Back to school preparation for parents

The transition from school holidays to the beginning of a new term can bring a mixture of emotions, whether your child is just starting primary school, nursery or is returning for another year.

Getting back into the swing of things as a parent can be a challenge, but being prepared can help to make sure everything runs smoothly for your kid’s return to school! Here are some tips and tricks to get prepped for the school year ahead.

Establish a morning routine

The school mornings can be hard when transitioning from relaxed wakeups to an early alarm. Establishing a solid morning routine towards the end of summer can help to climatise your children to the beginning of the term.

Try not to let your children wake up any later than a set hour every morning in the lead up to the new term. It can help to create a routine that involves getting up, having breakfast and getting dressed before the day starts. This can make the school start easier as your kids will have a set routine they can follow.

Having a healthy breakfast can also set your little ones up for a big day, so ensure you provide them with a balanced meal in the morning.

Early bedtimes

In the holidays, bedtimes can slip and often become much later. Similar to implementing a morning routine gradually towards the end of the break, it’s recommended to do the same with bedtimes. Small alterations, such as having dinner earlier and changing evening activities to calmer ones, can all create a relaxing atmosphere to encourage winding down. The earlier your kids can get to bed, the easier it will be to get up in the morning!

Prep the night before

An advantage of putting your little ones down early is that there is more time for you, as parents, to prep for the morning. To lessen your load the next day, it can be helpful to pack up lunches and snacks the night before. If possible, you might also choose to prep breakfast for a smoother morning.

We also recommend cleaning as you go, so there’s less mess the next day. Keep all surfaces clean and sanitary with Milton Antibacterial Surface Spray or Antibacterial Surface Wipes, so you can have peace of mind that your children are kept away from bacteria and viruses.

It can save you a lot of time and stress in the morning if you decide to lay out your child’s uniform or clothes for the day. This way you can iron anything, if need be, to avoid the potential danger of rushing the next day. It’s important to keep your child’s uniform clean as they encounter a range of new bacteria and viruses in their new environment and regularly cleaning will remove stains and bad smells from your kid’s clothing.

Prepacking their school bag and leaving this and their coat by the door can also ensure they have everything they need to have a great day.

Be positive

Returning to school or starting a new one can be scary for your child. Keeping the idea of school as exciting and positive as possible can help to reduce any anxieties and make the transition easier. A great way to do this is to highlight things your little one might look forward to. This could include seeing their friends, learning about their favourite subject, walking to school or wearing a grown-up uniform. All these things can contribute to helping your child to see school as exciting!

Overall, school starts can be challenging to navigate as a parent. Preparation in the lead up to the return can make the process smoother for both you and your child. Milton has been supporting parents throughout their journey, ensuring your environment is always clean and safe for your little ones.

Explore our range of sterilisation and hygiene products or read our blogs for more parenting advice.