10 ways to send your pre-teen back to school this year, that you won’t find on the list.

1. Get them a gratitude journal or devotional to start their morning. Help them understand the value of starting the day with a positive mindset

2. Pick out a few new water bottles that accentuate their style. Staying hydrated is key! Find a bottle they like and grab a few!

3. Come up with a healthy meal plan. Rediscover what their favorite snacks are and discuss healthy options to take or school or things they would love to find in their lunches. Make a list of breakfast items they would like help making or to have available.

4. Throw in some extras! Get them a little back to school welcome to grade __ gift with keychains they might like, special things to customize their locker, or magnets to personalize their space. Make it fun for them!

5. Work together to establish a bedtime routine that they help choose. Remind them of their academic or athletic goals and help them determine a proper bedtime & rise time. Teach them how to use their alarm to be more involved.

6. All the essentials at their finger tips! Let’s face it, they will practically be living back at school..🤷🏼‍♀️Let’s make sure they have everything they need.

Girls: Dry shampoo (also perfect for days they oversleep), mints, hair ties, locker mirror, their own brush so they don’t risk sharing (🤢), lotion, tampons, etc

Boys: Deodorant, Styling clay or taffy, comb, bandaids, etc (boys are so much easier:)

7. A fun planner or notebook for them to THRIVE. Learning how to take notes, prioritize tasks, stay organized, automate tasks, make a list, remember deadlines, memorize key words, is ESSENTIAL to success in learning & test taking and succeeding in the work force.

8. Goal Set! Lay out some expectations you have for them and allow them to determine their short/long term goals. Establish some incentives for effort & achievement. Celebrate the conversation! Help them determine ways to reach their goals and revisit them throughout the year.

9. Kick the year off with a prayer. Ask the Lord to bless their year.

10. Give them empowerment by sending them back with the items on this list 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

We came up with this list together and wanted to share it with you! Let me know which items you’re starting as part of your back to school routine!