The parent’s guide to back to school
(ARA) – Getting organized for the first day of school is key to a successful year ahead, so parents and students should start early, make a plan and set a budget.
Get started by taking inventory of items left over from last year. Avoid overspending on unneeded items by developing a shopping list based on what’s really essential. Try repurposing old folders or notebooks by covering them in patterned paper to create a new look.
For students in elementary school, Target.com/backtoschool is an online resource with tools to help parents and kids prepare for the first day of school. Parents can find a link to TargetLists, an easy-to-use, list-making service to help keep track of everything needed for the back-to-school season.
The next step is to set a budget. Try involving kids in the shopping process by giving them a budget and encouraging them to stick to the shopping list. If they come in under budget, set that money aside for supplies or clothes that are needed later in the school year. Including children in the process will help teach them to shop responsibly.
Designate a back-to-school space to stay organized at home, suggests Sabrina Soto, Target style expert for home. “Hang a yearly calendar and a dry erase board so it’s easy to keep track of everyone’s schedules. Set up storage bins with extra school supplies so kids have everything they need for each project they are assigned,” she says.
Finally, it’s important to transition the family into the school year routine. Avoid morning madness when school starts by gradually easing into school season bedtimes and wakeup calls two weeks prior to the first day of school. This will make the transition back to school easier for kids as their body clocks will already be adjusted.
Getting ready for school is no easy task, but making it stress free will get kids excited and start the year on a positive note. Parents can also help their children’s school succeed by enrolling in Target’s Take Charge of Education Program, a school fundraising initiative where by shopping with a REDCard, you can give money to your child’s school and receive 5 percent off of everything on the back-to-school checklist. For more information and to help your child’s school, visit Target.com.