Although the summer holidays are in full swing there’s never a better time to get ahead and prepare for the new school year. Busy mum of three and lifestyle creator Leah Williams is here to help with her top tips to help make going back to school smooth, organised and fun.

 Tip 1: Keep it balanced 

When it comes to lunches, packing a balanced meal can be challenging, so opt for a lunchbox that has multiple compartments. This helps to make sure children get all the food groups in one meal. Freezing items like mini quiches also saves time and keeps lunches varied. You can find some pre-prepared goodies or fresh produce at Coles.

Tip 2: Don’t forget the necessities 

Send your little ones to school with a small purse containing all of their emergency essentials; think a pack of tissues, lip balm, hand sanitiser and anything else they might need throughout the day. For these essentials and more, check out The Reject Shop.

 Tip 3: Plan ahead 

Afterschool basketball, ballet lessons, math tutoring, friends’ birthdays – you need a family P.A. just to keep on top of everything. That’s where a monthly planner is a household game-changer! It keeps track of everyone’s activities, appointments, and extracurriculars that makes staying organised hassle-free. Find some fun and easy planner options from The Lucky Charm.

Tip 4: Stand-out school bag tags

In a sea of school bags that all look the same, how do your kids know which one is theirs? Easy, let your kids pick out a unique bag tag to help their bag stand out in the crowd! Find a selection of them from Smiggle. To add to the fun, let your kids personalise them in their own way.

 Tip 5: Compartmentalise

Choose a backpack with plenty of pockets so your kids can find whatever they need in a pinch, without wasting time rummaging through their bags. This makes school organisation effortless and allows space for all those school essentials, plus a few extra goodies too! Check out the range of school backpacks available at Kmart and Target to get them ready for the year ahead.

Here’s to a fantastic and fuss-free school year for you and your family! Visit Rockingham Centre for all your back to school needs.