It’s not only children who need to do back-to-school preparation, but parents need to prep as well. From getting back on a regular sleep schedule to picking new items, figuring out how to decorate your children’s rooms and deciding what to give them for breakfast, returning to school can put a lot of pressure on parents.
While parents are keen to do the best they can for their children, it’s often a struggle to get everything in order, especially if you venture into the task unprepared.
Ruban Shanmugarajah, General Manager, Babyshop, says the importance of a fool-proof, well thought-out checklist can’t be undermined. It is the one thing that can make the experience swift, efficient and within your control.
When shopping for new supplies, Shanmugarajah says parents have to take an inventory of the current school supplies and create a shopping list to ensure they buy what is required.
“You are bound to need one and a half times the stationery that you bought for the previous academic year — so any leftovers from previous years will probably last less than one term. Buy basics such as pencils, erasers, glue-sticks and notebooks in bulk to avoid multiple shopping trips,” says Shanmugarajah.
Since efficiency demands inclusion, parents needs to engage their children in the purchase decision. “Remember, these children need to go back happy with their purchases. It’s perhaps the best part of going back to school and definitely impacts their confidence levels. Buy products that suit their personality and preferences, such as those that feature their favourite characters,” he says.
The beginning of a school year or the end of a summer vacation can also be the perfect time to redecorate your kids’ room. They have often spent a lot of time in their space by the end of summer and you will suddenly realise that they are either growing out of their rooms, or their needs have changed and that the next academic year may demand more from them.
“Balance aesthetics with functionality for your children’s rooms. Kids that are growing up need to learn how to organise their spaces into study, play and sleep zones —this helps imbibe a semblance of order,” says Michelle Dinsmore, Head of Visual Merchandising, Home Centre.
Dinsmore says toys and all other favourite things seem to keep growing with children and parents need to keep a lot of storage solutions handy. “From colourful boxes of all sizes to under-bed storage, seating options with hidden storage and lots of shelves and drawers, always consider storage solutions when doing up your child’s room,” she says.
Now that school is back in session, parents want to not only improve their own health but the health and well-being of their children as well. Children begin their school day very early, especially if they take the bus to school. While it may be difficult to fit a full, elaborate breakfast in the morning routine, it is important that they eat something substantial.
Chef Yogesh Rambhujun of Balance Café suggests alternating wheat or bran flakes with boiled egg sandwiches or fresh fruits for the morning because it’s quick to cook and easy to eat (even on the bus). “A glass of milk is also essential,” he says, but no fruit juices.
“Although fruit juice has been traditionally considered a staple part of breakfast, new research shows that a juice – especially from a tetrapak, can spike levels of sugar in the system. It causes children to be excitable for the first half and then very lethargic as the effect of the sugar wears off. This is the case even in variants that have no sugar or have preservatives added,” he says. ■
