5-day plan for back-to-school season  

Communication is always the key 

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of routines, take some time to talk to your kids about the upcoming school year. Explain that you’ll be making some changes to get back into a good rhythm. 

Involve them in the process. For younger kids, you can use visual aids like a countdown calendar to help them understand the concept of time. For older kids, you can have a more in-depth conversation about their goals and expectations for the new year. 

As parents, it’s essential to manage your expectations and avoid putting too much pressure on yourself or your kids.  

Day 1: Plan outfits  

Let’s face it, you’re probably already scrambling to find the school uniforms, the shoes, the sports gear and tracksuits. Taking some time to organise and plan ahead can make all the difference. 

To get started, first take stock of your child’s wardrobe and uniform requirements. Check what’s still in good condition and what needs to be replaced.  

Make a list of essentials, including school shoes, sports shoes and socks, and plan outfits for the first week of school.  

Set aside some time to get everything looking sharp. Polishing shoes and ironing those uniforms may not be the most glamorous task, but it’s an essential part of back-to-school prep.  

Day 2: Establish a sleep and wake-up routine 

A consistent sleep and wake-up routine is key to synchronising your family’s schedules, leading to more harmonious and stress-free mornings.  

Start by setting a definite bedtime and a wake-up time that’s slightly earlier than usual. Gradually work your way up to the desired wake-up time in this week before school starts.  

For toddlers, use a fun alarm clock or a favourite song to signal wake-up time. For primary-school kids, create a simple morning routine that includes tasks like brushing their teeth, washing their face and getting dressed. For tweens, give them more independence and let them take ownership of their morning routine.  

Remember to be patient and flexible —it’s okay if things don’t always go exactly according to plan.  

Day 3: Introduce meal planning and prep 

 As the new year kicks off, you’re likely juggling your own goals and priorities, and your schedule is about to get a whole lot busier. Meal planning and prep — including breakfasts, lunchboxes and suppers — can be a huge help, saving you time and stress while ensuring your family stays well-fed and healthy.  

It can also help you save money and reduce food waste by ensuring that you’re only buying what you need. Take some time to plan out meals for a week and involve your kids in the process.

For younger kids, you can make it a fun activity by letting them help with planning and grocery shopping. For older kids, you can teach them how to prepare simple meals and snacks, helping you avoid last-minute takeouts. 

Day 4: Create a visual schedule 

Not only do visual aids, like charts and calendars, help kids stay on top of their daily tasks, but they also provide a sense of structure and predictability that can be incredibly comforting. By creating a visual schedule that outlines the daily routine, including tasks like homework, chores and extracurricular activities, you can help your kids develop a sense of responsibility and time management.  

For younger kids, incorporating pictures or icons into the schedule can make it more engaging and fun, helping them understand and follow the routine more easily. This can be as simple as a morning routine chart with pictures of brushing teeth, washing face and hands and getting dressed.  

As kids get older, the visual schedule can evolve to include more detailed info, such as specific times and tasks. This helps them prioritise their activities, manage their time more effectively, and develop a sense of independence.  

Whether you’re using a physical chart or a digital tool, a visual schedule can be a powerful tool for the whole family, helping you stay connected, responsible and on top of your daily tasks.  

Day 5: Review and refine 

 This is the day to do a practise run of the routine for morning, afternoon and evening. Take some time to review how things went and refine the routine as needed. Ask your kids for feedback, and make adjustments based on their needs and preferences.  

Remember, the goal is to create a sustainable routine that works for your family, not to achieve perfection..  

Back to school checklist  

Stationery (pens, pencils, crayons, scissors, glue, notebooks etc)  

Planner/diary  

Raincoat/umbrella 

 Lunchbox essentials  

Calculator  

Dictionary  

Backpack  

Hats or caps