The long holiday is winding down, and for many Nigerian parents, the familiar panic of the back-to-school rush is setting in. While some families have already ticked off their shopping lists, others are just realising that uniforms no longer fit and school shoes are worn out. To help you navigate this period smoothly, here are five essential steps to prepare your child for the new term, along with a special opportunity to make the experience enjoyable.
Start Early and Plan Ahead
One of the most common mistakes parents make is waiting until the final week before resumption. By that time, bookshops and markets are overcrowded, leading to unnecessary stress and last-minute panic buying. To avoid this, start preparing now by making a comprehensive list of everything your child needs. Even if you are waiting for your salary, knowing exactly what is required will help you budget and purchase items gradually, ensuring you are not caught off guard.
Audit What You Already Have
Before heading to the stores, take stock of what is still usable at home. Does the school bag have another term in it, or does it just need a thorough wash? Are there unused notebooks from the previous term tucked away in a drawer? Children often insist on brand-new everything, but a quick check can save you money and help you replace only what is genuinely outgrown or worn out. This simple step can significantly reduce your expenses.
Invest in Quality Everyday Essentials
While school fees, uniforms, and shoes are top priorities, it is the everyday essentials—pens, pencils, and notebooks—that children rely on in almost every class. A pen that stops writing or a pencil that keeps breaking can be frustrating for a child trying to keep up with lessons. Investing in quality stationery from trusted brands like BIC ensures durability and reliability. The iconic BIC Cristal pen writes smoothly to the last drop, and their colouring pencils are built to last. This is why BIC has remained a trusted choice for generations of Nigerian families, providing dependable learning tools throughout the school year.
Ease the Transition Back to Routine
If your children have been sleeping late and watching cartoons all holiday, expecting them to jump out of bed at 5:30 am on the first day of school is unrealistic. A few days before resumption, start adjusting bedtime, gradually reduce screen time, and involve your children in packing their school bags. This helps the first morning back feel less like a punishment and more like a normal routine, reducing stress for everyone.
Prepare Your Child Emotionally
Beyond physical preparation, it is crucial to check in with your child's emotional state. Ask them how they feel about going back to school. While some are excited to see friends, others may be anxious about a new class, a strict teacher, or making new friends. A simple conversation can build their confidence and remind them they have your full support. This emotional preparation is just as important as buying the right supplies.
BIC's Back-to-School Experience Center
To further ease the shopping rush, BIC is hosting a massive Back-to-School Experience Center at Ikeja City Mall from August 28 to 30. The event features exciting games, entertainment, food, drinks, and prizes, allowing parents to shop for all their BIC essentials seamlessly. Attendees can register individually or on behalf of an institution by visiting www.bicbts.ng. For more updates, follow @bic.nigeria on Instagram and TikTok. This initiative aims to turn the back-to-school rush into a fun family experience, ensuring you send your child off to the new term in grand style.
