If you’re not already back at work, you probably will be soon – and depending on where you are, the kids will be back soon too. Get ready with our to-do list.
Here it comes. Maybe you and the fam have been away for weeks, maybe it was a staycation while you all chilled or got some overdue DIY done – or maybe you had to work through while the kids fended for themselves. Come to think of it, this is another solid reminder of just how different our lives can be…
But, for most of us, we’ve got this much in common: school will be back soon, and you’re probably not as prepared as oughta be.
Well, now’s the time! Take it from ADHDad right here – the sooner you tackle this list, the better off you’ll be. Let’s go.
🦘 JUMP AHEAD
- Review the routine
- Set (or revive) good bedtime habits
- Organise the gear
- Set a good example
- Use a calendar
- Make a plan for lunches
- Talk about how homework time will go
- Get the back-to-school shopping done early
- Help each other, and ask for help
- All that said, make time for yourself
Review the routine
Start the shift back to school hours.
A gradual transition helps both the kids and us. A week or so before school starts, ease those bedtimes and wake-up times closer to the school schedule. (My kids are usually in bed by 8. During the holidays, it’s more like 10pm…)
This preparation can reduce stress and help everyone feel more secure about the upcoming routine change. In fact…
Set (or revive) good bedtime habits
Consistency!
Get them back into that specific habit of switching off the screens a while before bedtime, teeth brushed and jammies on. Pick a book for bedtime reading and get those brains winding down.
A consistent bedtime routine helps make morning wake-ups easier and, obviously, helps with your kids’ overall well-being.
- Consistent routine: Keep the bedtime routine the same each night for predictability.
- Wind-down time: Start calming activities about 30 minutes before bed.
- Bedtime snack: Offer a light snack if they’re a bit hungry, but avoid sugar.
- Relaxation techniques: Try some gentle stretching or deep breathing to relax.
- The Smiling Mind app is a good idea too – and it’s free, developed specifically for our kids’ mental health.
- Comfortable environment: Make sure their room is quiet, dark(ish), and at a comfy temperature. Don’t let them get too hot – a cooler temperature is better for sleep. Science!
Organise the gear
Lists are lifesavers.
Making lists and setting up spaces for schoolwork helps teach the kids to be organised in a more practical, everyday way.
- Make lists: Jot down what needs to be done or bought. It’s satisfying to tick things off.
- Google Keep is a great free option including the option to collaborate with others, but TickTick is even better if you’re happy to spend. It’s well worth it!
- Prep the night before: Lay out uniforms, pack bags, and prep lunches to avoid morning chaos.
- Your school probably uses an app like Compass to communicate with you and list upcoming events – now’s the time to make a point of checking it! (It’s a pretty crap app, we know…)
- Create a dedicated homework space: A quiet, clutter-free area for study helps focus.
- Regular clean-ups: Encourage kids to tidy their spaces weekly to keep clutter at bay.
Staying organised is all about little steps that make a big difference. Keeping on top of things can be a game changer!
Set a good example
They’re watching us, always.
Show enthusiasm for their return to school and the importance of education. Our attitude towards learning can significantly influence theirs.
- Prioritise family time: Even when busy, carve out regular moments for family, showing that they’re important.
- Manage gadget use: Try to limit your own screen time, especially during family interactions.
- Positive vibes: Even on tough days, a positive outlook can set a great example.
- Admit mistakes: If you screw up, own it. It teaches kids that it’s okay to be imperfect and to learn from errors.
Remember, nobody’s perfect, and it’s the effort that counts. Just trying to set a good example is already a great start!
Use a calendar
Keep track, stay sane.
Use a calendar to plot out important school dates, supply needs, and appointments. For kids, a calendar provides a visual representation of their schedule, helping to reduce anxiety about the new school year.
A shared Google Calendar is the ticket here, although TickTick (as mentioned above) has a very powerful calendar feature if you’re using a paid collaborative account.
- Colour coding: Assign different colours for each family member’s activities. It makes the calendar easier to read at a glance.
- Set reminders: Use reminders for appointments or important events. This way, you’re less likely to forget them.
- Weekly check-ins: Spend a few minutes each week to review and update the calendar. It helps keep everything current.
- And get used to checking it anytime somebody invites you to something!
- Involve the family: Share the calendar with your family so everyone knows each other’s schedules and can add their own events.
Whatever you do, try to use a digital, online calendar. My wife insists on using a paper calendar on the kitchen wall where she can see it as she walks by – and that’s great, except it does nothing to tell me what we’re up to on a given day if I’m out-and-about and need to know!
Make a plan for lunches
Preparation eases the morning rush – but there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to healthy habits…
Plan lunches the night before, consider using leftovers, and make a list of easy-to-pack foods. This will save time in the morning and ensure that they have nutritious meals to keep them going through the day.
- Prep in advance: Spend a bit of time on Sunday prepping parts of the week’s lunches. Things like chopping veggies or making a batch of pasta salad can be real time-savers. Effort on Sundee saves stress during the week!
- Keep it simple: Sandwiches, wraps, and simple salads are quick to make. Add a piece of fruit, and you’re good to go. Don’t feel like you need to go crazy on an exotic sandwich full of diverse fillings, either. Vegemite, mate. We can talk about the dangers of processed foods at a later date… (I’m not doing a great job of avoiding these dangers, but I’m keen to try.)
- Use leftovers: Cook a bit extra for dinner and use the leftovers for the next day’s lunch. It’s efficient and reduces waste. But… unless you’re trying to ‘build character’ in your kids, try to avoid packing anything stinky yeah?
- Snack boxes: Fill small containers with a variety of snacks like cheese cubes, nuts, and cut-up fruit for a no-fuss lunch. This is my go-to, but I’m lucky that my kids are weirdly happy to eat most veggies and fruits.
- Batch cooking: Cook things like quiche or frittatas in batches. They’re great for lunches and can be eaten cold or warmed up. Zucchini fritter is a beaut, actually – my kids gobble that shit up.
And hey, if you can budget for it, don’t be afraid to lean on a lunch order if you fall behind on staying organised. It’s no sin.
Food’s hard.
As I mentioned in point 2 above, it’s hard to avoid processed food, and frankly it’s hard to even prioritise it when we often have a tendency to say “I probably ate heaps of processed shit when I was a kid and I’m fine”, but we also know a lot more today than our parents did. Check these out:
Talk about how homework time will go
Set routines and expectations.
Here comes the R word again… Establish a routine for homework time, ensure they have a distraction-free workspace, and keep necessary supplies at hand. Knowing their teachers and encouraging independence in homework are key steps to help them succeed.
- Routine is key: Establish a specific time each day for homework to help build a habit. Consistency helps kids know what to expect and reduces procrastination.
- Create a focused workspace: If you’ve got the room, set up a quiet, clutter-free area for homework. This helps minimise distractions and makes it easier for kids to concentrate.
- Keep supplies handy: Stock the homework area with necessary supplies like pencils, paper, and textbooks. This avoids time wasted looking for things. (The fuss my little bloke will make about his missing pencils before homework even begins…)
- Know their teachers: Stay informed about your child’s schoolwork and keep up communication with their teachers. It helps you support their learning more effectively.
- Also… blokes, try to keep in mind that this so often becomes your wife’s job, without it ever even being a conversation. Get involved! Go easy on their teachers, too. They’re human, and their job is a lot harder than it looks.
- Foster independence: Encourage your kids to tackle homework on their own, offering help only when needed. This builds their confidence and problem-solving skills.
Shit, now I’m wondering if my kids were given any homework by their new teachers over the summer holidays… better crack open Compass, but frankly I’ll be pissed if there’s any homework there. Kids deserve a proper summer break. We all do!
A note on how important homework is, and how happiness is even more important
I listened to an episode of Hamish Blake’s How Other Dads Dad last year, with Scott Cam. He’s the blokiest of Aussie blokes, we all know, but don’t be fooled – has some very mature, progressive, clever thoughts on the way he approached his kids’ schooling. Have a listen:
Get the back-to-school shopping done early
Avoid the last-minute frenzy.
Start early to snag good deals and set a budget to avoid overspending. Shopping around and involving the kids in choosing supplies can make the process more enjoyable and get them excited about the new school year. And don’t you dare leave it all to the wife.
Help each other, and ask for help when you need it
It’s okay to not do it all.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Whether it’s family, friends, or fellow parents, remember, it’s perfectly fine to seek assistance to manage the back-to-school chaos.
All that said, make time for yourself
Self-care isn’t selfish.
In the hustle of back-to-school preparation, don’t forget to carve out some time for yourself. Even a short break can help you recharge and stay on top of your game.
Remember, every family’s approach might vary, and that’s okay. The key is to find what works best for you and your kids, keeping the process as stress-free as possible. After all, we’re not just preparing them for school, but also for life – and that’s a journey best taken together.
Mike Stevens
Mike is a dad, a motoring journalist, designer, photographer, gadgethead and erstwhile cyclist. Proudly ADHD 💪
News, gadgets, movies, toys, mobility, edc, etc.
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