Prep Your Kids for School

Back to School, Back to Giving

Back-to-school shopping is a big part of getting ready to return to the classroom each fall. With new outfits, uniforms, shoes, backpacks, and supplies, you’ll need these tips on how to stay organized and how to teach your kids to think of those who are less fortunate.

• Clean out your kids' closets by sorting out clothes that don't fit or are rarely worn, and donate gently used clothing to charity.
• Arrange closets with organizational tools like shoe racks, hooks, bins, and stackers.
• Iron or mend any clothing that needs repair before putting it away for the school year ahead.
• Label clothing, uniforms, and supplies with your child’s name using a laundry pen, iron-on labels, or sew-on cloth name tapes.
• Give your kids responsibilities that include taking care of personal belongings and putting soiled clothing in a hamper to be laundered.
• Hold a neighborhood kids’ clothing swap.
• Organize a school-sponsored clothing and school supplies drive.

Giving Back

• For most, back-to-school shopping is an annual tradition. But for some families, it's a luxury they can't afford. Teach your kids to think of those who are less fortunate and ways they can begin the important lifelong practice of giving back.