As your child gets older, they’ll be able to make executive decisions about what goes into their school bag – and what doesn’t. But if they’re just starting kindergarten or reception year, then you’ll need to do it for them until they get the hang of it. As a parent, though, it might have been a long time since you packed a school bag. What’s more, the world is changing. School isn’t like it used to be. This post is here to help. In it, we run through a list of essential items every parent needs to include in their child’s school bag. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
Wellies
Wellies sound like they will take up a lot of space. But remember, they won’t be full size. Your child’s feet are much smaller than yours.
Wellington or rubber boots are helpful on snowy days and help prevent your kid’s feet from getting damp. They are a handy item to keep at school too if there’s space in your child’s locker, allowing them to go outside at lunchtime, without worrying about getting their feet soaked. So pack a pair in your child’s school bag on the first day and ask the teacher if they can be left there.
Lunchbox
Of course, no school bag would be complete without the obligatory lunchbox.
When choosing a lunch box, be sure to choose something that they can open unassisted. Some containers can be difficult for their small hands to open.
The lunchbox also needs to be the right size for the backpack and the food you put inside. If it’s too large, it won’t fit in the bag with all the other stuff. And the items inside will also rattle around, meaning that they could be damaged by the time lunchtime rolls around.
Gym Kit
Ideally, you want a backpack that can fit everything your child needs in one bag so that they don’t have to carry around a separate hold-all for their gym kit.
Large bags available through intermediaries, such as Chip Packard, can help in this regard. You want something large enough for at least a lunchbox plus any additional clothes they might need.
Books And Book Bag
Usually, your child’s school will provide information about the amount of reading material they will need to take home with them. When the child is very young, there shouldn’t be much homework. However, they may sometimes want to bring a book home from the library with them.
Sometimes, teachers will leave notes in your child’s book bag, commenting on the quality of their work. As a parent, it can be helpful to keep track of this information.
Water Bottle
Most schools allow water bottles in the classroom – such luxury for our kids. Water is important because it helps keep children hydrated and allows them to concentrate.
When choosing a water bottle, find something that won’t leak or spill into the bag – that could be a disaster. Also, pack a bottle that’s fairly large – around 750 ml. Remember, growing children need around 1.25L of water per day.
So there you have it: everything you should pack into your child’s school bag. Which of these items will you include?