Mom’s Survival Guide to Starting School. If you have a little one starting school for the first time, or even starting childcare.
I’ve been on a cleaning spree recently and found some notes I compiled and various magazine clippings that I had saved. They were old and yellowed and I’m sure I collected them before I had kids. Because once you actually have kids you just do the best you can to make it from one day to the next…. sometimes from one hour to the next! Am I right?! At least that was how it was for me!
I hope my Mom’s Survival Guide to Starting School makes your transition easier!

1. Have a routine! – Kids thrive on routine. Try to have the same order of events every day. Talk about that schedule throughout the day so he/she knows what’s coming next.

2. Develop a goodbye ritual! – Saying goodbye is the scariest part for the child, especially if he hasn’t gone to daycare. This will be the hardest part for several weeks. When we get to the stop sign we kiss and do our secret handshake. We’ve been doing this since Lincoln first went to kindergarten. We still do it and he’s in the 4th grade (although he doesn’t want his friends to see him kiss me now!) They actually can’t wait to get to the appointed spot so they do the ritual.
3. Surprise notes! – Put surprise notes, jokes, or stickers in their backpack or lunchbox.

4. If possible, plan a play date before school begins so you child will get to know his classmates. One familiar face will make that first day easier.
5. Create a Back-to-School Tradition – Bake a cake or have donuts to mark the first day. Take pictures in the same spot every year.
6. Play fun music and sing while driving to school – Music is fun and will set the stage for a fun day.
7. Think practical and functional instead of fashionable when it comes to school clothes. Easy snaps and buttons that he can manipulate will ease stress for your little one.
8. Talk about the rules – Discuss school rules at home and why they are important. Work on any that he’s having trouble following.
9. Fill out an information card and keep it in his backpack. Include his full name, address, and any important medical issues. Also, include your name, address, and two phone numbers.
10. Discuss with your child the importance a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast. Both will help them concentrate and follow the rules.

Crystal Green says
Great tips.
Carri says
What a great idea for all those new parents out there.. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful idea's at the ALL STARS BLOCK PARTY….
Cassie {two-in-diapers.blogspot.com} says
I'm SO glad you linked up to the Mommy-Brain Mixer and I hope to see you again on Thursday! 🙂
Sweet Bella Roos says
Great tips! Can't believe my baby is starting school this year– eek!! Thanks for linking up at Pin It Thursday!
Holli says
Really good list…will keep this in mind in the coming years for when my boys start. Love #3. My mom often wrote us little notes in our lunches, and I still remember them. I definitely hope to pass along that tradition. Found you via Two in Diapers, happy to be a new follower.
Holli @ http://www.fullhands-fullhearts.com
Cassie {two-in-diapers.blogspot.com} says
I love these tips! I found you via the Mom's Monday Mingle and am happy to be your newest follower! When you get a sec, I'd love a follow back at http://www.two-in-diapers.blogspot.com! I also host a blog hop on Thursdays called the Mommy-Brain Mixer, and I'd LOVE for you to come link up this post!
Danielle Royalegacy says
Great tips for those who send their kids off to school, but I loved having mine at home and schooling them there. Out of our six children, I still homeschool only one, and the rest are either in college or have graduated already.
Danielle
Mindy M. Harris says
now follow you through GFC and found you through the mom's monday mingle!
SerenaB says
Great back to school tips! Cute photos of the kiddo's also! Thanks for the invite to stop by what a wonderful space you have made! Have a great week sweetie!
Di{CookTheTV} says
Hi Paula, Great tips here! Tweeting this, we need to spread the word:) thanks, Di
Surabhi says
My son starts school this year and though I've already been doing some of these things(with my daughter),some of the points are worth including in the routine…glad I found you through Monday Mingle…stop by my blog whenever you can….
Surabhi
http://homekidsandcrafts.blogspot.com/