No sooner are we handing out presents to our children’s teachers  and thanking them for a good year, then we are preparing for the new term.

This is the first year I shall have TWO children in full time school and it’s all going to feel very weird.

Those of you who know me, or follow me across social media will know that I do not pretend to be naturally organised. I have become more organised and I strive to be better, but I have to get ahead of the game to really make sure I have things ready for a new school year.

I know there are others just like me and this is for you all. You are the parents who forget to hand in the school trip letters, who’s children head to school without their PE kit, or who forget that it’s school photograph day and it happens to be the one day your child looks like they have been dragged through a bush.

Yep. YOU.

We are the ones that need to plan ahead and this is my guide to my top 10 favourite back to school tips and items, so this year we can be the parents who’s kids waltz in looking all dapper, with everything organised and feeling brill!

1. Grab your FREE back to school print outs HERE. That includes, meal planners, daily checklists and other organisational tools.

2. Backpacks. This is an item you can give your kids choice on. I’m all about choice but the reality is, we sometimes have to give them a limited choice when it comes to uniforms and shoes, but let the kids pick their fav backpacks, so they can feel all grown up and excited about heading back. These are 2 of my favourites from What2buy4kids, but they have loads  HERE. 

   

3. A week before heading back to school start thinking about kids haircuts, double checking you have all the uniform stuff you need and making sure school shoes fit.

4. Pencil cases. I LOVE stationery, does anyone else? It’s just the best feeling to have a fresh new pencil case and pens and HERE are a selection of my favs.

5. Start to talk to your kids about school and what THEY are excited about going back to. This is also a chance to discuss any of their worries or concerns and help to talk through them. Ask about their school friends, their new teachers, what they are going to do better this year and what new skills they may want to learn.

6. Water bottles. I love these little drinks pouches by What2buy4kids that you can actually attach to your child’s backpack.

7. Getting back into good bedtime habits is essential on the lead up to heading back to school. Children need to sleep and it would also benefit them to be away from any tech for at LEAST an hour before going to bed. Check out this sleep guide picture for bed times.

8. Lunch boxes. I love these two lunch boxes, click HERE to check out some other lovely designs.

9. Start reading and doing some simple school based work with your kids on the week leading up to school, maybe put together a few maths and English quizzes or get your little one to read out loud to you. This will get them in the right frame of mind for school and refresh their memories (and yours.)

10. Umbrellas. I love a good umbrella and lets face it, if you live in the UK, you are going to need one! What2buy4kids have to best umbrellas and my favourites are the ones that change colour once it rains!!! I know, I know, I was excited too! Check these out HERE.

    

If your children are going to school for the first time, or starting a new school I am sending you a huge bunch of love and support and if you’re one of the weepy Mum’s and Dads, don’t forget your tissues.

I’d love to see your back to school snaps, so head over to my social media accounts and TWEET, FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM me.