Getting Ready for School, Can you start too early?
By Jodi Jill 

With school fast approaching, parents need to ease kids into the idea of learning once again.

With school quickly approaching, it is time to get ready for getting the kids ready for school. This year I plan to start a bit early. Am I starting too early? A friend of mine posed this question to me a week back. After considering the notion, I have decided that it is good to get started early. The summer months can bring great bargains and the chance to ease up on the budget is always helpful. It prepares me for the upcoming sales as well. So when the advertisements come out on Sunday morning in the newspaper, I have the list of what we need and can find the best prices before going to the stores. 

So this week I prepared the annual clothing list. Looking through the drawers I wrote down everything the kids will need. During dinner last night the kids and I discussed all the ‘extra’ items they want to have. A new backpack and some fancy shoes top the short list, but this list avoids the impulse items that usually are very expensive in late August. Since the list for school items isn’t compiled, I have written down a few basic items I know they will need like crayons and pencils, but will fill that in once I get the official list. 

Getting ready for school also includes the annual cleaning. From vacuuming the bedrooms, to checking to see if all the toys are not broken, it takes time. I try to set aside at least three hours a week to do this, even though our place is relatively small. It seems to take longer when the kids help, but I find they are more likely to help during the year too as they know it is a family requirement. 

Another important thing I do is head to the local library. There are some great picture books highlighting school and the first day of class. After reading them, the kids start to settle into the idea that they need to be in class again. It just cuts down on the whining all together. As my kids are younger this seems to work well, but my friend uses the same idea for her older group by getting series novels that are based on a school setting. 

Talking positive about the upcoming school year seems to assist too. The apprehension melts away when you begin to look forward to the opportunity of seeing your friends once again and learning becomes a chance to be cool. 

Overall, it is never too early to have a positive start on school. The first date for class is just around the bend and growing closer every day. 

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