5 Tips to Prepare for the Upcoming School Year

I’m sad to admit this, but summer is flying by so fast. With that said, the school year is approaching even faster. On the one hand, I’m sad because I love how relaxed life is without school. We get to stay up late with the kids and wake up on our own, whenever we feel like it. On the other hand, I’m excited because I know my kids are looking forward to going back to school finally. This will be their first time back since March of 2020, so I know they will be a little nervous. Good nerves, though.

Regarding the upcoming school year, here are my top tips for preparing effectively!

1. Take inventory: Go through your kids’ clothes. Get rid of the items that no longer fit or are faded. Make them try on their clothes and have them be a part of the process to tell you what they like and no longer like. My oldest daughter is 13 and loves clothes, whereas my younger daughter is seven and only cares about comfort. Shopping for the two can be challenging because they both are so different.

2. It’s important that your kids help you in this process because it will be beneficial when you get them dressed for school in the mornings. There will be no pushback about what they like and don’t like.

3. Donate clothes: Regarding the faded or ill-fitting clothing, be sure to donate those.

4. Make a list: My daughter and I recently sorted through her stuff, and she is so used to making a list of what she needs. This time around, she told me, “Mom, I need three new pairs of jeans and two pairs of shoes.” I was so proud! When you have multiple children, having lists of what they need saves time.

5. Hunt for good quality, affordable clothing: Make sure to share all your clothing finds with your children before you buy them. It is important to get their input because they need to like what they will be wearing during the school year. As a child, I remember not being a part of the process, and it made me feel insecure. My top clothing store choices for teen girls are Forever 21, H&M, Zara, ASOS, and Plato’s closet. For the younger kids, I love Forever 21 kids, H&M, Zara kids, Nordstrom Rack, Gap Kids (jeans), Old Navy (dresses), Primary clothing (pajamas), Target, and Amazon (pajamas).