4 tips for an easy start to a new school year

With a new school year comes the excitement of a clean slate and a new beginning. It can mean a fresh timetable, new classes and maybe even an entirely new school or campus. But it can be hard to get back into the swing of things – especially if you were among the thousands of students whose studies were disrupted in the last two years.

Here are a few ways to get your kids – and yourself – ready in time for the early starts and full days of learning again.

1.Start the conversation

With excitement and new experiences can come mixed emotions. Kids might be excited to see their friends, but they may also have a few jitters. The same goes for older students who might feel anxious about returning to a regular routine. Have a chat with your children about their feelings. Assure them – or yourself – that it’s normal to be a bit nervous or worried about a new school year.

You can also ask your children about what classes they missed over the holidays, or which teachers they’re excited to see. The key is to be positive about returning. If you’re an older student, talk to friends you feel safe with about what you’re feeling.

2. Practice makes perfect

Getting your kids – or yourself – back into a routine can help things run much smoother when week one arrives. Beyond Blue Australia recommends families get into a school day routine a week early. Allow extra time in this plan so there’s no rush and create a morning checklist with your child to tick off as they get ready.

Remember to set up an after-school routine, too. UNICEF recommends allowing kids time to relax and play before homework and study to help them process the day’s events. This works wonderfully for university students too.

3. Hitting the books

Try to create a dedicated study space in your home for when it’s time to get stuck into homework or assignments. The University of Southern Queensland suggests setting up a desk with a good lighting, access to power, and connection to the internet.

As tempting as it is to do homework on the couch, setting up a study space cuts distractions and can increase productivity. So even if it’s the kitchen table or the breaky bar, designate a spot or two as a study hub.

4. Checking in with yourself

Lastly, Beyond Blue Australia says it’s important to monitor your own mental health as well as your child’s. The start of the school year is stressful for parents, too. So stay calm, listen to them, and remind them going back to school is a positive experience.

Fresh gear for a fresh year

The Australia Post Online Shop has school supplies for young and older returning students. And with 20% off school essentials like selected stationery, you can knock out your back to school shopping in one go.

Help the kids draw or journal their feelings with a range of writing and drawing utensils, including Sharpie Fine Permanent Markers, Texta Zoom Twistable Crayons, Faber Castell Coloured Pencils and Faber Castell Connector Pens. Give them a place to get it all out with an Avondale diary – the entire range is up to 40% off.

Add some fun to their morning and evening routines with a Mickey & Friends To-Do List and the matching Mickey & Friends Gold Pen with Charm. Then you can make sure they’re all packed up and ready to go with a Mickey & Friends Licensed Backpack.  

To set up the ultimate study spot, grab an Asus E410, it’s great for researching and writing all sorts of assignments. Add a Laser 5-in-1 Desktop Bundle and an HP Deskjet 3720 All in One Wireless Printer for all the accessories needed to work, listen, and collaborate with classmates. And, if the kids need help keeping their notebooks and folders in line, pick up some Mickey & Friends Book Ends.