Back-to-School Checklist: Getting Your Kids Ready After December Holidays

The December holidays in Kenya are usually a time for fun, relaxation, and many other celebrations. However as January approaches, the back-to-school phase weighs heavily on a lot of parents, overwhelming them. To help you navigate this period with ease, here are a few fun and practical back-to-school checklist items to keep you on top of things:

1. Review Academic Progress 

Though this might be the last thing on their minds, it is important that parents sit with their children and review their previous academic performance as well as discuss goals for the new term. In addition, parents should encourage their children to complete any pending assignments to avoid getting into trouble at school.

2. Budget School Fees Like a Boss

The festive season comes with many activities and this may put a big dent in one's pocket if you’re not cautious. January is usually synonymous with "Njaanuary," but your kids' education comes first. As a parent, this financial burden solely lies on you and it is your responsibility to ensure that you've planned adequately for every item including school fees, and uniforms, amongst many other requirements. If possible, set all these monies aside in a savings account before spending on anything else. You can also pay for tuition and other required fees in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.

3. Stock Up on School Supplies and Uniforms

From exercise books to pencils and calculators, ensure you have the required items for your child’s specific grade. You can use the school’s provided list to avoid any unnecessary purchases. Uniforms looking like they survived a rugby match? Shoes magically shrunk? It’s time for an upgrade! Ensure that you check on all uniforms, shoes, and sports kits. If your kids need new ones, buy them early to avoid the January rush.A great tip is to take advantage of December sales and promotions in supermarkets and bookshops for better deals.

4. Label and Organize Everything

Children can be clumsy and their belongings getting lost is a huge possibility. As parents, we can’t fully avoid this but there are some measures we can take to control it. From uniforms,lunch boxes to books, ensure you label your child’s belongings. This helps in tracking the items.

5. Health and Wellness

The health of our children is undoubtedly the greatest foundation for a bright school experience. To prepare for the back-to-school season, parents should schedule a health check-up to ensure your child is fit to return to school. This is quite important especially after the family has travelled through different locations

With this checklist, you’ll breeze through the back-to-school phase stress-free. Remember, preparation is key to making the transition smooth and exciting for both you and your kids.