Term 1 starts this week! If you are still pulling things together, you are not alone. Many families begin the school year juggling work, home, and a mental load that quietly builds after the holidays.
The good news is that not everything needs to be perfectly sorted before the first school day. A few key essentials matter most. The rest can come together once the term settles.
The Only Things That Truly Need Sorting Before Day One
When time is limited, focus on what keeps your child safe, accounted for, and comfortable.
What to prioritise:
- School start and end times confirmed
- Drop-off and pick-up points clarified
- Child knows who is collecting them
- School bag packed with essentials only, such as a water bottle and required items
- Name labels added to high-risk items like bags and bottles
Everything else can wait. A perfect bag is not required for a good first day.
When Uniforms and Supplies Are Not Fully Read
Uniform issues and missing supplies are one of the most common last-minute stresses before Term 1.
What to prioritise right now:
- At least one wearable uniform that meets school requirements
- School shoes that fit comfortably
- Name labels done only for essential items like socks and shoes
What matters most is that your child is comfortable enough to focus on the day. Teachers expect a settling period and understand that supplies are finalised over time.
Sorting After-school Care and Pick-Up Plans at the Last Minute
After-school student care arrangements can be confusing, whether you are sending you are figuring out P1 routines for the first time, or for P3 kids who have exams approaching. Clear communication matters more than having a long-term plan in place.
What needs to be clear before the first day of school:
- Where children will go after school
- Who will be responsible for pick-up, and at what time
- Whether transport or walking routes (when child is ready) are understood
- That children know what to do once lessons end
- Caregivers have the necessary contact details and school instructions
Write these details down if needed and keep the plan simple. Even a temporary arrangement provides reassurance when everyone knows what to expect.
It’s common for plans to shift in the first few weeks of school and around exam periods, this is all part of settling in. If you are still exploring after-school care options, Supermom is offering limited sponsorships for 2026.
Flexibility is common in the first few weeks of school. Adjustments are part of the transition.
Lunch, Snacks, and Daily Comfort
Food routines often feel unfinished at the start of term, and that is completely normal.
Keep it simple:
- Lunch boxes and containers your child knows how to open
- Prepare allowance for days you have no time to prepare food
- Comfort items such as plasters or spare hair ties packed if needed
Familiarity helps children feel settled, especially during busy mornings.
Helping Kids Feel Ready Even When Prep Is Rushed
Children do not need elaborate preparation to feel secure. What they need most is reassurance.
Small things that help:
- A short conversation about what the school day might look like
- Reassurance about when you will see each other again
- A familiar bedtime routine the night before
Talk through the next day in calm, simple terms. If emotions run high, acknowledge them without trying to fix everything. Feeling nervous at the start of school is normal.
A Reminder for Moms Who Feel Behind
Term 1 is not a test of organisation. It is a transition.
Children remember how supported they felt far more than whether everything was perfectly prepared. Showing up, even imperfectly, is enough. Routines, systems, and structure can be built gradually once the school year finds its rhythm.
If you need extra support as Term 1 begins, Supermom is here to walk alongside you. Join our community groups to ask last minute questions or share your knowledge with other moms.
You do not have to figure it all out alone.
