Back to School Checklist-More Than Just Supplies

Back to school is around the corner and if you haven’t already done so, it’s time to get all your ducks in a row! I have created a checklist of the Back-to-school to do’s for your convenience. There may be checklist items you have completed, good for you! There are no doubt some that I have missed, if yes- Please send me a comment!

Take an inventory of back to school clothing, including uniforms, if applicable: what fits, what doesn’t, what needs to be purchased.
If uniforms must be ordered, do so. If you can buy on your own they are available at Walmart, Old Navy, Gap, Jadon Promotions, Boutique Lad & Lassie.
Label everything! If you don’t have your labels yet- Order some! Try StuckOnYou !
Gear up for Lunch: Lunchboxes, thermal containers, re-usable beverage and food containers. Label it all!
Stock up for lunch: Either with individually wrapped items or pre-portioning on your own into snack bags, if you don’t do the re-usable thing 🙂
School Supplies: Get those lists: Check the flyers and go to the store that makes the most sense. NOTE: It’s not usually worth it to run to five different stores, kids in tow, to save $2.00. Your time & energy are worth something budget both your time & money wisely. LABEL. (Note: Once there by an ULTRA-FINE Sharpieto label pencils (labels are expensive and can be harder to ‘sharpen’. Also buy a SILVER SHARPIE for labelling dark items (backpacks, lunchboxes)
Check the GEAR section of montrealmom.com for more tips & getting ready for school to-do’s. Depending on your child, check the following sections: Daycare Needs, Toddler/Preschooler Clothing, School Needs, Schoolage Clothing.
Menu Plan: See the montrealmom.com Menu Plan section. Plan ahead and shop accordingly for your first week back to school.
Feet First! Make sure everyone is outfitted for shoes. If you’ll be needing dress shoes for the fall holidays,shop for both now and save time later
Schedule haircuts
Plan pick up and drop off schedule
If your school/daycare has odd hours during the first week, make sure to plan in advance to get help with pick up & drop off, or to care for other children if you need to be out at school with your child during certain hours.
If you already have the parent-teacher night schedule. Arrange babysitting now.
If you already have the school calendar, enter everything into your wall calendar as well as all of your electronic deviced-SYNC IT ALL!
Once you have the school schedule make arrangements for childcare on professional days, or for days off from work. Professional days are a great time to schedule Dentist and Doctor appointments. Schedule now.
Decide on extracurricular activities, register and schedule them into the family calendar (SYNC EVERYTHING!). Remember not to overschedule your child. Kids need time to just play & be kids. Remember to consider dates for end-of-year performances, so that, to the best of your ability, you don’t have scheduling conflicts between your various kids.
Create your own weekly schedule that factors in drop off and pick up schedules, grocery shopping, working hours if applicable, and SELF CARE time. Remember that self-care is non-negotiable, it may be a weekly yoga class or a manicure. It may be a 1 or 2-hour weekly time slot that you fill as you wish: Massage, walk, lunch with a friend, gym/yoga, reading quietly. BOOK IT INTO YOUR AGENDA. NON-NEGOTIABLE. MOMMIES ARE BETTER AT BEING MOMMIES WHEN THEY TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES.