Back to School Hacks: 5 Tips to Put Some Pep Into Back to School Prep
Summer's sun-soaked days on the lake are dwindling, which means it's time pack up the SUP and brace the kiddos - and parents! - for the annual back-to-school hustle. But fear not, for this year, we've got 5 tips for turning the back-to-school routine into a high-energy prep rally that both kids and the 'rents can get stoked about.
1. Blast Off with a Family Fashion Faceoff:
Wave goodbye to those worn-out summer shorts and hello to a fashion-forward new school year! Turn the dreaded clothes shopping into a family fiesta by organizing a fashion show right in your living room. Let your kids unleash their inner runway model as they strut their stuff in potential school outfits. Even parents can join in on the fun, showcasing their attempts at trendy attire - Preppy, Emo? A guaranteed laugh-fest, this can also help your kids channel their inner Mari Kondo and weed out the stuff that doesn't spark joy - toss it in a box for donating at the Lake Oswego Goodwill Donation Center (401 S State St, Lake Oswego, OR).
2. Master the Backpack Party:
Sure you can buy the latest pre-blinged backpack, but where's the fun in that? Transform the mundane task of packing school bags into an exciting decorate and pack party! Gather your mini squad - and their friends! - around the table, armed with colorful self-stick patches, funky fabric markers and glittery stickers plus copies of your Lake Oswego School District teacher's supply list and encourage some healthy competition. Speed? Quality? Decor? You be the judge (literally!) No BackPack Party would be complete without some brown bag treats (Rice Krispie Treats are a tasty choice). Don't forget to sneak in a special note to remind them just how amazing they are.
1. Blast Off with a Family Fashion Faceoff:
Wave goodbye to those worn-out summer shorts and hello to a fashion-forward new school year! Turn the dreaded clothes shopping into a family fiesta by organizing a fashion show right in your living room. Let your kids unleash their inner runway model as they strut their stuff in potential school outfits. Even parents can join in on the fun, showcasing their attempts at trendy attire - Preppy, Emo? A guaranteed laugh-fest, this can also help your kids channel their inner Mari Kondo and weed out the stuff that doesn't spark joy - toss it in a box for donating at the Lake Oswego Goodwill Donation Center (401 S State St, Lake Oswego, OR).
2. Master the Backpack Party:
Sure you can buy the latest pre-blinged backpack, but where's the fun in that? Transform the mundane task of packing school bags into an exciting decorate and pack party! Gather your mini squad - and their friends! - around the table, armed with colorful self-stick patches, funky fabric markers and glittery stickers plus copies of your Lake Oswego School District teacher's supply list and encourage some healthy competition. Speed? Quality? Decor? You be the judge (literally!) No BackPack Party would be complete without some brown bag treats (Rice Krispie Treats are a tasty choice). Don't forget to sneak in a special note to remind them just how amazing they are.
Image: theartinlife.com
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3. Epic Lunchbox Planning Smackdown:
Avoid the early morning lunchbox panic by hosting a lunch planning smackdown. Set up a mini kitchen arena with all the fixings for a week's worth of lunches. Assign each family member a day to be the Lunchbox Champion. They get to decide what goes into the lunchbox, within reasonable limits, of course. This not only eliminates the morning lunch rush but also empowers your kids to make healthy choices and express their culinary creativity. 4. Spice Up Your Study Space Transform summer bedrooms or play spaces (back) into study sanctuaries! Just because we're not all on zoom calls 24/7 anymore, doesn't mean kids can't benefit from spicing up their study space. Let them choose colors, organize supplies, and decorate the space with inspiring quotes or artwork. As parents, we can join in by revamping the home office or creating a designated homework (and screen!) hub. A well-designed space can boost motivation and productivity, making study time feel like a creative adventure. Find examples of creative inspiration here. 5. Groovy Goal-Setting Extravaganza: Kickstart the school year with a goal-setting extravaganza that's both groovy and goal-oriented. Gather around a whiteboard or a giant piece of paper and encourage everyone to share their goals for the upcoming academic year. Whether it's acing 5th grade math (these printable prep sheets can help eliminate summer brain drain!), joining a sports team, or making new friends, let the kids dream big. Parents can also share their personal goals, showing that learning is a lifelong adventure. Display the goals in a prominent place as a reminder of the excitement that lies ahead. Transforming routine tasks into exciting activities not only gets the kids pumped but also rekindles a sense of fun for parents. So, gear up for a year of growth, learning, and unforgettable family moments. Back-to-school blues don't stand a chance! |