Back to School Survival Guide

So, the summer’s almost over and the kids are ready to go back to school, but what are the best ways to prepare for the new school year? We have rounded up our top tips for Back to School Survival.

Set A Routine

The first week of school can often be a challenge for both parents and children as the new routine sets back in. As September approaches, try to slowly reintroduce the school routine back into your day. This may involve starting to wake them up earlier in the morning, sending them to bed earlier in the evening, and perhaps changing meal times (and bath times - depending on your child's age). This should mean that by the time the first day of school comes around, bedtimes and mealtimes are much easier, and there's one less battle in the morning.

Protect Their Posture

Protecting your child's posture at a young age is important for their future growth. Bags worn on one shoulder are likely to stress one side of the body significantly more than the other. A backpack is a great way for your children to carry their school supplies with the weight evenly split, however an ill-fitted backpack can cause further problems. Try to keep the backpack from hanging lower than a few inches below their waist, and make sure that the straps offer adequate padded support. Regularly repacking a backpack can also help to reduce any unnecessary added weight.

Stock Up On Supplies

Whilst it's important that your child has all of the equipment that they need for their work, a lot of the stationary that is bought in the next few weeks is destined for the bottom of your child's pencil case or backpack. Ideally, get an equipment list from your child's school, otherwise focus on the essentials; writing pens, pencils, a ruler, an eraser, and a pencil sharpener. Older children may also require highlighters, calculators and revision aids. Ensure that your children start the year with the essentials, and purchase any extra items as required.

Meal Plan

The best way to avoid any dinnertime disagreements and lunchtime let-downs is by creating a weekly meal plan with your child. This is also a good way to keep costs down when shopping. Some schools now enforce rules regarding a child's packed lunch, with the banning of items such as chocolate bars and crisps, so always check with the school's policies before heading to the shop. If you are unsure read all about the essentials school aged children need here.

Perfect Personalised Supplies

A collection of personalised stationary and supplies are a great way to ensure that your child's latest school stuff isn't lost or stolen. We have a great range of personalised school essentials available. Here are our top 3 suggestions.

Water Bottle

Encourage your child to drink more with a personalised water bottle. Our range of water bottles includes a range of personalised designs and different drinking styles to suit. Each bottle is designed to keep its contents cool and secure.

Notebook

Give your child a new notebook to ensure they keep track of everything they need to know. Our range of personalised moleskine notebooks is ideal. Available in a range of colours each embossed with your child's initials or short name (max 7 characters), there is one to suit each personal taste.

Pens

We have a wide range pens from brands such as Parker, Cross and Waterman. For those headed back to school an engraved pen is the perfect addition to their pencil case. Each of our pens can be used time and time again with refills available to buy directly from us.