Even though we’re enjoying these last few long days of summer, school bells will be ringing before we know it. While many things have not changed (sharpen those pencils, get those spiral-bound notebooks ready), your “back-to-school” routine comes with new challenges each year. Today we’ve collected 5 tried and true tips we hope will help you prepare for the new school year ahead!

Tip #1: Adjust that bedtime routine

Getting a good night’s sleep is vital to your children’s success at school. While summer breaks may have meant later bedtimes, there’s no time like the present to try and readjust to a healthy routine. Young children (ages 6-12) need anywhere between 9 and 12 hours of sleep a night. Even those teenagers (ages 13-18) who like to stay up late could use a solid 8 hours of sleep (and 10 is better). Start your evenings by dimming the lights, turning off electronic devices and limiting caffeine. If your children respond to scents, try using Eucalan in our Lavender scent to launder bed linens. Lavender essential oils aid in relaxation and can also improve the quality of their sleep.

Tip #2: Stock up on school supplies

Get your homework stations ready, and provide your kids with all the supplies they’ll need for the school year. Check with schools first to see if they have any school supply lists. Many students will need access to a computer or tablet to complete lessons and/or homework assignments. Headphones are a must so everyone can listen to their own content without disturbing others. Then stock up on supplies appropriate for the age of your student, like ​​pencils, erasers, pens, calculators, crayons/markers/colored pencils, glue sticks, paper and notebooks. If you want to keep supplies tidy, check out our Back to School Pinterest board for ideas on homemade or upcycled caddies.

Tip #3: Create a comfortable, distraction-free study space

Whether it’s buckling down and starting homework, or trying to engage in virtual learning on a cold weather day, your student needs a place where they can concentrate on their schoolwork.  If your living space permits, it’s best to create a permanent work space. A dedicated space gives your student a place that feels comfortable and familiar while escaping the hassle of constantly shuffling supplies. We perused Pinterest and found tons of great inspiration for workspaces, including 35 Homeschool Room Ideas for Small Spaces from Homeschool Superfreak. The ones below are our favourites for repurposing small spaces into lovely learning environments.

Tip #4: Create a morning checklist.

Let’s face it, after summer camp and vacations we’re all rusty at packing up supplies and ensuring we have everything we need. Create a quick morning checklist that can live on the fridge or a whiteboard. Include items to pack like homework, notebooks, water bottles, lunches or snacks, computers or tablets, their charging cords, clothes and equipment for extracurricular activities, and anything else that can be easily forgotten. 

Tip #5: Maintain that flexibility

The past few years have taught us that we have to roll with the changes, and no one is more resilient than our children. Try modeling an open mind and flexibility as situations and plans change. Encourage your child to communicate openly with teachers and school administrators about questions and concerns and, if necessary, help them find counseling or other opportunities to maintain their mental health. Speaking literally, everyone benefits from some physical activity and flexibility. Keeping limber with yoga or taking a short walk outside does wonders for the mind, body and spirit and can help build reserves to draw on in stressful situations. 

We hope we’ve given you a few ways to better prepare for the school year. Do you have more ideas? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below, on Instagram (@eucalan or using the hashtag #eucalan) or in our Facebook Group!

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