New School Tips & a Back-to-School Giveaway! (Now Closed)

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school supplies

With the dawn of a new school year upon us, I can hardly believe my oldest child is entering the fourth grade. This will be her final year in elementary school, as next year she will make the giant leap to middle school and all that comes with it.

It seems like just yesterday I was waking her up for her first day of Kindergarten. Despite my best efforts to hold back tears, they came fast and furious. I was amazed at how my daughter bravely marched into her classroom, excited to meet her new friends.

The following years were not so easy.  Due to circumstances beyond our control, Sara entered first grade, and then second, at two entirely different schools. A new set of friends, hallways and teachers greeted her three years in row.

Thankfully, third and fourth grade did not bring another change, but I certainly learned a few things about helping your child adjust to a new school. Here are a few simple tips for helping your little one cope with a new campus:

  • Scour your new neighborhood for other school aged kiddos before the start of the school year, and encourage new friendships if possible.
  • Tour the school in advance. Learn the layout and important locations, such as the cafeteria, restrooms and library.
  • Attend “meet-the-teacher night” if offered. Let the teacher know that this is a new school and experience for your child, along with any other helpful info.
  • Pack a special lunch on the first day of school, and include a note of encouragement from Mom.
  • Walk your child to their classroom on the first day of school to ease jitters.

Changing schools is not easy on young children, but a little planning can ease the transition for everyone. Next year, we will go through the change all over again, but until then, I will be savoring Sara’s final year of elementary school.

Lots of us are gearing up for school – an exciting, fun and sometimes, hectic time. Hallmark has put together this great resource to help you calm the butterflies and build your kids’ confidence. Just for joining the conversation you’ll be entered to win $500.   You can check it out over here.

On to the giveaway! I have a $100 Visa Gift Card for one lucky reader to help complete your back-to-school shopping.

For a chance to win:

1. Leave a comment below sharing YOUR best back-to-school tip (initial entry). If you are reading via email or in a reader, please click through to the post to enter.

For Bonus Entries (leave a separate comment for each):

2. If you are a subscriber or follower (thank you!), leave a separate comment. You may subscribe for free updates via RSS or email and leave a comment telling me you have done so.

3. For a third entry, add Keeping the Kingdom First to your blogroll or add my badge to your sidebar. Leave a separate comment with a link to your site.

4. For a 4th entry, share this giveaway on twitter using the following:

Share your back-to-school tips for a chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card (via @KingdomFirstMom) http://tinyurl.com/mz27xs #hallmark

This contest will close on Friday, August 7th, at 11pm CST. The winner will be selected by random.org and contacted via email. Contest open to US residents only.

Good luck, and thank you for entering!

This post and giveaway were sponsored by Hallmark.  The thoughts and words are all mine!

Comments

  1. Bethany says

    My best back to school tip is to keep checking the Staples ad each week! When they have those wonderful free or 1 cent items, stock up as much as you can. I like to keep a large stock of paper and pencils, because no matter how many packs the school tells you your child will need, you always need more! And in the middle of the year you will not find such great prices.

    Thanks for the giveaway! What a wonderful gift!

  3. says

    I always liked getting a new backpack and new shoes. It was so much fun to get the backpack filled up with the new school supplies. I love the smell of new pencils, lol!
    .-= Amy´s last blog ..Free Mocha Monday! =-.

  7. Heather says

    My best back to school tip: Dont wait until the last minute to pick up supplies. Even if you dont have the supply list yet, start shopping the sales ads each week. Buy whatever you know your child will need (pencils, folders, spirals, etc) as they are on sale for 1¢ or free after ECB’s, rebates, whatever.

  8. Heather says

    I subscribe and follow. 🙂
    .-= Heather´s last blog ..Fresh Berry – Free Frozen Yogurt – Dallas only =-.

  9. Heather says

    I tweeted!
    .-= Heather´s last blog ..Fresh Berry – Free Frozen Yogurt – Dallas only =-.

  10. says

    My favorite back to school memories are shopping for new clothes with my mom, and touring the school campus with friends, to see if/what classes we had together. Thanks for the giveaway!
    .-= Melissa´s last blog ..Target Deals 8/2 –8/6 =-.

  12. says

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    My fondest memories are of school clothes shopping. Wanting to wear the latest, but only able to buy the least expensive. My mom, God bless her, would make sure that no matter what we bought, we looked well groomed and put together and stylish, even if that meant, my mom working a little overtime to complete the “looks”.
    .-= Jai@wifeof1momof4´s last blog ..Just when you think .. =-.

  13. Sheri Watson says

    My best back to school tip is shop the ads and look for the best deals on school supplies. Don’t buy them all at once ! Enjoy the thrill of the hunt! Get the kids involved . Get a jump start on math! We have been known to leave a certain office supply store with a BAG FULL of goodies for .75c.

  14. Elizabeth says

    As you already know, stock up. Buy two backpacks, two lunch boxes, etc, so if in the middle of the year, one breaks or (usually) gets so beaten up it’s not usable, you don’t have to go buy another and not get a good deal. Buy the deals now, and save for later.

  16. says

    definitely stock up on extras….with paper and folders $0.15 or less, cheap glue and crayons, it’s always nice to have the spare ones at the lower prices instead of going out later in the year to replace them at outrageous prices.

    Also, the little school boxes make great organziers for toys, crafts, etc and they are cheap right now!

  17. natalyn says

    My best tip is to shop for supplies throughout the year when things are on sale so that you don’t have to be stressed out shopping with the multitudes right before school starts!

  20. says

    Start your back-to-school routine a week or two before school starts, getting up at the right time and being ready to go “somewhere” by the time you would have to leave. Also try to get some easy breakfast options ready to go!
    .-= Jennifer S.´s last blog ..Musical Motivation =-.

  23. Linda B says

    Take advantage if your school offers a greet & meet the teacher before school begins. You and your child will have the opportunity to meet their teacher, see their classroom, and meet fellow students. Helps to see a familiar face on the first day of school.

  24. jennifer wittrock says

    I think its important that our kids have everything they need on the first day of school so they feel comfortable

  26. Sarah says

    My best back to school tip is to stock up on all the free w/ECB supplies at CVS. Even if you don’t need the items right now, you never know what you might need later in the year.

  27. Diane L. says

    My best tip is to start getting into a school-year sleep schedule a couple of weeks before school starts. Things go so much better when kids are well-rested.

  28. molly says

    We started making bedtime 15 earlier two weeks before school started. After a few days of 15 minutes earlier then we moved it to 30 minutes earlier…….then a couple of days later 45 minutes earlier until we were back on schedule by the time school started. This is so much better than all of a sudden saying, “Okay time for bed” an hour earlier than normal all at once.

  30. Stacy says

    Every year for the first day of school we take our son out to a special breakfast-his choice! This is a tradition that my husband’s parents had for him so it is really special to my hubby as much as it is to our son.

  36. says

    Hmmm … I’ll have to make up a back-to-school tip because my 3-year-old will be entering her first year of preschool this year 🙂 I think the best tip would be to make sure your kiddos are well-rested and have full tummies. I’ve worked with kids for years and these two things make a HUGE difference.
    .-= Nicki at Domestic Cents´s last blog ..Shepherd’s Pie Recipe =-.

  41. Abbie says

    my oldest starts K this year, so my back to school tip is from the teacher perspective–be ready to go the first day, especially with older kids. get used to setting aside time for homework and studying right away even though school starts out kinda slow. it may seem easy, but all that review is important and will help in the months to come! there’s a reason teachers review and it’s not to bore their students 🙂

  46. Mellisa W. says

    For little ones going to school for the first time visit the playground a couple times during the summer. It will give them something to look forwad to during their first day.

  48. says

    This was a great post. Moving/changing schools was even hard for my high schoolers at first. Your tips were all great.

    My tip is for the parent to be excited with the child for the new year and positive about meeting with the teacher. If you have apprehensions about school, because of your own school years, don’t show it and don’t let it cause you to make judgements before you have even met your child’s new teacher.
    If you have apprehensions because of legitimate concerns, that is different.
    Always keep an open dialog with you and your child and between you and the teacher.
    .-= Sandy´s last blog ..SCRIPTURE MEMORY MONDAY =-.

  51. Carol W. says

    A back to school tip would be to research and find some interesting healthy snacks that can be included in lunches or served after school. Also, if students are young, label their possessions to avoid loss.

  54. Crystal T. says

    My back to school tip is to shop the sales. I have had my kids school supplies for about 3 weeks. I also have still been shopping the sales and stocking up for next year. It never hurts to have things stocked up.

  56. Kendra says

    My best tip to start early and shop! I check goodwill and garage sales for clothes. I have all boys, and they don’t care what they wear, so it is easy for me right now!

  58. kari says

    Make the beginning of school exciting by promoting all the great things the kids will learn this year.

  59. Laurel says

    My best back to school tip is to start an earlier bedtime about a week before the start of school.

  60. says

    My daughter started preschool last year, and we took her picture holding a sign. The sign said “First Day of Preschool 2008.” We’ll do another one this year dated 2009. That way, when we look back at pictures, we know exactly what year it was.
    .-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Entertainment Books $9.99 =-.

  62. says

    Midway through the summer I go over my daughter’s clothing and we decide what no longer fits, what she no longer wants and make a list of her wants, our budget and then we bring the other clothes to Goodwill or the Salvation Army as a donation and then start to shop the sales for the best deals. Another thing I do is stock up off season, buying the clothes big for the following year when they are marked down quite a bit. I try to look for classic pieces nothing too trendy since I know that last year’s styles might not be in fashion the coming year.
    .-= Michele P.´s last blog ..Win this Vera Bradley Microfiber Tote! Ends Aug. 12th =-.

  66. denise says

    My favorite memory was my very first day of kindergarten. I had a big peony from my mothers garden and I could not wait to give it to my teacher.

    denise_22315(at)yahoo(dot)com

  67. misti says

    My oldest is entering High School this year! My back to school tip is to make sure your kids get a head start on getting up early a few days before, otherwise on the big day you might have some grouchy sleepyheads!

  68. cheryl says

    My back to school tip is to have them (&mom) get a good night’s sleep the night before; & transition them back to the earlier school day’s bedtime a week or so before school starts.

  70. Melanie says

    I am teary reading this post, my youngest is going to kindergarden this year!! My tip is about a week before school starts, get back into that routine of bedtime and early up so they get adjusted before school starts. MR

  71. Jill says

    We home school but this year I will make the 1st day of school special with pictures and a school bus cake — just for fun!

  73. Steph Kallinen says

    With digital cameras it is easier than ever to take your own school portraits. The pictures available at my kids school are boring and over-priced. We pick a nice afternoon and head out to the yard or to the park and the kids pose away!

  74. Elizabeth Mather says

    What has been really helpful for us is to buy things on sale and have them stocked up to save money and also to keep from rushing around at the last minute trying to get things ready and stressing my kids out before school even starts.
    Thanks!

  76. says

    I like to get my kids in their routines a few weeks early so that there’s not a big shock and thereby tiredness and acting out. So we walk to the school every morning and go to bed at the right time and get used to being ready to be out the door at the right time. It’s really nice to only hve her adjusting to work load not everything else!
    .-= Lori Z.´s last blog ..Wordy Wednesday: My Father’s Dragon =-.

  77. Diana Bombach says

    Make sure the kids eat a good amount of protein with breakfast so they feel full and wide-awake for the morning, prepared to learn.

  79. ash says

    dont make it any more stressful than it already is… keep it simple and easy. i always started the first day of school with the most terrible stomach ache!!

  80. Cortney says

    Use consignment sales to help put a dent in your clothing budget. Sometimes you can also pick up things like backpacks and other items needed for school.

  82. Julie P says

    Let a few household things slide the last few days before school starts and just enjoy being with the kids.

  83. says

    My back to school tip is to shop thrift stores, consignment shops, and even garage sales for school clothes. You never know what you’ll find and you can save quite a bit!
    .-= Nessa´s last blog ..Bee Tees Are Too Cute! =-.

  85. Gloria Brown says

    Don’t know about you all, but here there is an extensive list of supplies to bring. Take those to meet the teacher! Don’t try and put them in your child’s backpack for the first day!

  87. Melissa says

    It sounds simple but take inventory of what you already have and what can be reused from last year or from your older children, etc. It’s surprising what you can find “shopping” at home!!

  89. Justine says

    Someone mentioned something similar, but give yourselves a few extra minutes on the first day, and stop to take a picture of each child – backpack and lunchbox included. They are great to look back on! I teach now, and my school is celebrating its 20th year, so they asked to put up a picture of me now and 20 years ago – my first grade “first day of school” pic is now proudly on display by the main office. You never know when those pics will come in handy 🙂

  91. Carmen says

    My tip on back-to-school shopping is to buy a little bit at a time throughout the summer. I have three teenagers and they really like clothes. I try to buy at least one item for each child per paycheck. I scan the adds for sales, and I watch ebay too. The help of Keeping the Kingdom First, Deal Seeking Mom, and other blogs have really helped me to save money on school supply items too.

    I found a second-hand store on the local college campus that sells practically brand new clothes. The clothes they have is 70% off of what the retail prices are. Some even have the tags still on them. I am not sure in which areas they are located, but the name of the store is Plato’s Closet.

  92. Carmen says

    I am an email subscriber to Keeping the Kingdom First. Thank you so much for all your cost cutting tips.

  97. Rebecca says

    We homeschool but we prepare to begin our school year by going through clothes in our closets, yard sales to help replenish our wardrobe, and taking advantage of our no-tax weekend to get undies if needed and school supplies. I am also a major couponer and have already got bagfuls of stuff to give away to less fortunate kids.

  99. Sarah says

    My tip is that through out the year I stock up on tissues and hand sanitizer to send to the teachers during the winter months. Helps keep the germs away and noses dry!

  101. Nicole says

    My best back to school tip involves the transition from summer to school. I let my kids stay up later of course during the summer since there is no school, but in the month of August I start having them go to bed an hour earlier and wake up about 30 minutes earlier so they can get the rest they need and it is not such a shock when school returns to wake up early. My daughter is an early riser naturally but this helps my son tremendously because he does not like getting up early!

  102. Julie V says

    I shop all summer for clothes and supplies so we don’t spend the last few days of summer trying to get it all done at the last minute.

  104. Estera says

    For supplies i shop at cvs so i can get money back. For clothes we shop at goodwill or any other consigment store.

    Estera

  106. says

    For my two boys I found a local church had started a clothing swap just for kids. What a great way to get things we need for school for FREE! We found great jeans that of course only can be worn at school but who wants to pay 9 dollars on a pair of jeans for recess? In preparation for the great Staples deals to come I took in our ink cartridges in June to get a$21 reward and used that to get all the boys’ supplies for a buck 47!!! I wait on fall and winter clothing until October or November when it all goes on clearance at Target. As far as Backpacks we wait till the middle of September when Target clearances them out to 75% off (last year we got a great lunch kit and funtainer at 90% off!).

    I have only one kiddo starting school this year, my kinder child is so excited and I am too since I have spent under 10 dollars getting him ready for back to school time!!

  107. kendra s says

    i spend the last week before school starts asking my kids what their goals for the year are. what they are most looking forward to.. how they think the year will go for them. we spend extra time together talking about fears or nervous situations. we write down some of the goals, then pack them away for march/april and see how they did towards those goals. its always fun to see how much their attitude change about situations they werent sure of but made the most of it.

  109. Tracey says

    We attend a prayer walk at our local school along with gathering school supplies at all of the great sales.

  111. Lorianne says

    Always talk to the teacher beforehand and let your child get acquainted with him/her before the first day of school!

  113. K. C. says

    Be Positive and Excited, especially when your kids are little, if they get good vibes from you about school and the teacher. . .they will be more likely to have the same good vibes.

  114. says

    best back to school tip – All 4 of my kids will be in school this year. We have to be organized – backbacks, shoes, jackets, band instruments, gym/sports stuff – all have an assigned spot near the door. I have to keep school papers organized by child. Having as much ready to go the night before is the best tip – outfit, socks, homework in backpack, baths/showers night before. Blessings
    .-= Stefanie Hartman´s last blog ..Happy World Breastfeeding Week =-.

  119. says

    I have always bought items needed all summer long when they are on sale. Try to anticipate what will be on the teachers list of things needed. We always look for new clothes, shoes, backpack and lunch boxes all summer long until we find a fantastic sale or something that you just can’t do without.
    Try to prepare your child as much as possible for the new teacher and new school friends.

  121. Kim Deal says

    On the last day of school, when their left over supplies come home. We, the kids and I, go through everything and save whatever is in good shape and can be used again. Then, as a reward, they get to keep the rest. They love having the markers and colored pencils for the summer!

  124. Stacey V says

    Buy school supplies and backpacks at the end of Back to School sales for the following year.

  125. Stacey V says

    Buy school supplies and backpacks at the end of Back to School sales for the following year. Last year I picked up a ton of 5 pack notebooks at Target for only $0.11, that’s about $0.02 a notebook.

  126. Stacey V says

    Buy school supplies on clearance at the End of the Back to School sales for the following year. Last year I picked up notebooks at Target super cheap(5 pack for only $0.11.

  128. Sharon Jefferson says

    A few years ago I read about placing messages in or jokes in my daughters lunchbag. I did that several times throughtout the year. I moved up to riddles to make them think at lunch. They did like that.
    Now for clothing, don’t wait until the last minute. I have everything else except uniform pants!!!

  129. Kathy Hood says

    I stock up on the great pre-school sales and buy enough for the whole year. Paper tablets are always seem twice as much in the spring semester.

  131. says

    We are entering our first year of ‘real’ school. My daughter is starting kindergarten. We’ve ordered the special big girl backpack and lunchkit, talked about new friends and manners and now for my Mommy tip:

    Set up a folder and put your child’s artwork, writing etc.. in it. Each month sit down with them and go through the folder. Have them pick 1 art project and 1 writing (or your chosen #) that they can keep and add that to a sealed plastic storage box with their name and grade on it. Do this each month. At the end of the year, you will have a wonderful memory box of their year that can be kept, used to create a scrapbook or something equally creative and special and you aren’t bogged down with tons of papers. Plus, it creates a special time for y’all to go through their work, talk about school and it encourages bonding, conversation and gives y’all time to love and cherish and build each other up in love.
    .-= rachel-asouthernfairytale´s last blog ..Potty Talk =-.

  132. Pilar @ ScoringDeals says

    I usually buy school supplies “in weekly batches” and take advantage of the deals as they show up!
    .-= Pilar @ ScoringDeals´s last blog ..Best Back-To-School Deals for the week 8/2 – 8/8 =-.

  133. Pilar @ ScoringDeals says

    I am a subscriber (via RSS feeds).
    .-= Pilar @ ScoringDeals´s last blog ..Best Back-To-School Deals for the week 8/2 – 8/8 =-.

  134. Pilar @ ScoringDeals says

    I tweeted about it! 🙂
    .-= Pilar @ ScoringDeals´s last blog ..Best Back-To-School Deals for the week 8/2 – 8/8 =-.

  135. says

    My Best back to school tip is to shop on Tax free weekend with Store coupons wearing comfy shoes and PACK LUNCH! We saved a ton and Believe me.. we need that $$ for College tuition! Every dime helps!
    Thanks for a GREAT Giveaway!
    Leslie
    .-= Leslie M.´s last blog ..See Kai Run Shoes Giveaway – ‘Cause Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes! =-.

  136. says

    I’m a subscriber
    Leslie
    .-= Leslie M.´s last blog ..See Kai Run Shoes Giveaway – ‘Cause Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes! =-.

  137. says

    I’m a follower
    Leslie
    .-= Leslie M.´s last blog ..See Kai Run Shoes Giveaway – ‘Cause Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes! =-.

  138. says

    You are on my Blogroll
    Leslie
    .-= Leslie M.´s last blog ..See Kai Run Shoes Giveaway – ‘Cause Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes! =-.

  140. Jennifer says

    This year I did all of my daughter’s back-to-school clothes shopping at yard sales! So much cheaper and I got some REALLY cute clothes! We’ll be having a yard sale soon to sell all the clothes she has outgrown so hopefully we’ll make back the money we spent on clothes. Sounds good to me!

  141. says

    My back to school tip is to get ONE special thing for my child one their first day. I’m a frugal momma, so yes, all supplies, clothes, etc are in the budget and have been purchased throughout the year, so back to school is not a big deal. However, I try to do one special thing for my children on the first day. Whether it be a monogrammed back pack, or a special note in their lunch. I want them to know how much they are missed at home, and how much mommy and daddy love them!!
    .-= Misty´s last blog ..NOT pregnant =-.

  142. Heather, Queen of Shake Shake says

    My best advice is to chill a bottle of champagne for after dropping the kids off the first day of school.
    .-= Heather, Queen of Shake Shake´s last blog ..Back-to-School Shopping at the Liquor Store =-.

  144. Lisa says

    I usually always buy my son clothes at consignment sales throughout the year. I can get things for a fraction of the cost and a lot of the items are brand new with the tags still on them. I also always go to open house and the meet the teachers, etc.
    casil3229@aol.com

  145. says

    I haven’t been through back to school yet. My one and only kiddo is just starting kindergarten, but I have enjoyed reading all the other moms’ advice. One thing I did do was buy school supplies during some of these great sales. They didn’t have a kindergarten school supply list that I could get a hold of, but I did get a first grade one and used that as a guide. I can feel the tears coming already and we still have 3 weeks to go.
    .-= Stacy´s last blog ..Sign up for Right @ Home to Receive Coupons & Free Products =-.

  146. Faith says

    My favorite memories are of school clothes shopping trips with my mom, grandma, and sister! We always had so much fun!

  148. Audrey says

    We pack a small cooler and get an early start when doing the back to school type shopping. It’s still cooler early in the day and having chilled drinks and snacks packed help ward off crankiness and impulse spending at fast food places.

  151. says

    My best tip is buy more school supplies when they are real cheap at the beginning of the year even if you think you won’t need them all. Trust me they go fast.
    .-= Madonna´s last blog ..Lots of stuff =-.

  155. Kate says

    Success in school is so much easier for students who are organized. Keeping their schedule up to date and all their work in one place can provide room in their busy brains for learning and studying, instead of wasting time or losing work. Check out Office Live Workspace for a great back to school tool. It offers users the ability to create, save, access, and share documents and files online for free. There is even a plug-in for MS Office that lets users save files to the online Workspace directly from Office applications. That way, it will automatically back up the file online, and it can be simply accessed from any other computer with internet access. Never worry about students forgetting essays at home or being unaware of assignments’ due dates.

    Cheers,
    Kate
    MSFT Office Live Outreach Team
    http://www.workspace.officelive.com
    http://www.facebook.com/officelivestudent

  156. says

    My son will start kindergarten next fall, so I’ve decided to just start a little stockpile now using all the free after ECB items they’ve been offering at CVS. I’ve got a little cubby in my closet where I’ve been storing everything. So when my son starts next year, most of our shopping will be done!

  160. says

    My kids aren’t in school yet but I think one of the best things that helped me was to have everything ready and in my backpack a few days before school started thus avoiding the last minute rush.
    .-= Stacy´s last blog ..Corn-Stuffed Pork Chops =-.

  163. says

    My best back to school tip is deliver a goodie bag to the teacher on the first day of school full of the free school supplies you’ve stocked up on. Teachers spend so much of their own money on supplies, so this is a great way to put your child on the teacher’s good list from the first day!
    .-= becca´s last blog ..Dr Seuss Reading Time =-.

  165. Kirsten says

    Start purchasing back to school supplies at the end of the “back to school”store sales from previous yrs.

    *also purchase clothes for child at end of season last yr (standard items if child very fashion conscious) estimate size
    *****Purchase from Khols*********they have fantastic sales and they have no return deadline so if size is not as expected you can return anytime as long as you have receipt

    Make sure child has fun summer memories b4 they return to school AKA their work – childhood goes so fast

  167. says

    If your state has a tax-free weekend load up on school supplies then! And if you live in IA, diapers are tax-free too!!

  168. Anissa says

    Do a practice run the day before. Lay on their outfit, pack their lunch, and drive to the school, but don’t go in. Have a picnic and talk about excitements and fears.

  169. Katie says

    Start shopping for supplies EARLY, like a month ago! If you keep your eyes open for good specials you can save a bundle.
    .-= Katie´s last blog ..Bossy little thing. =-.

  171. Sheryl F. says

    That should have been time to talk. Sorry my children were jumping on me. I am also a subscriber to your site. Thanks for all the hard work you do.

  172. says

    I am a past school teacher and I think one of the best back to school tips is for parents to contact the teacher and set up a meeting for younger children or if you are new to the area. I always enjoyed meeting new students and getting to meet them before school started. I actually had a ice cream party before school started! Also, I would get the kids ready by preparing them for what is about to happen reading books, talking, answering questions, visiting the school. 🙂
    .-= Lindsey L´s last blog ..Got bubbles?! =-.

  174. Tina says

    Take your child to the school before hand to have a tour, meet the teacher, etc. Helps with first day gitters 🙂

  176. says

    i’m so soaking these up, my 3 year old will start preschool within the next couple months and while i know he needs it, mommy will have a tough day i think.
    .-= Ebie´s last blog ..Mommy Diet =-.

  177. Mollie McPherson says

    I stock up for my kid’s school supplies when they all go on sale the year before. So the start of the next school year I have all the basic supplies the kids will need. I try to keep a list on hand what they need for all of the elementary grades so when my granddaughter I’m raising passes to the next grade, I know just about everything she’ll need for the up coming year. If you have the space, try it, you’ll love the savings you make and beat the crowds also.

  178. LFrancis says

    My kids aren’t in school yet, but I’ve decided to just start a little stockpile now using all the free after ECB items they’ve been offering at CVS. So when the the time comes they will have everything they need for school!

  181. casey says

    I guess my best back to school tip would be to help my son make new friends that will be in his class before school starts. That way he will know a handful of kids already and it will be an easy transition for him- hopefully!!

  182. Jennifer says

    We start getting into the school routine a couple of weeks before schools starts. Going to bed at the right time and getting up a little earlier. It makes the first week of school less stressful! We also meet the teacher prior to school starting and read a few books about the start of school
    annsaver@hotmail.com

  185. says

    The best thing I ever did was last summer when I told the kids exactly how much they could each spend on school clothes and then let them have at it. Each child had to budget it themselves, and it took the whining out of it, because once THEIR money was gone, it was gone. No begging for just one more thing–it was entirely up to them how they spent it. One kid went to sales racks and really thought it out. Another decided to blow some on summer stuff. I let them–they had to live with the consequences. But it WORKED and for the most part, they made really smart decisions!
    .-= Annette Lyon´s last blog ..Romancing the Story, Eden Style =-.

  187. says

    “Back to school” can be a really hecktic time of year. To gear up for that I’m decluttering my mind by decluttering my house. The first stop is my son’s closet. He’ll be entering the third grade this year. We’ve weeded out all the clothes that didn’t make the cut and now we’re working on purging those unused, unwanted or broken toys that never seem to get put away. By the time those great back to school sales hit, we’ll have a good idea of what we need, what we don’t need and where we’re going to put all those nice new clothes.
    .-= Robin Ford´s last blog ..wha’s happenin’ wi’ my man =-.

  188. Tricia says

    My best back to school tip would be to be prepared, don’t wait until the last minute.
    .-= Tricia´s last blog ..Highlights of July =-.

  193. Melanie says

    about a week before school starts, have the kids start going to bed earlier and getting up with their alarm clock so that it won’t be so hard that first week.

  195. Josie says

    I have a new middle schooler,too. My tip is to go over all things new and exciting about middle school with your child, especially lockers. We discussed ways my daughter can remember her combination, how to organize her locker, and bought her a little locker organizer. It’s an exciting thing for her!

  196. says

    The easy (and fun) part is school supplies… I stock up for the whole year when everything is free and cheap. We have enough notebooks and pens for my son to get through high school I think 🙂

    The hardest but most important part is just preparing him for things that may come along.. As our kids get older, peer pressure becomes a pretty big part of just going to school.. Keeping our kids on the right track and focused is the most important back to school tip..
    .-= Kimberly´s last blog ..Free Dessert At Mimi’s With Meal Purchase =-.

  197. Errica says

    I would say the best tip is stockpiling especially on notebook paper and pencils. Its seems like i’m always buying pencils and paper.

  198. Leslie says

    This is our first true school year with my daughter entering Kindergarten, but I plan to fill her newly purchased backpack with some small treats and new school supplies to make things fun.

  199. says

    Don’t wait to buy all of your school supplies and new clothes! Throughout the year, stock up when you come across good deals! That way the cost isn’t so overwhelming.

  203. Gina says

    This is only my second year at all of this. My oldest is starting 1st grade. Mostly I think that getting all the supplies rounded up with all the good deal and freebies is helpful. It keeps me thinking of something other than missing my boy when he is away at school.

  204. says

    My best tip is to have your child/ren get into their sleep routine a week or two before schools starts. That way they will be better prepared. We also take the kids to school to meet their teacher the week before school starts and that seems to help them feel more comfortable on the first day of school.
    .-= Andrea H´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday-My Baby =-.

  206. Buffie says

    My daughter isn’t in school yet so I use the back to school sales as an opportunity to stock pile arts and crafts supplies for her for the year. It’s a great time of year to stock up on crayons and paper and so forth. I also like to buy all the stationary type supplies for out household for the year. It’s a great money saver.
    .-= Buffie´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – August 5 =-.

  207. Selene M. says

    Adhere strictly to bedtimes and get everything ready the night before, including yourself!

  208. Jen says

    My daughter heads back to preschool in a month and to get her ready we review over the pictures of the previous, talk about her new teacher, her old friends and spend a day visting again.

  209. Beth says

    Well, I home school so my tip will most likely be different than anyone else’s 🙂 My advice, if you’re homeschooling (although you could tweak this to fit your school schedule no matter where your kids are going), is to make your lesson plans (calendar) out for the whole year before school starts. Once it hits, there’s no time in our busy lives to figure out what is going on for the school day. You may not always follow the plan exactly but it will keep you on course for the most part. “without a vision, the people perish”

    Thanks for the opportunity,
    Beth
    reapingjoyATyahooDOTcom

  210. Erin says

    My best back to school tip is lots of love and encouragement. even if your kid/s are in the same school with same friends its still a brand new year with lots of changing and growing going on and theyneed to hear your still behind them and still so proud of all they accomplish.

  213. Marie says

    I like to stack up on all the school supplies. Especially pens and paper. I like to buy extra crayons and markers and hide them just in case they lose them.

  214. amber says

    My tip is to buy in bulk! Around the time school is going to be starting, supplies, snacks, paper, notebooks, etc are all quite cheap. So buy as many as you can, so that throughout the year when the kids run out of paper or colored pencils, you’re all set to replenish their supply! Saves money AND time. Thanks! 🙂

  222. says

    I always buy a year ahead of time for EVERYTHING. Whether it’s school supplies or clothing I always have a surplus for my daughter, to donate to the school, and to give to my nieces and nephews! I love bargains…the penny deals get me every time!

    Lissa
    .-= Lissa Miller´s last blog ..Cheap Tabasco Sauce Everywhere! =-.

  224. Sarah Elyce says

    My best tip is for the child to get a good night’s sleep and have a nice lunch to take with them.

  227. says

    My tip is more for older kids. Buy them a daily planner, doesn’t have to be real exoensive or anything, just oen with enough room for them to write down the assignments that they’re given each day. This way, if you have a question about what homework they have, all you have to do is pull out the planner and take a look.

  229. kristen says

    My 12 yr old doesn’t really have a regular bedtime during the summer. So, my tip is to start with the bedtime rituals about 2 weeks before school starts back up, and this includes waking them up at the time they would have to get up for school.

  230. Lorrie says

    Thanks for your blog–my daughters are starting a new school (again!) this year and are struggling with it! I appreciate your insight as a mom who has dealt with “new school fears” several years in a row!
    One thing that helped last year’s adjustment to a new school was to connect with some kids who go to our church and to the new school. This way the kids had a friend before school started.
    And prayer! I pray for the kids off and on all day–knowing God is taking care of them! 🙂

  231. Mary says

    My best back-to-school tip is to find out about your state’s tax-free weekend. In addition to not having to pay sales tax, many local stores will have incredible sales.

    mfalcon13@hotmail.com

  232. says

    Well, I have no kids in school, but I think allowing your child to help pick out the items they need for school and just talking about it in an excited way will help them see it as something good and fun.
    .-= Lydia ´s last blog ..Rite Aid: Adperk coupons =-.

  233. Stephanie says

    My best tip is to let kids pick out their first day lunch so they have something to look forward to! Thanks!

  234. Chantel says

    I was homeschooled, and I think something that made our back to school so fun was that mom took extra special time to make sure that we had a chance to pick out something we really liked along with our ordinary school supplies and then put stickers on our papers the first few days.

    Of course, as I got older, the stickers didn’t matter so much, but the fun memory remains. 🙂

  235. Sarah in MO says

    I always loved getting new school supplies – pencils, rulers, etc. It was so fun!

    Thanks for the great giveaway!

  236. Nicole says

    We start a couple of weeks before by getting back to our bedtimes and talk all the time about being able to go back to school. The kids get excited and it is not such a hard thing to get back to school. They actually enjoy it. Thanks for the contest.

  238. cwaltz says

    For older children give them a budget for back to school items. Offer them the incentive of pocketing the extra change and watch how quick and creative they can become when it comes to clothing and supplies. My oldest two ADORE the thrift store. My 17 year olds favorite sweatshirt was bought for $3.50 and has Homer Simpson eating a donut with the words Homeboy above him. He even got comments telling him it was a “cool” top.

  239. Lori says

    one back to school tip is to shop during the clearance sales for one size up for the following year. This saves a lot of money.

    Thanks!

  240. Tami Adams says

    My back to school tip is pray before you leave leave the house everyday and dont get caught up in the “fashion” hipe that the “popular” people try to get into.

  242. JenR says

    My only tip is to maintain a balance between being involved in your child’s education and being a “helicopter” parent. You should always make an effort to be involved, but a certain level of independence will help kids grow.

  245. says

    Best back-to-school tip: start getting kiddos to bed early and on a regular schedule each night at least 2-3 weeks before the first day and up out of bed at regular time. Good breakfast every morning and start a reading regimen before school starts.
    .-= LISA´s last blog ..Hen House Market: Sale 8/5/09 – 8/11/09 =-.

  246. Eileen says

    I try to take advantage of any and all free school supplies at the beginning of August. If we don’t use them, I give them to organizations to help out kids who can’t afford school supplies.

  249. says

    shop early for school supplies and stock up!!! so you don’t have to buy for the whole year! my daughter does not go to school yet but i still stock up on pencils, crayons and paper. she loves to draw!
    .-= ethel´s last blog ..Free Baby Samples =-.

  252. twinkle gupta says

    Hi, I just want to tell you thank you for letting me participate in the contest and good luck to everyone!

    My best back to school tip would be spend some time with your child throught their summer. By doing this you can see what stage there going through, there style might be changing, there lack of knowledge, there attitude etc. And as soon as summer is ending you have learned about your child and will know what exactly she is going to need for school. And also talk to your child once in a every while. Sometimes children get offended because there not getting the love or attention they need because, us, parents, are busy working and making our financial problems dissapear and the economy stresses out people. So spend atleast an hour a day with your child and experiances the needs she/he is in need of. This will combine a stronger relationship and your children will understand you better and always know your always going to be there for them!♥

  253. twinkle gupta says

    I also have one more tip in my mind.

    When children are stressed about going into school or afraid that they will not make friends, tell them about your past experiances when they were the same age as you, THis will build a self esteem confidence in them, and know if their mom/dad did it, then i know i could do it! Remember always be kind and listen to what they have to say, then they know how much love u give to them and know that we will always listen to them!♥

  256. Julie broussard says

    let your child be involved in selecting school supplies and first day of school clothes/shoes. It gets them excited about starting school again.

  258. Kerri Schoenfeldt says

    I have learned to listen to my kids about their likes and dislikes because the first few days of school can be very nerve racking without Mom adding extra stress to their already full plates 🙂

  259. Kevin Treas says

    My kids RUN my house–lol–
    I help to guide them in making the right decisions but they do pretty good most the time without my help–they are already excited about going back to school.

  262. Amber says

    Buy or make a really awesome lunch box/bag. Nothing’s worse than having some beat-up nasty thing to carry around. So embarrassing!
    .-= Amber´s last blog ..The sun was shining but all the birds had flown away =-.

  264. Caitlin says

    As a student in college, I’d say the best back-to-school tip is for the rest of the family to maintain as consistent a schedule as possible.

  265. Beka Davis says

    Back to school tip:
    Have everything ready the night before. It makes the new schedule run smoother.

  266. Kris says

    Take lots of pictures so you can compare them from year to year. Its alot of fun looking back at the clothes and lunchpails!

  267. Shawna says

    Shop early. . .like the year before, clearance sales, or start in June. I have almost all my kids school supplies, and got most of them for free or REALLY cheap!! 🙂

  268. Stephanie M says

    Shop clearance sales, we had everything before school started for great deals because we shopped all the sales!

  270. Agata says

    Prepare as much as possible the night before – lay out the outfits, lunch box and snacks. I combine the dry ingredients for pancakes the night before so that I can whip them up quickly the next morning. First days are especially hectic!

  271. says

    We participate in any activities the school has planned so that my son can get to know other kids in his class. We start talking it up and let him enjoy the fun of getting new school supplies.

    mrs.saraneufeld at gmail dot com
    .-= Sara N´s last blog ..Until I can get my act together =-.

  273. Ashley R says

    My back-to-school tip is to stock up during all of the summer sales. You can get so many supplies for just pennies if you watch the sales, price match, and use coupons. It helps to include at least one splurge for the kids, though – maybe they get a pick out a new lunch box, etc. That gives them a little excitement to start the year, and it’s something they will enjoy every day!

  274. Sarah K says

    My daughter hasn’t started school yet, so I don’t have a great tip to share. Thanks for sharing all of your tips though. There is a lot of great info here.

  275. says

    We spend time in prayer for the upcoming school year. My husband and I first then we spread it to our son. We spend time talking about memories from the previous year and what amazing things might happen in the year to come.
    .-= Beth O’Neil´s last blog ..Blended Bliss =-.

  278. Susie Edwards says

    Please enter me in the 100 visa card give a way for school assistant with supplies. Thanks

  279. Kimberly says

    We love getting the workbooks for the upcoming year and working on them throughout the summer. This way starting a new math or language arts program is not so intimidating. It also keeps my children’s minds fresh throughout the summer.

  280. says

    My best back to school tip is shop early with all these great back to school deals at places like CVS, Staples, etc. I’ve been able to get way more than my daughter needs, and I’m sending all the extra school supplies to a children’s home in Florida. I know they’ll put it to good use.
    .-= Jen´s last blog ..CVS – $0.15! =-.

  282. Kevin says

    My back to school tip deals with paper! Always try to buy in bulk on the tax-free weekends. Many stores will have the paper dirt cheap (like $0.13 a pack). You can rely on this paper stash for years to come!

  283. Sandra Hollenbeak says

    The kids always look their best on the first day of school so every year before they head off to school I have them stop so I can take a picture of them. Through the years it has been fun to look back on these pictures and the kids always say “did I really wear that”.

  284. Christina says

    My best back to school tip is to plan ahead! Save your coupons for the inevitable back to school sales that come around and save a ton in the process.

  287. says

    My best tip as a former elementary school teacher is to buy 2 of everything while they are on sale. It never fails that students will end up losing something or need to replace items as the year progressing, so save yourself some money by purchasing an extra set. If you end up not using it this year then you will have it for next year.
    .-= Lil’ Ms. P´s last blog ..A Battle for Order: Week 2 =-.

  288. Beth McNichols says

    My best back to school tip is lay everything out the night before. My mom was notorious for planning ahead and when I did I was on time and less frazzled. I still stick to her wisdom!
    Happy first day!- Beth McNichols

  289. DeeDee Hunt says

    My advice is to start waking the kids up a little earlier each day starting about a week before school starts to get them back into the early morning routines, and to send them to bed a little earlier as well.
    Thanks
    DeeDee

  291. says

    This will be my first year to send a child to preschool. So I don’t have any traditions and I hope they don’t pick up my tradition when I was in school of not sleeping the night before the first day! But I think I will lay out my son’s clothes the night before and pack his backpack so that we are all ready to head out the door in the morning. And maybe I’ll make pancakes for a treat.
    Davina
    .-= Davina Perret´s last blog ..Diaper Bag sale =-.

  292. Amanda says

    Be as encouraging and positive as possible! I have a hard time with this and my daughter totally picks up on it.

  293. Jaent F says

    My tip is to start the child out on a regular school schedule. Make a time for homework and some time to take a break. I did this with my children.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com