I never imagined I would be planning for back-to-school for a three-year old, but after a lot of thought, planning and acceptance, I’ve realized that yes – he’s starting preschool next month. The process of preschool in NYC – I am not even going to get into that. If you really want to know what #firstworldproblems are, just email me. And oh, have about $12,000 minimum ready – not for college – for PRESCHOOL.
Moving on.
Back-to-school is no joke. I remember how much I used to love it – it meant shopping, new clothes, a new Anne Frank trapper keeper and pencils. Oh the good ole days. Now, I have no EFFIN idea how to even pack a preschool lunch. From a picky eater to nut-free schools to labels so a three-year-old doesn’t lose anything, I’ve been pretty much in denial about the entire thing. I mean, hey, that’s what I’m paying them for right?
Thankfully Momtrends puts on an annual back-to-school bash that brings in lots of important brands and services together for moms to get a grasp on this time of year. Oh, and wine. Thanks Nicole and Sherri for the wine. So anyways, as a newbie, here are five takeaways I’ve realized I really (and any new BTS mom) need:
1. Mabels Labels
Good God put your name on EVERYTHING. These customizable stickers, hard labels for backpacks and even split labels to tell your right shoe from your left shoe are a MUST-HAVE. Do you KNOW how many SkipHop bags are going to be in your class? Yeah, claim yours. Cause your toddler won’t. Throw his name on everything – crayons, pencils, heck even his baby wipes. Get creative, and own it. Thank you Mabels Labels for making this so much fun (more so with booze). My recommendation? Their Little Kids School Combo Pack. PS – these will NOT come off in the washer or dishwasher. Yassssss.
2. Sitter City
Listen, I don’t care if you work from home full time like me, don’t work at all or EFFIN live in another state. Everyone needs a backup babysitter on speed dial. Everyone. And I’ve been through a few of them – because believe it or not, they aren’t all five-stars. Seriously – one time I came home to her sitting on the couch and blue crayon all over my walls like it wasn’t there. WTF. So let me just tell you how HAPPY I am to be able to rely on Sitter City. Punctual, reliable and sweet. Here is mine – she even sends me cute pics like this – but I’m not telling you her name so you can steal her. Cause that’s what NYC moms do. But trust me when I say, you want Sitter City on speed dial when you know you just need to go spend an hour in the spa getting a manicure before you lose your sh** or surprise your significant other with a fancy dinner out – that they’re buying. You’re welcome.
3. Disinfectant
This is more for your teacher. She’ll gonna love you. Living in NYC we’ve learned a few things about nasty, dirty things that you can touch, lick and sit in. Now add germ-infested little kids snotting on each other all day. Yeah, you get the picture – load up on the bacteria killers. Lysol disinfecting wipes kill up to 99.9% of germs, and your teacher can’t have enough of them. And you’re going to want to spray down your kids clothes and shoes each day they come home. Plus it’s cheaper than installing a fumigation tent in your backyard or balcony.
4. Shoes
I don’t know anything that ruins shoes faster than the NYC sidewalks – that is until I learned about school. Schools will literally eat your children’s shoes. And fast. You need get a pair of durable, affordable kicks that will last on playgrounds, dirt and hot concrete and snow. Stride Rites are great because they have a nice long shelf life. And they’re easy to find – you can almost find them in any store that sells kids clothes/shoes.
5. Organization
Congrats! You just landed yourself a full-time social life! Between parent-teacher conferences, parent workshops, fundraising, school nights, field trips and playdates, you’re gonna need to keep it all in line. People always laugh when they see my wall calendar since I work in technology (shouldn’t my schedule be electronic?), but I find it a lot easier to see it right in front of me everyday. That way I don’t go F!!!! I forgot to make cookies or FFFF tomorrow is my day to bring snacks for the class. No one needs that extra stress. Save yourself the first-year schedule pains with one of these super cute Wall Pops reusable and removable calendars.
Well, let’s see how I do and if these recommendations hold true – hopefully I don’t have full blown mid-life meltdown with BTS – stay tuned!