10 Things Parents Often Overlook for Back to School

THE FULL STORY

The school year starts with the best of intentions. You’ve picked out new backpacks, the first day ’fits are ready to roll and there are enough new pens and pencils in the house to supply a small accounting firm.

But then school actually starts and every day seems to bring a new thing that needs attention. The big back-to-school purchases are easy to remember, but it’s the less obvious stuff that tends to catch us off-guard. So, before the school year gets into full swing, here are 10 oft-forgotten things to cross off your list. Your future self is already grateful.

1. A backup water bottle

Listen, you can buy the sturdiest, most recognizable water bottle on the face of the earth and your child will still find a way to leave it somewhere. Having a second one ready to go means you won’t have to cobble together a solution (no doubt a travel mug with an ill-fitting lid) while you locate the missing one. Look for one that’s a kid-friendly size, easy to open and leakproof — like an Owala Kids FreeSip Water Bottle.

2. Shelf-stable emergency snacks

September schedules have a way of getting out of control. It’s almost like we block out the school-year juggle through the summer. Then, all of a sudden, the extracurriculars start up again, all of the appointments you put off through July and August pop up on the calendar and you’re trying to keep everyone from getting hangry as you motor through the after-school rush. Having extra snacks on hand means you can rest assured there will always be something to snack on when dinner seems too far away. MadeGood Organic Granola Bites or Nature’s Bakery Whole Wheat Fig Bars are tasty, healthy and easy to toss into backpacks and purses.

3. The not-obvious stuff on the school supply list

You will have the basics on lock. But depending on your child’s age, you may also need to pick up unexpected items. In the youngest grades, you may be asked to send an extra change of clothes and a wet bag for accidents; as your kids start to do more advanced math, they may need a scientific or graphing calculator; and when they get close to post-secondary, a textbook stand might be helpful.

In the category of not-so-obvious, you might also want to make back to school a little more exciting and let your kiddos pick out some fun supplies. Bright markers from OOLY or the Aurora Palm Pals Tike Pencil are just the ticket.

4. A rain plan

Usually the first few weeks (maybe even the first month) of the school year still feels like summer. And then one morning, you wake up to cold, pouring rain. Do yourself a favour and check that raincoats and boots still fit before they’re actually needed, and pick up a few rainy day essentials to keep in knapsacks. Easy-to-open-and-close umbrellas and a packable raincoat or poncho can come in super handy. It helps if they’re cute, too, and Trixie, Original Duckhead and Hatley all have that part under control.

5. A lunchbox system that works for your child

This is going to take some trial and error, because what works for your niece or your neighbour’s kid or that girl from dance class isn’t necessarily going to be the answer for your child. We assume that all lunchboxes are created equal but it really depends on whether your child can easily open and close it, track any loose pieces and easily fit it into their backpack. Bento-style options like Yumbox, b.box and Melii can be game changers.

6. A tiny personal care kit

For older kids especially, a few small personal-care items can save the day: lip balm, tissues, hair elastics, menstrual products and antiperspirant are all good to have on hand. You don’t need to send a fully stocked drugstore or anything; a zippered pouch from Jan & Jul with a handful of things your specific child will find useful will do the job.

7. Something for after-school downtime

Whether it’s something to occupy them on the bus or a fun option to have on hand at an after-school care program, having something low-key to pass the time is a good idea. Depending on your kid, that may be a sketchbook, stickers, small pots of modelling clay or an activity from Tiger Tribe.

8. An extra layer

September weather loves to be as confusing as possible. A cool morning can become a scorching afternoon, which somehow becomes a freezing evening. A lightweight sweater or coat, like these ones from Reima and Hatley, gives kids an option when the AC is blasting in the classroom or the temperature suddenly takes a nosedive.

9. Socks that fit (and match)

Consider this your annual permission slip to deal with the sock drawer. Toss anything with holes, anything they’ve grown and all of those single socks that have mates lost to the dryer monster. Restock with comfy socks (like these ones from Zoocchini or Lassig) that fit properly and September mornings will have one less source of chaos.

10. Reusable bags

Some days, the backpack just isn’t big enough. Library books, artwork, random findings from the schoolyard, etc. often need to make their way home (“need” is used lightly here). Tuck a foldable, reusable bag, like the myriad options from BAGGU, into your child’s backpack so they have an easy way to carry the overflow home.

September will probably still throw a few curveballs your way — that’s practically part of the back-to-school experience. But taking care of these easy-to-forget details now can make the transition a little smoother. You can’t prepare for everything, but at least you won’t be searching for two matching socks, an umbrella or a missing lid at 7:45 a.m.