Mapping Out Your Back-to-School Plan


We know that this time of year can be stressful, especially if you’re not organized.  We’ve created this layout to help you avoid speed bumps and pot holes while racing against time.  Check out our suggestions for getting you and your child in gear for back to school.

A visit to the family doctor and dentist to ensure good health is at the top of the list.  Something to keep in mind is that Hepatitis-B shots are now required before your child can start the seventh grade.  Even the younger kids should start this process early as it consists of three shots with a two-month waiting period between each one.  Hepatitis-A shots are not required but are highly recommended as well.  If you have a year-round kid it’s never to late to catch up on shots before the holidays take up your time.

Next, adjust your child’s sleeping schedule from his or her summer hours to a more practical bedtime.  The National Institutes of Health recommend most kids get at least nine hours of sleep every night.  Always be sure your child gets enough sleep so they can do their best during the day.

Eating healthy is important since it provides the necessary vitamins and minerals your child needs to function properly all day.  Help refuel their tanks with three balanced meals a day and healthy snacks for mid- morning and afternoon breaks.

Your child will most likely have a required physical education class as encouragement to exercise, but playtime is important as well.  This is a chance for your child to relax and let go.  It’s important to keep a balance between work and play.

Tune-up your child’s mind by encouraging them to study.  Whether it’s alone, in a group, with a tutor, or with you, it’s a good idea to instill strong study habits in your child.  This will help them later when they need to keep track of assignments and more complicated projects. 

Chores are actually a good way to teach your children responsibility and how to take care of themselves.  Have them set the table, take out the trash, and even sort their own laundry.  Not only will this help them out, it will make your maintenance work easier!

Another way to help alleviate stress is to partner up with neighbors for car-pooling.  If you yield that responsibility to another parent a couple days a week, you’ll be able to take care of yourself with the extra time.

Although these are just a few examples of what it takes to get your child in gear for school, sometimes the most obvious tasks are overlooked. Use this as a checklist to reduce your back-to-school stress, and to keep your child on the road to success.