Just four(ish) more weeks of doing the epic juggle that is school holidays, don’t get me wrong some days are great, and others less so, but we keep our expectations real. If I could give you one piece of advice, especially for those new to school life, it would be get organised early! You’d be surprised how quickly uniform sells out, and the choice of shoes becomes non-existent in those last weeks (I’ve been there!)
School Shoes
Depending on your budget, you can go classic Clarks or Startrite which do fair well but if you have a child that is likely to destroy most things, then some of the high street brands can be a better option, and less soul destroying when they ruin them. Matalan, Next, M&S, John Lewis and Sainsburys are good starting points. For boys the Adidas Tensaur trainer style shoe has rave parent reviews! Shop School Shoes >
School Uniform
M&S is my favourite for those items that need to last, I find their t-shirts and shirts such good quality. However, some of the supermarket alternatives are fab, especially if they are likely to stain them within a week! Soft pinafores for girls are super comfortable but still cute, and I do love a short and long sock combo for my boys. Shop all school uniform >
Top tips for starting school
1) Encourage them to get dressed themselves – especially zip up coats and put on shoes and socks – cut a sticker in half or buy these for their shoes to remind them.
2) Wipe their own bums, they will have to poo at some point. I always remember the day my friends 2nd child started school and the realisation she’d forgotten this one!
3) Let them know it’s okay to feel a little worried – draw a heart on the inside of your wrists and let them know they can send a cuddle with it and you’ll send one back
4) Recognise their own name – this will be super useful for pegs and drawers etc
5) Read books/role play about school so they are familiar with what might happen so they feel more comfortable, we are always playing schools (or bossy teachers!)
100% follow @fiveminutemum for so many useful tips on preparing for school, but also games to help encourage reading, writing and everything in between for all ages. Her books are also fab!
Labelling Godsend
Label EVERYTHING in sight. I’m talking hats, coats, bags and even socks if they are taking them off as they will lose it all! These stick in labels were a gamechanger, as you can stick them to clothing and hard surfaces so a few packs of these is all you need. I believe if you buy 3 packs you get 10% off and I assure you throughout the year you will use them. I gift you time back with these! Shop Stickins >
Reminder! Kids Eat Free/Cheap
A quick reminder of this list I sent out a few weeks ago, especially if you are running out of things to do! Take a screenshot and save it on your phone, then when you’re out and about and they need feeding – you’re sorted!
- Asda: Kids eat for £1 with free fruit and baby pouches too
- Bella Italia: Kids get 3 courses and a drink for £1 Sun – Wed, 4-6pm
- Beefeater & Brewers Fayre: Free breakfast for up to 2 kids per adult, any day!
- BrewDog: Book a table with “KIDSEATFREE” for a free main any day
- Dunelm Cafe: Kids eat free for every £4 spent, everyday
- IKEA: Kids eat for 95p from 11am on Fridays
- Preto: Download a free voucher from their website for free kids meals
- Bill’s: Up to two kids eat free during weekdays
- YO! Sushi: Kids eat free per £10 adult spend on weekdays
- Sainsburys: Kids eat for £1 with an adult main
- TGI Fridays: Kids eat free any day with the Rewards App
- Pret: Kids triangle sandwiches available (win!) and free babyccinos
- Pizza Express: New! Kids eat free until 11th August
The Week Junior Subscription
For the older children I’d recommend signing up to The Week Junior, an award-winning current affairs magazine for kids aged 8-14 years to help them understand the world around them, in an age appropriate way. Mine look forward to reading it each week, and they can write in their reading journals too!
Give it a try with 6 weeks FREE using my link and let me know what you think.
Small Business Shout Out…
My Little Learner are a fabulous small business that specialise in creating personalised writing boards to help your little ones learn to write their name, as well as letter and number formation and busy boards for younger ones. Doing these kinds of activities little and often really helped give mine a boost when first starting school, or a new year group.
I’m off for some family time so I’ll see you in a couple of weeks for more recommendations, discount codes, and competitions. Your support means the world to me.
See you next week,
Louise x
*Affiliated links used for some products and brand partnerships.
