Back-to-School Readiness Checklist

Getting ready to go back to school is about more than new folders, back packs, and lunch boxes. It's also an opportunity for a fresh start, for yourself and your kids. So just in case you haven't had time to think beyond your basic Back-to-School Checklist, here are some less tangible, but just as important, things to consider as the new school year begins:

• What will your schedule look like? If the kids have soccer practice at 5:00 on Tuesdays, that means dinner is going to have to either be super-early or late. Will those nights be a standard "sandwich" night? What other events will impact your schedule, and how can you best plan for them, so that you're not feeling perpetually rushed or stressed out?


• What tools are you using to keep track of your schedule? Do you have a "family calendar" where you record all of the events that are going on in a given week? If not, start one! You might even consider using online calendar software, such as Cozi Central, to keep track of everything from your kids' events, to visitation schedules, meetings, and more.


• How can you set your kids up for a successful school year? Little things like making sure your kids do their homework at the same time each night, in a location where they can concentrate, can make a huge difference. Let your kids know right from the start that you have high expectations for them, and do everything you can to help your kids have a successful academic year.


• What are some big "projects" that you could accomplish now, which you would make your job easier in the coming months? For example, I know that I still need to sort through my kids' fall clothes and decide which items still fit, and which ones I need to take to the consignment shop. Doing this now, before our fall schedule is in full swing, would make the task a lot easier than waiting for that first really cold day.


• What will you be doing for yourself this school year? Could you sign up for a community education class on a topic you've always wanted to learn, such as guitar or painting? Or finally scope out some single parent support groups in your area? Think about where you want to be a year from now, and see if you can't fit one or two steps toward that goal into the coming months.

The back-to-school rush is a time that's full of excitement and relief. You've survived the summer, and now you can anticipate that things will begin to settle once again into their regular routines. With some intentional planning, you can use this transition to your full advantage, and set yourself and your kids on the path toward a great year.

Fellow Bloggers: Do you have some back-to-school tips to share? Consider participating in the All About Parenting Back-to-School Blog Carnival.

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