Getting a Smart Start: Tips For Back-to-School Season

Written by Watson Gowdy, Listing and Buyers Agent

Don’t panic - summer isn’t over just yet! But with the new school year right around the corner, it’s a great time to start planning ahead.  The return to school can be stressful, but don’t worry - we put together a comprehensive guide to prepare so you don’t have to! 

1. Priorities and Common Challenges: These are a few things that can cause stress, and some helpful tips to mitigate that. 

1. Adjusting Routines: Summer is a time to relax and recuperate, and shifting back to early mornings and structured days can be difficult.  Setting earlier bedtimes a few weeks in advance can make the adjustment much easier.  Getting back to a written schedule can help too.  And don’t just include work and deadlines in your schedule - make sure to write down the fun stuff too!  If you can, try to plan a day trip, get together with friends, or something to look forward to every couple of weeks.  

2. Shopping and Supplies: Online shopping makes it easier than ever to gather necessary school supplies. I would recommend ordering these a few weeks in advance to avoid any supply chain issues. For weekly shopping, most grocery stores have daily deals and some have meal prep specials that can save a lot of time on busy days. Be sure to take advantage of the 2024 Tax Free Weekend that begins Friday, August 2nd and runs through Sunday, August 4th. 

3. School and Extracurricular Overload: Navigating schoolwork with extracurricular activities requires a great deal of planning and time management.  Make sure to prioritize both of these equally to maintain balance. Our modern economy offers more income opportunities than ever before, from the more “traditional” university route to trade work, ecommerce, sports, post graduate options, and everything in between. No matter what you choose, most people spend 12 to 14 years minimum in school - which can feel like an eternity if you don’t find a way to enjoy what you are studying.  Identifying what you enjoy is every bit as important as identifying strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, success lies at the intersection of what you enjoy and what you are best at! 

4. Health and Wellness: Both parents and children can experience anxiety about the new school year, from academic pressure to social dynamics. Maintaining a healthy routine is challenging, but take time to be “selfish” and prioritize your own well-being. Our society places a greater emphasis on work, status and accomplishments than personal fulfillment - and sadly, this all contributes to the ongoing mental health crisis. I know this is way easier said than done, but take some time every day to be proud of your accomplishments and pay attention to signs of burnout. When the going gets tough, think of Sisyphus pushing the boulder up a hill and try to focus on the process rather than the end result. Try your best to foster an environment of nonjudgmental communication and positive reinforcement. Surround yourself with successful and positive people!  

      2.    Practical Back-to-School Hacks for Parents

1. Have a Designated Work Space Catered to Your Learning Style: Create a quiet workstation in your home with a calendar, space to work, and an organized file cabinet for school work.  If you haven’t already, consider having your child take an exam to determine their learning style. Our brains are all unique in the ways we learn and retain information, and notecards, highlighters, and well-written study materials can make a huge difference in academic success.

2. Weekly Planning Sessions: Spend a couple minutes each weekend planning the week ahead.  Discuss schedules, upcoming assignments, and any extracurricular or special events. 

3. Break Down Tasks: Teach your child to divide time-consuming assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks.  With more time-intensive projects and papers, the most difficult thing can often be figuring out how to get started.  

4. Take Regular Breaks: The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) is an awesome skill to learn. Our attentiveness and ability to concentrate has suffered tremendously due to the proliferation of technology and distractions. If you make it a habit to stay disciplined and work when you feel focused, the quality of your work and efficiency of your time will both be maximized.  

5. Don’t Underestimate Mindfulness: This is a skill I wish I had learned a long time ago. Much of our reality is subjective and influenced by our own perception of the world around us. Some people find peace in reframing challenges as an opportunity for growth, knowledge and self-improvement. Other people may view challenges as an unfair burden stemming from the entropic chaos of the universe. However you view it, you’re right.  Positivity and true nonjudgmental self-awareness are not easy to cultivate, but I promise it’s worth the effort. Be proud of your skills and uniqueness, recognize they are a blessing, and maximize your strengths. 

Summer Will Be Back Before You Know It! It’s not easy to balance the demands of the school year, but with planning and strategy you can make this the most stress-free year yet.  Here’s to a healthy and productive year!