8 back-to-school tips that will make preparing for the new school year easy and fun

First, consult with your child’s school or teacher for recommended school supplies or classroom equipment. They can offer great advice on what your child might need in the new academic year.

Once you have these recommendations, sit down and go through the list with your child. Discussing this together will help them build organisational skills and instil a sense of responsibility for their own needs and belongings.

Don’t fall into the trap of trends. Talk with your child to find out which school supplies must be replenished—stationery, for example, can often be used from the previous year.

Another educational activity you can do together is set a budget and ask your child to prioritise what they need or want within the amount.

Shopping for certain key items plays a big part in the fun of going back to school. New school backpacks and pencil cases, for example, are things that help kids cultivate their own identity and style.

Amazon offers a wide range of these to suit a variety of tastes that you can shop for with your children in the comfort of your home.

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Buy bestselling pencil cases here

Bring out all the stationery supplies you have and organise them in drawers or clear plastic boxes, where you can easily see and take out what you need.

Keeping tabs on what you have and what you’ll need to buy can save money and help you plan your budget for the year ahead.

Pencils, pens, glue, rulers, and erasers are some of the basic stationery supplies every child needs. You can find pens and pencils on Amazon here, and erasers and other supplies here.

But there’s room for fun and creativity even when it comes to basics. For example, you can get stationery sets or lunch boxes and water bottles featuring your child’s favourite characters that can serve as conversation starters for them at school.

Back-to-school season is a great time to look out for deals on school items. Check out our Back To School page now and save on select stationery supplies.

Marking important school dates and events on a common calendar at home in a family area, like the kitchen or living room, helps keep everyone on track with plans and informed about one another’s lives.

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Setting aside a specific time every day to chat about what happened in school and answer your kids’ questions about anything they may want to discuss is a good bonding opportunity, and shows them that you’re interested in what’s happening in their lives—which in turn boosts their mental wellbeing.

Talking about your child’s favourite subjects, activities or friends is also a great way for parents to learn more about their children.