I don’t know what’s going on with time. It’s got me all confused because I swear to you that for what seemed like forever, my teens and I were eagerly anticipating their summer break. Time was in no hurry to get us to summer, but then as soon as summer break hit, time got all speedy on us. So, here I am trying to get time to slow back down while I devise what essentials to put together to set up my teens and myself for back-to-school success this fall.
I want to share what I consider essential for back to school with you because my list doesn’t consist of things such as notebooks and other usual supplies. I actually wait until my kids come back on the first week of school with a list of what their teachers want them to get before I buy that stuff because I’ve been burned before. Instead, my back-to-school essentials are more about what I as a parent need or can provide to make starting a new school year go as smoothly as possible. Check 'em out!
More from CafeMom: How To help teens cope With back-to-school anxiety
Restock all your essential OTC meds.
I use this time to go through our medicine cabinet. I throw out any expired medications and restock over the counter medications. I make sure to have aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, cold medications, virus test kits, bandages, etc. A new school year brings on new colds and other viruses. Be prepared.
Create an emergency backpack or locker kit.
$12
from
Amazon.com
Some teens get lockers at school and some don’t. All should have an emergency kit that they can store either in their locker or school bag. Find an appropriately sized bag or pouch and fill it with items such as hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, mini deodorant, an extra charger, and a power bank.
Take care of all things laundry.
Make sure you are stocked up on all your laundry needs. Obtain all the products you need and make sure that laundry is done and ready to go before the first day of school. I know laundry is one of those things that never ends, but it’s particularly important that your teen has as much clothing clean as possible to prevent any last-minute wardrobe catastrophes.
Pimple patches are a must!
Price may vary
$9.5
from
Amazon.com
I wish I would have had pimple patches when I was a teen. Breakouts happen and they happen to teens a lot. Pimple patches can help them deal with breakouts overnight and keep them from picking at their blemishes.
What’s missing?
Ask your teens what they think they need for back to school other than clothes and school supplies. They are the ones going back to school, after all. It’s a great conversation starter and might get teens who are usually monosyllabic in their responses to chat a bit more.
And last, but certainly not least: Have patience.
I can’t tell you where to buy it, but I can tell you that you are going to need it in large supply. Being a parent is hard, and being a parent to a teen can be extremely hard. Take a deep breath before responding when you are irritated. Listen even when you want to interrupt to tell them just how ridiculous they sound. They are teenagers. They don’t think like adults do and that's why they still need us.
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