Back to school!

For many of us, this fall is the return to normal we had been waiting for. Schools in Texas are open for in-person learning, and there is no longer an option for remote learning. The downside is that, at least when I write these lines, my school district has decided NOT to enforce mask-wearing or social distancing, despite the recommendations from the AAP, the WHO and the CDC…

If you choose to make mask-wearing a part of your (and your child’s) routine, you’ll need to buy enough spare ones for your needs. It might be one or more per person per day, plus a few extras in case one is lost, a mesh bag to wash them safely, and designated spots for the clean and dirty masks. For my children, I put labels with their name in each mask (I like the ones from Name Bubbles for clothing). Your supply may need to be replenished if last year’s masks are too worn.

This photo was taken by Jessica Lewis for Unsplash.

As for organizing the space in your home, you’ll need a place for your kids to do homework. Hopefully most of the kinks were ironed out last year during remote learning! In any case, it’s important for a child to have a dedicated place to work. It doesn’t even have to be a desk – some kids will do fine at the dining room table, while others might be more comfortable in the living room (as long as the television isn’t on). Essentially, they need someplace to sit (or stand, for the more fidgety kids) without distractions so they can work. Headphones can help cut out noise if that is really an issue. Younger kids will benefit from being close to a caregiver who can help explain instructions or redirect their attention, but older kids are typically more autonomous. Consider a rolling tiered cart to corral school and art supplies; it’ll keep them handy while also allowing you to wheel them away when the kids are done. I also recommend supply caddies and sturdy magazine holders.

You might also need to streamline your entryway. There will now be more shoes, backpacks, lunchboxes, sports equipment, etc., to deal with, and you don’t want it all piling up in one place – or worse, all over the place! In our house, we limit the number of shoes any one person can keep near the door (spares go in their bedroom closet). It’s also helpful to have a designated spot for anything coming in or going out: for example, your child should know where to drop her backpack when she comes home from school, when to give you her agenda to sign, where to put sports gear… For the latter, uniforms need to be washed, so the laundry room makes sense, but other equipment might be better off in the garage until the next practice. Designate the place, then communicate it so that all members of the household are on the same page.

This photo was taken by Natasha Hall for Unsplash.

It’s also important to set up a weekly/monthly schedule and to keep it posted where family members can see it – I recommend a paper copy for your family command center and a digital copy with clickable links for ease of use from any electronic device. Free apps like Google Calendar or Cozi allow you to synch schedules for all family members. Cozi even has a grocery list that you can update in real time from any device!