year as easy as possible.

Here are our top tips for reducing back-to-school stress:

1. Get Back Into a Routine

Getting back into a routine before school starts is a great way to reduce stress and ensure a smooth start to the year. This might include reigning in bedtimes and wake up times, eating regular meals and limiting phone, TV and computer access. 

2. Set-Up (or revamp) Your Family Command Centre

From daily schedules and activities to upcoming appointments and chore charts, command centres are the perfect way to keep the whole family organized and connected. In addition to helping minimize clutter (bills, school paperwork, mail etc.), a command centre will also help reduce stress caused by missed obligations, payments, due dates and more.

3. Make a Meal Plan

Easily accessible, healthy meals are sure to make all the difference when it comes to managing one of the busiest times of the year. Meal planning strategies may include buying items in bulk, making and freezing meals ahead of time and planning theme nights (i.e Mexican, pasta, pizza etc.). Theme nights are especially helpful for taking the guesswork out of groceries while letting the family know what to expect at the same time. 

4. Save on School Supplies

When it comes to school supplies, avoid breaking the bank by taking stock of what you already have from the previous year (i.e. pencil crayons, pens, pencils, binders, clothes that still fit, etc.). This will give you a much better idea as to how much you’ll need to budget for new items. Don’t forget to do a little research in terms of back-to-school special offers, sales and coupons in and around Edmonton!

*See 10 Clever Ways to Save on School Supplies for more tips! 

5. Have a Chat

Have a conversation ahead of time regarding rules for homework, curfews, phone and screen time, chores etc. Much like establishing a routine, this will help prepare children in terms of what to expect when school starts. This is also a good time to touch base with them about how they’re feeling about the upcoming year and address any concerns they may be having.

6. Familiarize Yourself With the School

Many Edmonton schools host an open house before the big day. This is a good opportunity for you and your child to get to know their new teacher(s) as well as the school (if it’s new). Here too, you may be able to learn more about the school schedule. This is a simple step that can go a long way in terms of putting everyone’s mind at ease. 

7. Go Out With a Bang

Even though school is just around the corner, there’s still plenty of time to get out and enjoy the warmer weather! Make it a summer to remember by planning a weekend getaway (i.e. camping, the beach or a trip to the lake) or by taking in any of Edmonton’s remaining family-friendly summer events.

Feel free to check out our blog for more fun and informative posts!

Categorised in: Lifestyle

This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group