As the summer holidays come to a close, it’s time to start thinking about the return to school in September. For children and parents alike, the back-to-school season can be a busy and stressful time. But with a little bit of preparation, you can make the transition back to the classroom a smooth and stress-free experience.

One thing that should be at the top of your back-to-school checklist is registering for school milk. School milk is an important part of a child’s diet, providing them with essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Plus, it’s a convenient and cost-effective way to ensure your child has access to a healthy drink during the school day.

It’s important to register before September to ensure that your child can begin receiving milk on the first day of term. To register, simply visit our registration page at https://www.coolmilk.com/register. Additionally, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new payment system which introduces Apple/Google pay and makes it easier than ever to manage your account and payments.

Of course, registering for school milk is just one part of preparing for the return to school. Here are some other tips to help make the transition as smooth as possible:

1. Start getting back into a routine

After a summer of late nights and lazy mornings, it can be tough to get back into a school routine. Start easing your child back into a regular sleep schedule a few weeks before school starts, so they’re not completely thrown off when the first day of school arrives. Gradually adjust their sleep schedule. Have them going to bed a little earlier each night until they reach their desired bedtime for school nights. This will help their bodies adjust to waking up refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

Incorporate some structure into their mornings as well. Set an alarm clock or use a fun wake-up app that gently nudges you and your children out of bed.

2. Get organised for back-to-school

Make sure you have all the supplies your child will need for the school year, including a backpack, notebooks, crayons, and pencils. Create a designated homework area at home, and make sure your child knows where everything is located.

3. Focus on safety!

As parents, it’s crucial that we have open conversations with our children about road safety rules. Teaching them how to navigate the streets safely is an essential life skill that will stay with them for years to come.

Start by discussing basic road safety rules such as looking both ways before crossing, using designated crosswalks, and obeying traffic signals. Reinforce the importance of staying alert and avoiding distractions like headphones or mobile devices while walking near roads.

Find out more about road safety from Child Action Prevention Trust.

In addition to teaching road safety, it’s vital to ensure that your child knows their emergency contact information. If old enough, make sure they have memorised important phone numbers such as yours, a trusted neighbour, and emergency services. This knowledge can be invaluable in times of need and give both you and your child peace of mind.

By taking the time to discuss these important topics with your child, you are not only equipping them with the knowledge they need to stay safe but also fostering a sense of responsibility and independence. So, let’s make back-to-school prep about more than just school supplies – let’s prioritise their safety too!

4. Label everything!

By using labels on school supplies, lunchboxes, and clothing, you can easily avoid mix-ups or losses.

Labels are a game-changer when it comes to keeping track of your child’s belongings. No more worrying about their favourite pencil case going missing or their lunchbox getting mixed up with someone else’s. With clear and personalised labels, everything will be clearly marked as theirs.

Not only do labels help prevent mix-ups, but they also make it easier for teachers and classmates to identify your child’s items. It saves time and eliminates confusion in busy classrooms or during lunchtime.

Whether it’s backpacks, notebooks, water bottles, or even clothing items like jackets and hats, labelling is the key to staying organised and ensuring that your child’s belongings find their way back home.

So, get those labels ready and start prepping for the upcoming school year. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you avoid unnecessary headaches and keep everything in its rightful place!

5. Plan healthy meals and snacks for back-to-school

A healthy diet is essential for a successful school year. Plan out healthy meals and snacks for your child and involve them in the planning process. This will help them develop healthy eating habits and ensure they have the energy they need to focus in class. Milk is the perfect healthy drink to include in your meal planning. 😉

6. Talk to your child about their back-to-school concerns

Going back to school can be nerve-wracking for some children, especially if they’re starting at a new school. Talk to your child about their concerns and help them develop strategies for coping with any unease they may be feeling.

With a little bit of preparation, the return to school in September can be a fun and exciting time for both children and parents. Make sure you register for school milk before the school year starts and follow these other tips to help your child get off to a great start. Together, we can ensure that our children have access to nutritious dairy goodness as they embark on their educational journey. Cheers to a successful back-to-school season filled with delicious milk!

About Cool Milk

Cool Milk is the UK’s top provider of free and subsidized school milk. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Cool Milk is dedicated to providing children with nutritious and delicious milk to help them grow and thrive. Cool Milk is committed to sustainability and sources its milk from local dairies whenever possible.

Overall, Cool Milk is a trusted and reliable partner for schools and nurseries looking to provide their children with healthy and tasty milk.  Visit our website www.coolmilk.com for more information on how to join.