Helpful Back to School Tips for Parents + Where to Get All the Essentials!

Helpful Back to School Tips for Parents + Where to Get All the Essentials! | AD

The summer school holidays might have just begun so you might be wondering why I’m talking about back to school already. Unfortunately, the summer holiday weeks always fly by and it will be time to prepare for going back to school in no time. Instead of stressing about purchasing new school uniform and sorting out other school essentials like backpacks, lunch boxes, and new school shoes a few days before, why not take care of it all now at the start of the holidays? Then you can fully enjoy the summer with your children, knowing that everything you need for the new school year has already been taken care of. In this guide, I will share more back to school tips for parents to help ensure a smooth transition into the new school year. Let’s get started!

Get Uniform & Supplies Ready Now, Rather Than Later

Kids won’t grow a huge amount over the summer holidays so there’s no reason to wait until the week before the next term starts to buy any new uniform bits that your child needs. Actually, by waiting too long, you are risking things selling out in the sizes you need. It’s so nice to get everything ready at the start of the holidays instead of rushing around at the last minute. 

Before you do your back to school shop, check what you already have that still fits and make a note of what’s missing and which sizes you need. This is extra helpful when you have several children as it’s so difficult to keep track of everything. 

Here’s a quick back to school checklist:

• any branded uniform items that your child’s school requires (if relevant) 
• daily uniform essentials:
  • polo shirts/shirts
  • trousers/skirts/dresses
  • cardigans/jumpers
  • school socks/tights
  • school shoes
• PE uniform
  • PE trainers
  • shorts/joggers
  • T-shirts
  • PE jumper
• backpack
• reusable water bottle
• lunchbox (if needed)
• stationery (if needed)
• name labels or Sharpie fabric pen
• waterproof jacket

Keep it Simple: Get Everything from One Place 

With the exception of any branded items with logos that the school requires, I always prefer to do one big shop from one place rather than getting bits here and there from different places. It’s much easier to keep track of what you’ve ordered this way. Additionally, you don’t need to look out for as many deliveries!

Very.co.uk has everything you need to get ready for the new school term all in one place. Whether you’re stocking up on smart new uniforms, practical backpacks for school, or durable new school shoes, Very.co.uk has it all. 

Great Value Uniform from The Very Collection

Very.co.uk have lots of brilliant school uniform items from their own range, The Very Collection, that are excellent value in convenient multi-packs and of great quality too. The uniform items that you don’t need to buy with a school logo are so important to get right. Look for soft fabrics, comfortable waistbands, and adjustable sizes. 

Durable School Shoes from Big Brands

Very.co.uk also stocks lots of brands that parents and kids love. Their extensive school shoes range features brands such as adidas, Kickers, Clarks, Dr Martens, Start-Rite and more. There is lots of choice for children of all ages – from comfy, sturdy preschool and primary school options to smart, stylish secondary school shoes. 

For my younger children who are still at primary school, we look for shoes that are sturdy, durable and comfortable as they still play outside a lot and are very active. My older daughter is at secondary school, and for her having shoes that look right for her style and fit her school’s requirements are both priorities. Comfort is of course important here too as the school days are quite long!

School Backpacks for All Styles

Very.co.uk also has an amazing range of backpacks so that your child can choose the perfect kids backpack for them. From colourful, smaller backpacks for younger children featuring favourite characters to cool brands that teens love – you’re sure to find exactly what you need. 

Final School Essentials Prep

When you have bought everything you need, wash anything that needs washing, take tags off, and put your child’s name on things that need it by using name labels or a Sharpie fabric pen.

Establish Routines & Manage First Day Nerves

In the weeks leading up the start of the new term, it’s a good idea to try and get back into routine. The summer holidays mean late nights and lie-ins for most, so it’s wise to start adjusting your family’s sleep schedule gradually to prepare for school. 

You can also discuss with your children how to make the school mornings as pleasant and calm as possible by preparing school uniforms and bags the night before, thinking ahead of what is needed for packed lunches, and making notes of any special requirements for certain days on the family calendar, for example. 

Preparing back to school things is something I remember fondly from my own childhood and I think most children enjoy being involved in decisions about what to get, like choosing their new school shoes or a new backpack for school. 

This can also help children who are feeling apprehensive about starting school or returning to school. If this is your child, you can help them feel more confident by having conversations about the school day, about making new friends/seeing their best friends, and focussing on preparation as a way to set a happy and successful tone to the start of the school year. 

All Ready for School

Now that you’ve got everything sorted for the new school year, it’s time to relax and enjoy the summer holidays with your family. Both you and your children will be happy to know that everything they need for the next term has all been sorted and prepared. No need to worry about anything now – just focus on summer fun!

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