First day of school…. what a milestone, not just for your baby but for you too, Mumma! Don’t be surprised if the tears come mostly from you as when you get up that morning, get kiddo dressed and ready and take those precious first day of school snaps.
Prepping for our children’s first day of school can be emotional, but there’s also a lot of doing to be done! From getting uniforms ready (if any), school paraphernalia, packing snack and lunchboxes et. al. you will have your hands full with shopping and organising – not to mention the mental burden of caring that everything has to be perfect.
We see you, Mummas and we got you. Here’s an almost-checklist to get you going; keep what you think is necessary and KIV the rest that you don’t. With this in hand, you don’t have to sweat the small stuff (unless you want to!)
- LABEL EVERYTHING!
And we mean everything, even the clothes on his back! Daiso sells iron-on ones or you could get cute personalised labels or stamps from our vendors or on Lazada/Shopee; there are also tons of pushcarts in malls selling name stickers.
You’d be surprised at how often things get misplaced in school. Many preschools and childcare centres do end up with unidentifiable lost and found items. So help the poor teachers help you by making sure that all of your bub’s possessions are clearly labelled.
- PREP A PAIR OF SLIPPERS & SET OF CLOTHES (INCLUDING DIAPERS)
Some preschool or kindergartens specify shoes for footwear; especially if they have access to an outdoor area with a playground or space to run around. But for elsewhere, especially trips to the loo, they may require some flip flops to be worn.
Speaking of loos, if your child is yet to be toilet-trained, do pack a spare set of clothes (or uniform) in case of spills or other wardrobe malfunctions. You might want to tuck in a diaper or two as well, even if Junior has not been wearing them for awhile; the new experience of being in school or emotional reactions might understandably trigger toilet accidents.
- GET A LIGHTWEIGHT BAG
It might be tempting to pick out that cool-looking sturdy ergonomic backpack but ask yourself if it’s really necessary at this point. Quite often these bags tend to weigh more than the items carried (and perhaps your child). You may also find that more often than not, you’re the one carrying the bag all the way to school, before handing it to the teacher or placing it in class.
So, make sure to get an age-specific carrier that is not to big or heavy. A zippered tote or a normal mini backpack might work better than fancy schoolbags (save that for Primary school).
- COOL BUT EASY TO EAT SNACKS
Have you ever seen IG-worthy snack foods prepared by overly-talented domestic goddesses for their tiny humans? Here’s your chance to try out some easy ones! Get a lunchbox with compartments so that you can give your kid a little bit of everything: some fruit or cut veggies like broccoli or baby carrots; something filling like perhaps a riceball and a small treat like a mini cupcake, chips or rice krispies.
Stores like Daiso and Japan Home sell adorable little toothpicks, liners and other lunchbox paraphernalia that would be fun to use – especially if you’re a crafty sort. It’s also a nice way of staying connected with your little one during her mealtimes away from you. Many kids get excited at the prospect of opening their lunchbox during snack time, wondering what Mumma has packed for them!
- MEDICAL AND HEALTH PARAPHERNALIA
You’d of course have informed the school if your child has specific medical needs or needs to have a specific diet but there’s also no harm in making sure that they’re easily reminded of these or can get easy (and fast) access to help if needed.
A bracelet stating his medical condition and/or allergies is useful, as is letting the teachers know where you put the EpiPen.
Also in these pandemic times, it doesn’t hurt to be extra careful with hygiene, so consider a little sling bag or pouch with sanitiser and wipes, with a mask compartment and a lanyard attached to the mask being worn.
- EXPECT THINGS TO GET DESTROYED
Take it from the parents who came before you; things will get lost, ruined or worn out – sometimes quicker than you imagine. It’s just to what degree this happens; even if you think your child is especially careful with her belongings, you can’t really fault her clumsy classmate for accidentally spilling chocolate milk on her favourite cardigan or borrowing a cute pencil and returning it broken.
The best way to deal with this is not to dress your child for school in their Sunday best or splurge on expensive school gear that you’re expecting to remain intact.
Comfy, easy to handle items is ideal for very young children and you’d also be less annoyed when things come back broken and torn. Water bottles are an especially easy item to lose and/or break; don’t waste money on the fancy ones. Your wallet and sanity will thank you for it!