Summer is almost over and we are all geared up to welcome another academic year here. As I sit and sift through her books, clothes and stationery for the new phase, I go back to what I do best. And if you’re in the back to school phase too, I’ve got you covered!

If you’ve visited me before, you’d know what I adore. I make a list. Yes, people. Checklists are my life breath. They calm me down, they keep me sane and help me work around a schedule. I know it’s fine to let go and be crazy when it comes down to it, but for some things, lists do help- a lot!

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[easy-tweet tweet=”6 Tips for Parents making a Back to School Checklist!” user=”shyvish”]

1. School Clothes

Depending on your child’s school, you will either have a custom vendor affiliated with the institute or you will need to reach out to tailors/ vendors who deal with good school uniforms. Most vendors come with pre-ordered sizes and we need to try out the ones available and go with the best fit. Even if you’re reasonably sure about the size, ensure that you do a trial fitting. Kids are notorious for growth spurts and what fit them 3 months ago would not necessarily sit well on them now.

If you’re in the US or outside India, I recommend Amazon for some lovely back-to-school outfits!

Keep in touch with your school to be updated on the Uniform distribution dates. 

If you school leaves the choice of vendor open to you, a good option in Bangalore is Threadworks. All you need to do is upload your child’s measurements and they will arrange for delivery of the uniforms.


Standard Uniform check list:

  • Shirts/ Blouses
  • Pinafores/ Skirts (girls)
  • Shorts / Pants (boys)
  • Sweatshirts
  • Pullovers
  • Sports Gear
  • Tie
  • Belt
  • Socks ( regular and sportswear)
  • Shoes ( regular and sportswear)

Swimming gear (if mandated)


2. Stationery/ Craft Supplies

Any parent would know the feeling of buying pencils, crayons and paints, ad infinitum. 
Here is a list of items which are a must-have for young kids (6 to 10 years):

  1. Pencil box/ pencil pouch
  2. Pencils
  3. Ruler (15-inch/ foot long)
  4. Erasers
  5. Sharpeners
  6. Colour pencils
  7. Oil pastels
  8. Crayons
  9. Paints/ paintbrush
  10. KG cardboard/ styrofoam sheets
  11. Glue/Scissors
  12. Files for storing worksheets/ assignments
  13. Labels for books/ bags/ clothes

If you are looking for customized labels that can be used across your child’s belongings, a good site to check would be Smile Labels. They offer you the chance to opt for packages, based on your needs.


 3. Books

 School books and textbooks would be typically supplied by the school. Do check with the supplier on the book- distribution dates and plan for it accordingly. Make sure you have at least 3 days before school re-opens, so that you may cover the books, label them and check to see if there any items in the pending list. 

Involve the child in the process, since it helps them get a sense of responsibility with respect to their things. Use old, unused notebooks from the previous year for rough work/ handwriting practice.
 

4. Bags

Now that you have the books and the stationery, it’s time to invest in a good bag. Aim for ones which have a waterproof lining, since cleaning them becomes easier.

While most schools may not allow it, kids are fascinated by bags which have their favourite cartoon characters. Go for a dark- coloured bag, since maintaining them becomes easier on the parent.

 

5. Boxes for Food

Lunch/ snack time is an integral part of the daily timetable. So it makes sense that the boxes and bottles that you pick out should be of a durable and lasting nature. Typically, the popular choice comes down to Tupperware, since the leak-proof feature prevents any accidental spills during the day.

Have four boxes ( two for snacks/ two for lunch time) which you can rotate on alternate days. 
 This allows time for the mother to clean/ air-dry and sanitise the boxes for the following day.
 

6. Bottles

Similarly, have two bottles for the child to use, which she can use alternately. I purchased a Tupperware one and a rubber-sealed steel bottle. Both of these are leak-proof and are ideal for children who are comfortable with unscrewing bottle caps on their own.

Include a cloth napkin/ a spoon in your child’s lunchbag.

* Some schools have meal plans provided on campus (Daily/ Monthly/ Yearly). If the concept suits you, opt for one of them and see how the child adapts to this.


General Tips:

  • Iron the uniforms sets on Saturday/ Sunday
  • Try and keep at least 3 pencils, duly sharpened, at the beginning of each week. Check for re-sharpening mid-week.
  • Rinse out bottles with warm water and soap twice a week. Air- dry them in the sun.

BAck to school: A checklist for parents and students

Have you made your checklist yet?
Do you have any items to add to this one?

*Featured and pin images: Shutterstock

Click the links below to get supplies relevant to school items and stationery items straight from Amazon!

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