Start the school year right by getting prepared ahead of time, and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy September. Here's a breakdown of what to do when this back to school season:

Six weeks before school starts: Buy school supplies and clothes

Many retailers begin wooing consumers with back to school sales in mid- to late-July. This is a perfect time to begin stocking up on essential school supplies, gear, and clothing. Create a list with your child to determine what is needed and then start scouring those weekly ads!

Five weeks before school starts: Decide upon a “Go Time” area

Eliminate the hassle of last minute troubles like “Where’s my jacket?” and “I can’t find my shoes!” by choosing a designated area for everything the kids need before they leave the house. With your children, choose an area where they can store backpacks, shoes, coats, and lunch boxes. It should be a place that’s accessible and convenient. Make it clear that this is where those items should always go!

Four weeks before school starts: Pick a spot for homework

Having a specified homework space can help keep everyone on top of their schoolwork. Some kids prefer doing homework in their rooms, other like using the kitchen table. Chat with your children about their preferences and remind them that once homework is completed, it always goes in their backpacks, which are in the “Go Time” area, of course!

Three weeks before school starts: Create a daily schedule

Plan it all: Wake up time, breakfast, when to leave the house, when the kids get home, after school activities, homework, dinner, bath time, and bedtime. Put it all on a schedule that you create with your family.

Two weeks before school starts: Start reading books together during homework time

Lost a little of a the "read every day" momentum during these last weeks of summer? Help your children get into the habit of doing homework by reading books together at the appointed homework time.

One week before school starts: Do a dry run of a typical school morning

Make sure you have everything accounted for by going through a dry run of a typical school morning. Beginning at the school year wake-up time, go through the morning schedule, complete with getting into the car and heading towards school. Make it a little special, though, by taking your children on a surprise outing to the beach, the park, or another fun family hangout that you all enjoy. Call it one last summer hurrah!

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