Back-to-School: 5 Things Every Parent Should Do Before the New School Term Begins

There are two kinds of parents during the long holiday. The first are the organized ones who already bought uniforms in July and sorted out school shoes weeks ago. Then there are the rest of us.

We keep saying, “There’s still time,” until the school’s PTA WhatsApp group suddenly comes alive with the words, “Dear Parents, this is a gentle reminder that resumption is next Monday...”

That’s when the panic starts. Suddenly, you realize your child has outgrown last term’s uniform, their black school shoes no longer fit, and to make matters worse, they casually remember they need a new mathematical set, five 60-leaves exercise books, and that special drawing pen they’ll need for the new school term.

If this sounds like you right now, you are not alone. Here are five simple things you can do to avoid the usual resumption rush and make those first few mornings a little less stressful.

• Start preparing before the rush

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is waiting until the final week before resumption. By then, bookshops and markets are packed with parents trying to get everything they need, and you’re wondering why you didn’t start a week earlier. Make a list now and buy what you can gradually. Even if you’re waiting for your salary to be paid, knowing exactly what you need will save you from last-minute panic buying.

• Check what you already have before you shop

Before buying anything new, see what’s still usable at home. Does the school bag still have another term in it or does it just need a good wash? Are there unused notebooks from third term hiding in a drawer? Children will always try to convince you they need everything brand new, but a quick check can save you money and helps you replace only what is genuinely outgrown or worn out.

• Prioritize quality everyday school essentials

School fees, uniforms and shoes are understandably high on every parent’s back-to-school checklist. But once the school term begins, it’s the everyday essentials like pens, pencils and notebooks that children rely on in almost every class.

A pen that stops writing halfway through copying notes or a pencil that keeps breaking can be incredibly frustrating for a child who’s simply trying to keep up. Investing in quality stationery from trusted brands like BIC saves you from buying replacements every two weeks. It’s one of the reasons BIC has remained a trusted choice for generations of Nigerian families. Whether it’s the iconic BIC Cristal Pen that writes smoothly to the last drop, or durable coloring pencils for art class, parents know they’re choosing dependable learning tools their children can rely on throughout the school year.

• Help everyone ease back into school mode

If you expect kids who have been sleeping late and watching cartoons all holiday to magically jump out of bed at 5:30am on Monday morning, you are setting yourself up for premium stress. A few days before resumption, start adjusting bedtime, reduce screen time gradually and let your children help pack their school bags so the first morning back doesn’t feel like a punishment.

• Prepare your child emotionally

As parents, it’s very easy to focus on the physical things like school uniforms, books and shoes but don’t forget to check in with your child too.

Take a moment to ask them how they’re feeling about going back to school. While some children are excited to see their friends again, others may be anxious about a new class, a strict teacher or making new friends. A simple conversation builds their confidence and reminds them they have your full support.

The truth is, no parent has it all 100% figured out, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to have everything sorted at once, but to take care of what you can, when you can. Start early, take it one step at a time, and when resumption finally comes around, you’ll be ready to send your child off with one less thing to worry about.

Make the Back-to-School Rush a Fun Family Experience!

Speaking of having one less thing to worry about, BIC is taking the stress out of the shopping rush and turning it into a massive celebration to send your child off to the new school term in grand style!

From August 28 to 30, BIC is taking over Ikeja City Mall with the ultimate Back-to-School Experience Center. Bring the kids along for exciting games, entertainment, food, drinks, and lots of prizes, while you seamlessly shop for all your BIC essentials. Whether you are attending as an individual or registering on behalf of an institution, make sure you secure your spot right now by registering at www.bicbts.ng

For more updates, follow @bic.nigeria on Instagram and TikTok.
Mark your calendars, get the kids ready, and let’s get School Ready with BIC!

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