Hands up those who have a child starting Reception or a new school year, next week. I remember when my eldest started, it was all so new and exciting for her and me. I assumed once I had sorted out book bags and shoes, I would have everything I needed organised.
WRONG.
This is the list of things you need to know about school; from parents that have been through it before. A list of hacks, tips, tricks and advice to make your life a little easier juggling school and life.
1. You will probably need a Cheque book to pay for PTA related things. A lot of schools in the country have a version of an online payment system, but the PTA doesn’t always use it.
2. Keep a pot of change for random charity cake bakes, mufti days and charity events. Have a stack of small envelopes to put this in so it doesn’t get lost.
3. Raid the sales and keep a “magic box of presents” and cards for last minute birthday party invites.
4. Find out from the school which of the events they will invite or expect parents to attend. So many events are last minute but things like school assemblies and sports days are usually planned a term in advance. However, you may not be able to make them all. AND THAT IS FINE.
5. Get a Make sure that as soon as you get the newsletter all the dates go on there. It helps as everyone gets busier over the year. In the early days is helps remind everyone when certain days are – homework return or PE day for example.
6. Don’t stress about the politics of parties. Kids make their own friends!
7. Check their school bag for letters; children stuff everything in their bags but rarely remember it is there! It may also end up in the drawer at school. So raid that too!
8. Sharpie pen for everything. You don’t need fancy personalised stickers or to sew in name badges.
9. Be prepared for them being tired for the first few months starting school!
10. Have nit lotion in the cupboard; check regularly with a nitty gritty comb and then use a shampoo with tea tree in it to try and keep the little buggers away. There is some school of thought to only “comb” not treat with chemicals due to the lice becoming resistant! (URGH)
11. Never offer to be class rep!! Don’t even make eye contact with the teacher when she asks at parent evening. It’s always more work than they say it will be!
12. Magnets: Get some decent, strong magnets to pop important letters on the fridge so they don’t get lost
13. Work out a system for the work they bring home. One person I know photographs the art their child brings home and creatives photo books.
14. Try to find out when they do dress up days so you have an idea of how many ideas you will need. (World book day, superhero day, science week are three examples). But you don’t need to buy things; just look around the house for what you have and make it work! Pyjamas are great for Peter Pan or Sophie from BFG.
15. Try to get a list if children’s names for Christmas cards. Some schools have an unsaid expectation you to send one to the other 29 children in the class, and I guarantee you won’t know all the children in the first three months. That said, if you don’t want to do it, don’t! I haven’t for years (as we donate money to charity instead)
What would you add to this list? Join The Balance Collective with Clara Wilcox and share your top tips! Don’t forget to forward this to anyone you know with kids starting school (or even Nursery) this year!
I’m a return to work, career, confidence and life-balance coach for parents. Find out how I have help parents just like you.
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
