Back-to-School Basics

By Molly Gold, creator of the Go Mom Planner

Back-to-school preparations often get left to the last minute, leaving moms scrambling for a smooth transition from summer to school. The last thing you want for your family is unnecessary stress at the start of a new school year. Check out this new list of the best five back-to-school basics for mom's scheduling success!

1. Stock up on Supplies - Go shopping now! Conquer back-to-school shopping over the first few weeks of August. This gives you plenty of time to shop while benefiting from late summer sales on warm weather clothing with the fall preview in full force. If clothes and kids don't mix, try catalog shopping. You'll find it easier to stay within a budget and it keeps the kids poolside. For supplies, many schools have Web sites that post the list before the year begins. Many times schools also send the list home at the end of the school year. If you've misplaced yours, log on or give your school a call.

2. Introduce the New Schedule - It's all about strategy! One factor in having excited kids each morning is to help them be well rested. Start ten days before the first day of school to back your children out of their summer routine and into their school day schedule. Though it's hard to go to sleep while light outside, it's even harder to start the school year with tears of fatigue and a negative attitude. Early to bed, early to rise and breakfast on the side is our recipe for smart reward. And while you're up, take a test walk or bike ride up to school if that's your mode of transportation.

3. Attend Back-to-School Night - Get involved…and don't forget to take your planner! Not only can you meet your child's teachers, but you'll also get an overview of what lies ahead. Transfer important dates from the School Calendar into your planner followed by all extra-curricular activities. Talk with your child's teachers about their method of communication. You'll know when to look for a weekly newsletter or if you'll need to e-mail the teacher regularly to stay in the loop. Plan now to attend parent/teacher conference days and take stock of the many volunteer opportunities offered both in class and by the PTA. If time away from home or work to help out in person is not an option, then offer to send in any necessary items throughout the year. Supplies are always in demand and greatly appreciated by both teachers and students. Click here for more ideas on ways to get involved with your child's school.

4. Prioritize Your Papers - Get your desk ready now for the paper wave that is about to hit. Identify one in-box and instruct all family members to place important papers there daily. When you review this box, also daily, to update your day planner, apply the rule of one touch. After you pick up the paper, you must either act on it or file it. When acting on it, use your day planner to schedules calls or actions. When filing, place papers in activity specific folders by family member, such as Joey school or Mary soccer. Select a storage method for artwork and special papers that come home all year. Leave the refrigerator clear and find a special way to display the most treasured items on the main level of your home, such as large picture frames, where you can change items regularly.

5. Be Flexible - Give yourself an entire month after school starts to get your routine down to a science. Not only does everyone need to adjust physically, but also mentally there are lots of new experiences for all. Allow for the emotional adjustments that go along with meeting new friends and working with a new teacher or possibly a new school altogether. And be patient with yourself as you factor your own personal schedule into the new one dictated by all the great opportunities this school year will bring. Soon enough you'll know when the best time of day is to sneak in that power walk or steal a few moments to read your favorite novel.

More back-to-school tips

GO MOM !NC Founder, Molly Gold, is a 40-year-old mother of three and the creator of The GO MOM!^® product line. Gold is known for her keen insights into Family Scheduling and has been featured both in print and on air media alike. Gold currently serves on Proctor & Gamble's Mr. Clean Team Expert Panel, Cartoon Network's Tickle U Advisory Board and as Family Scheduling Expert at both www.BlueSuitMom.com, and www.NewBaby.com. Gold's work has most recently been featured on NBC's Today Show Weekend Edition, as a contributing author in the newly released, The Experts Guide to the Baby Years, by Samantha Ettus, Women's Health Magazine, and in the February 2007 Family Fun Magazine.