4 Tips to Ease Back-to-School Stress

For the majority of kids in Framingham, Tuesday, Aug. 30 is the first day of school; so now is the time to get prepared. Waiting until the last minute only causes stress and anxiety for you and the kids so spring into action now and you just might be able to savor these last weeks of summer without a worry. 

Here are four tips to get you started: 

1. Get Your School Supplies Now: Many stores are having sales right now on supplies, so stock up on essentials like poster boards so you’re never left in the lurch. I have seen many frantic parents shopping at the last minute when the choices are limited and the crowds are swarming. Consider leaving the kids behind for the nitty gritty supply trip of pencils, crayons, paper, etc.  and take them with you if they need a new lunch bag or backpack where they want to choose their own style. Reuse items like backpacks and lunch bags whenever possible.  For binders, I usually get the sturdy kind with the clear pocket in the front and the kids either make their own cover or can slip pictures in and out to keep it fresh. A new school year doesn’t have to mean a new everything. 
2. Finish Summer Reading Lists: The Framingham Public Schools has a summer reading list for each entering grade level listed on its website. These lists are voluntary, but most kids try to do some summer reading as it helps prepare them for the year ahead and score some brownie points too. Each list has a log on the back that can be returned to your child’s teacher in the fall. For my twins who are entering fourth grade, it recommended that each child read at least five or more books from the list.
3. Fall Clothing and Accessories: Every penny counts for most families so designate a day for your kids to try on last year’s fall and winter clothes. There should be no need to buy your child a completely new wardrobe when many clothes from last year might fit fine. Add a few necessary new pieces here and there with a couple of new accessories and you’re good to go. Feet grow too so have their feet measured and check their shoes for proper fit. Finally, have them choose their first day outfit well in advance so there isn’t any added stress, when the bus is about to pull up. 
4. Anxiety: Many kids feel a lot of anxiety with the prospect of heading back to school to face a new teacher, classes, and classmates. For younger kids, taking a few trips to their school playground helps to familiarize them with being back on the property. While there, ask how they are feeling about school starting, what they are most looking forward to and what they are nervous about. This can help you gauge anxiety levels. If your child has severe anxiety it’s best to contact their pediatrician for some input.