How NOT to Go Back to School

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back to school tips

How is it time for kids to go back to school already? I know there are moms out there jumping up and down screaming “Yes!”, but I think there is a fair amount of us who are not even close to ready (It may be because I’m a teacher and that means I am losing my carefree schedule)

It also seems like there’s a right and wrong way to do the whole back-to-school thing. I would definitely say I’m an expert on how NOT to do it, so here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years to ensure you have the absolute worst time when heading back to school this year.

What Not to Do for Back to School

Wait until the last minute to buy supplies

If you go too early, the store might actually have all the supplies you need. Who doesn’t love going to thirteen stores looking for that last item on the list? If your school does the EPI box of supplies, definitely don’t get that. It makes things waaay too easy. (Side note: If your school doesn’t offer EPI packs you should talk to your parent group about getting them!)

Load up your child’s backpack

Don’t worry about the style or the weight of your child’s backpack. Go for the cute and/or cool styles your kids are dying to have. They will be fine. The more you have them carry in their backpack the stronger they will become, right?

Don’t change your staying up/sleeping-in habits

It will probably be fine the first morning of school if the kids have to get up five hours earlier than they have been for the past two months. Oh, it might actually be okay for the first day, because it’s exciting, but then by the end of the week, it’s going to be another story. But whatever you do, don’t ease them into earlier bedtimes and earlier mornings. And don’t look at this chart to help you determine what time your children should go to bed based on wake-up times and ages.

Don’t go to meet the teacher night

Why would you want to do that? You don’t want to show your kids you value their school and their teacher. Don’t let anyone get the impression you want to get to know the person who will be responsible for your child’s education for the next nine months. Who cares about their expectations and your desire to stay involved? There is really no need to make a connection with the school, the teacher, and other parents so you can work together to ensure your child is as successful as possible this year.

Have the worst attitude ever

I know some parents have great attitudes about going back to school, but think about how that affects the kids. Your attitude models what you want the kids to be feeling. Make sure they are either begrudging about missing out on all the fun things they could be doing with their unscheduled time, or feeling dejected because their parents can’t wait to get rid of them.

In all seriousness, I am excited for the beginning of the school year, and I wish all of you the best year yet!

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Jennifer Gordon George
Jennifer is a single mom of two boys. She does her best to get to places on time, despite being a chronically late person and the fact that neither she or her boys are morning people. She recently went back into the classroom after staying home for nine years to raise her kids, and she credits her sanity and success at this endeavor to the fact that she has incredibly supportive parents, family, and friends. She also has a network of single moms that truly “get it” and who encourage her on a daily basis. When she’s not hanging out with her kiddos, Jennifer enjoys writing at a coffee shop, trying new restaurants, or catching up with friends.

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