As the long holiday winds down, Nigerian parents face the familiar scramble to prepare their children for the new school term. Whether you are the organised parent who bought uniforms in July or one of the many who wait until the last week, the resumption rush can be overwhelming. Pulse Nigeria outlines five practical steps to ease the transition and avoid the panic that comes with the first day back.
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 are left wondering why you did not start earlier. Make a list now and buy what you can gradually. Even if you are 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 Shopping
Before buying anything new, see what is 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 help you replace only what is genuinely outgrown or worn out.
Prioritise 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 is 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 is simply trying to keep up. Investing in quality stationery from trusted brands like BIC saves you from buying replacements every two weeks. It is one of the reasons BIC has remained a trusted choice for generations of Nigerian families. Whether it is the iconic BIC Cristal pen that writes smoothly to the last drop, or durable colouring pencils for art class, parents know they are 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 5:30 am 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 does not feel like a punishment.
Prepare Your Child Emotionally
As parents, it is very easy to focus on the physical things like school uniforms, books and shoes, but do not forget to check in with your child too. Take a moment to ask them how they are 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 is okay. The goal is not 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 will be ready to send your child off with one less thing to worry about.
BIC Back-to-School Experience Center
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!
