Start School Off on the Right Foot!

It’s back-to-school time again! For most areas in the US, school is just around the corner, and if you are a parent, you are probably counting down the days until your little ones hop back on that yellow school bus and down the road to your freedom.  As for the students, they are usually a bit less excited, perhaps even a bit morose, that the days of sleeping in, swimming and playing with friends that they have come to expect are finally coming to an end. But whether you are filled with excitement or dread, the back-to-school experience is one that every parent and child alike will go through over the next few weeks.

Getting back into the school year routine can be a difficult transition for parents and kids alike.  You are often weighed down with lists and errands that you can’t possibly finish in time to make dinner and get to bed at a decent hour. The stress of back-to-school takes its toll on us and it is important to take each day one step at a time.  Getting your child prepared for this transition involves much more than the buying of school supplies. The following outlines some suggestions and tips for a successful return to academia.

1.       Routine

Be sure to get plenty of rest and start your kids into their routine a few days in advance so as to avoid any “surprises” on the first morning back. Establish a strict routine both at bedtime and awakening, with no loopholes, for the school year. Slowly ease the kids into this routine by adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times each day prior to school until they are aligned with the desired times.  Remember, it is important that children get 9-10 hours of sleep!

2.       Nutrition

Make sure you plan enough time in the morning for a healthy breakfast packed full of brain friendly food (whole grains, dairy, fruits, etc.) each morning. For those mornings that you forget to set the alarm, hand the kids a granola bar or a bagel that you had previously stocked up on for such an occasion.

Be sure your child’s lunch is nutritious as well.  As sandwich, fruit or vegetable, healthy snack and 100% fruit drinks (or skim milk) are excellent choices. Don’t let them guilt you into ho-hos and ding-dongs because Sally’s mom packs them for her.

                                                                                                       

   3.       Rules and Organization

Make sure your child does their homework at the same time each evening (before dinner?). Stay on top of assignments and when they are due so that you ensure your kids are handing things in on time. Ensure each book-bag is pre-packed the night before and that lunches are easily recognized. Establish guidelines for the journey to and from school and discuss the necessary associated safety precautions.

4.       Set Limits

Limit the amount of time your child may spend with technology (TV, surfing the net, playing video games) each day. Offer up brain-stimulating activities or exercise as alternatives.

5.       School Supplies

Each year, your child will bring home a list of “must haves” for the classroom. Be sure to follow the list accordingly so that your child is well prepared and does not fall behind. Of course, we all know how expensive back-to-school supply shopping can be.  Shop around for places that offer the best deal or school rewards. Check out this website for deals near you http://dealiciousfinds.com/back-school-deals-2011/.

6.       School Clothes

Now this is where the fun begins. Of course your child has been active and growing all summer long and the odds are that their clothes are too small, too worn or just plain un-cool.  Take this list from Scholastic.com to the mall with you so you don’t miss anything!

  • Underwear (10 pairs)
  • Socks (10-14 pairs)
  • T-shirts (6-10)
  • Sweaters/sweatshirts (2-3)
  • Pants (3-5+)
  • Skirt and coordinating top (1 for girls)
  • Shoes (2 pairs…we’ll get back to this)
  • Boots (1 pair)
  • Coats (1 light/fall, 1 winter, 1 rain-resistant)
  • Hats, gloves, scarves, accessories, etc.

This is the category where Stikii shines.Kids’ feet are always growing, so the odds are that they are always in the market for a new pair of shoes. Stikii shoes complete with Stik-em accessories will be an excellent choice for growing feet! Not only are these shoes reasonably priced, but they come equipped with EVA outsole and microfiber stik material….there is no other shoe out there like them! They are extremely comfortable and fashionable while helping to teach children the importance of individuality, fun and sharing.  These are shoes your kids will be excited about and help them to look forward to going to school each morning where they will be able to show off their newly designed shoes. It will be like having a new pair of shoes each day of the term! Once Stikii is made available for purchase, we encourage you to spice up your child’s wardrobe with this fabulous footwear. School clothes shopping is not just exclusive to the early weeks of school but is an ongoing, engaging process.

Keep checking our website, www.stikii.com as well as Facebook and Twitter for the exact dates in which you can purchase the footwear. Once the excitement and euphoria of back-to-school wears off, fuel the fire with a new pair of Stikii shoes this fall!