It's that time of year again, we can just about hear the school bells ring. While some parents are looking forward to the routine, it can be very stressful.
Here are ten simple back to school hacks we think every parent should know.
Use velcro instead of buttons.
Getting dressed into a full uniform can be a struggle for many, especially junior infants. So why not try to take some of the hassle away by investing in school shirts with velcro fastenings instead of buttons?
Available in most stores, these nifty little velcro shirts cost an extra euro or two but for your sanity alone, they are worth the investment.
Teach them their lefts and rights.
I don't know about you, but hearing "which foot" from all angles day in day out can be frustrating. So, I started glueing stickers inside my kid's shoes to help guide them to find the right foot.
Simply cut a sticker in half and place them on inside of their shoes, one on each side. Your child can then figure out what shoe goes where after completing the little puzzle.
Labels, labels, labels.
Label everything! There will be twenty-something kids in your child's class for the next year, all with the same jumper. Lessen the chance of your child's belongings going home with the wrong student by writing on the labels of each piece of the uniform. Don't forget to label books and the contents of their pencil case, too.
Teach them to tie their shoelaces.
Learning how to tie your shoelace can be tricky for some but I adore this simple guide for kids. If your child still doesn't get it after a few attempts, opt for velcro runners or shoes.
Decide on an emergency code word.
If your child walks home from school alone, prearrange a keyword in case they are approached by what they believe is a stranger. The code word should only be known by the parents and child, never shared elsewhere unless in cases of emergency when a child needs picking up.
If the child is unsure when approached, they can ask the person for the keyword. If correct, they know their parents have sent them.
Keep their lunches super simple.
While a majority of schools provide nutritious and healthy lunches, some kids aren't as fortunate. Keep lunches simple. Lunch boxes are not a place to be sending in new foods -send in what they know and what they like, so you can be guaranteed they will be full, happy and content throughout the day.
Teach them how to zip their coat.
If your child struggles to put their coat on, watch this video, it's absolutely genius. It might be worth popping a keyring on their zip too. This will help them to distinguish which coat is theirs and it may even help them zipping it up and down.
Invest in a monthly view whiteboard calendar.
And finally, invest in a monthly view whiteboard calendar to keep track of everyone's commitments such as after school, matches, days off and the likes. Keeping it in full view will help older children to stay organised and know what to expect in the days and weeks to come.
