Here I am, lying by the pool (literally) on the last day of our family holiday before the shvitz gets real and reality bites. Don’t we always find the stress ever so gradually builds over those last 2 weeks of January - despite it still being school holidays! The stress builds as we reluctantly start to get our kids ready for back to school for the new year and our vacation mode mindset also needs to shift gears.

Just before I left for this holiday I found myself in one of my son’s bedrooms helping him pack for our holiday and I spotted his school shoes still in his cupboard. The sole of the shoe was flapping about lifelessly and I quickly realised that a “hit list” getting him ready and in order for the new school year was crucial - including buying that new pair of school shoes! 

Here are ten tips to help get your teenager best get ready for the beginning of the school year:

1. Set a Routine:  

Establish a consistent daily routine a few weeks before school starts. Realistically this may happen 2-3 days before the school year begins! This helps your teenager adjust to the school schedule gradually (early wake ups for us too!) and ensures they get enough sleep and have time for other activities.

2.  Organise Supplies:

Make a list of school supplies your teenager will need and go shopping together. Encourage them to choose items they like to make them more excited about going back to school. Some kids like this task and others like one of my sons simply offloads this task to me or his older sister who loves nothing more than a trip to Office Works!

3. Review Schoolwork:

For kids in more senior years (likely Years 11 and 12) - encourage your teenager to review their notes or textbooks from the previous year to refresh their memory and get ahead on the upcoming curriculum if possible. Discard old textbooks (donate or give to friends with younger kids) and throw out old notes and exercise books that are no longer needed.

4. Set Goals:

Discuss your teenager's academic and personal goals for the year. Help them set realistic and achievable targets, and support them in working towards these goals throughout the school year. These could include improving a grade in a report card if that is a focus area through to improving fitness for sporting team selections.

5. Create a Study Space:

Set up a quiet and well-organised study space at home. Ensure it's free from distractions and equipped with necessary supplies like pens, paper, and a computer. Some teenagers prefer the work space of their bedrooms and others prefer almost taking over entire dining room tables in their more senior years - I’ve seen it all!

6. Time Management:

Teach your teenager effective time management skills. Show them how to use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities. 

7. Healthy Lifestyle:

Encourage healthy habits, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep. A healthy lifestyle contributes to better focus and overall well-being. Often our healthy habits during the school holidays become a bit wobbly, so resuming better nutrition during the school term is important.

8. Communication:

Maintain open lines of communication with your teenager. Listen to their concerns and provide guidance when needed. Offer help with any challenges they may face at school.

9. Technology Balance:

Discuss responsible technology use and screen time management. Set rules for devices, social media, and video games to ensure they don't interfere with schoolwork.

10. Stay Involved:

Attend parent-teacher meetings, school events, and stay informed about your teenager's progress. Being involved in their education shows your support and keeps you informed about their academic journey. We all know it’s almost a full-time job keeping up with school communications and whatsapp groups - but the more we as parents are on-top of these things, the more our teens will feel organised and confident.

Remember that every teenager is unique, and it's essential to adapt these tips to suit their individual needs, preferences and focus areas. Providing guidance and support while fostering independence will help them start the school year on the right foot.

And no back-to-school list would be complete without ensuring our boys have a clean and natural deodorant in their school bag, sport bag and school locker. No teacher wants a classroom full of boys and their body odour after recess and lunch and no parent wants the gift of body odour in their car after a long day at school or after-school sporting activities!