How to Get Ready for the New School Year During the Pandemic

Under normal circumstances, going back to school already creates some stress within families. Add a pandemic to the mix, and you might be feeling utterly overwhelmed this year. Luckily, there are many ways to be proactive and get everything ship-shape before your children’s classes resume.

Pack Those Backpacks

One of the first steps in preparing for any school year is to get supplies and stock your kids’ backpacks for the first day. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you stock up this year.

• Make sure you check what school supplies your kids actually need.
• Most school supplies can be purchased online from your favourite retailers.
• You might want to throw in some cleaning wipes so your kids are prepared.
• Pick up a few kid-friendly face masks if your kids’ school has a mask-wearing policy.
• Consider getting a lunch box so your children can take their own food to school.

Talk to Your Kids

After preparing your kids with all the supplies they need, make sure they’re mentally prepared for the new school year. With the pandemic still going on, things are still changing rapidly, and a lot is still up in the air.

• Make sure your kids understand that classes might be different than they’re used to.
• Keep in mind your kids may have new questions and concerns about the pandemic.
• Reiterate the importance of covering coughs and not touching your face.
• If your school will require masks, help your child get used to wearing a face mask.

Make an Action Plan

Getting school supplies and touching base with your kids will help you get mentally and emotionally prepared. Once the school year gets into swing, you’ll want to have a plan that helps you stay on top of everything.

• Don’t forget to be active and stay optimistic to cope with back-to-school stress.
• Step up your cleaning efforts at home by disinfecting surfaces more often.
• Get your kids in the habit of changing clothes after school so you can do laundry.
• If you’re short on supplies, you can spot clean clothes with baking soda.

Preparing for the new school can be chaotic under normal circumstances, so you’ll want to give yourself extra time this year. To reduce stress, try to get everyone in your family on the same page so that going back to school is a team effort.