School of thought!

Starting the school year need not be stressful for both parents and children if we do some preparations ahead of time.  Here are some of the things I have done to prepare for the schooling of my kids.  Maybe these tips may be of help to you, too.

As early as three weeks ago I already had my children try on their uniforms to check if they still fit.  I had to have some of them adjusted on the waistline. I went to Kamuning to have alterations done, P60 to P70 per piece. After they are altered, I immediately have them washed.

I also had them try their school shoes. Luckily I only had to get a new pair for Arabella. I only had Ken’s and Rikki Mae’s polished. I usually take them to Besas or Mr. Quickie.

I have checked their socks already. I gave away those that don’t fit anymore and just bought them a few new pairs.

I’ve also checked their school bags, in my children’s case, their backpacks. They might need to be washed or cleaned.

Cover their books if needed. Look for extra pencils, sharpeners, rulers, crayons and other school items from last year that they can still use so you don’t need to buy again.

I’ve also made it a point to always have snacks in the car that we use to take the kids to school. I’ve had the canisters washed or I use ziplock sandwich bags or freezer bags. You may use aluminum foil, too.

I usually do my groceries on a Monday and so tomorrow I will just add more food to be brought in the car. I bring a variety of food choices. Sometimes bread with whatever filling they want, chocolate wafers, crackers, oatmeal cookies or cereal. We always have a jug of water in the car.

Sometimes when it’s too early in the morning, my children don’t have too much of an appetite and so having these in the car assures me that at least they’ll have something to munch on while we are on the way to school. I make sure that they always have a snack on the way home.

I also have a bag in the car where I have clips, ponytails, hairbrush or comb, tissue paper, hand sanitizer, alcohol, Wet Ones, nail cutter, Band-Aid, and an anti-bacterial cream, usually Bactroban, for minor cuts or scratches.

It’s also good to have a pencil, ballpen, bond paper, envelopes or folders just in case the children might need them.

I also always bring a potty. I’ve had this ever since I got pregnant with my second child and have used it ever since all my children started school. When the kids need to pee or poo, we don’t have to stop anywhere and they don’t need to hold it till they get home.  What we do when they use the potty is simply flush its contents in the toilet when we get home and clean the potty again.

I also have a second bag with extra T-shirts and underwear just in case anybody needs a change.  I also bring pillows and blankets.

After a long day at school, having this comfort is very relaxing for the kids.

Being prepared lessens the chances of getting stressed during emergencies.

If you decide to have something like these in your car, just adjust its contents to the needs of your children. If you have daughters or sons who are in their teens, they’ll have different needs as compared to your younger ones. For your teenage daughters, they might want a bag with an extra hairbrush or comb, cologne, powder, mirror or lip gloss. My son always has his cologne, alcohol and comb in the car. My daughter, on the other hand, has an extra hairbrush and lip balm.

Going back to school need not be stressful. All you need is a little organization and planning ahead. I write down the items I need, things I need to do and cross each one out as I’m finished preparing them. You need not buy new stuff. Check what you have at home and use them.

You can ask your children to help you pack the stuff they need.  Ask them what they’d like for snacks in the car and other things they might need.

Welcome back parents and students! It’s the start of another school year.  Make the most out of it!

(E-mail me at babyjackster@yahoo.com or visit www.jackielou.com)