The start of a new school year can be exciting, but it also brings a long list of tasks. Parents need to buy supplies, update calendars, schedule appointments, plan after-school activities and make sure each child has what they need.
Even with careful planning, a forgotten form or last-minute request can quickly change the day. Simplified’s Personal Family Assistants can help your household prepare for school and stay organized once the year begins.
Simplified’s co-founders are parents, so they understand how much work goes into managing a family during the school year. Our team can handle the research, shopping, scheduling and errands that take time away from work and family.
Here are 10 ways Simplified can help with your family’s back-to-school list.
1. Shop for School Supplies
School supply lists can be long and very specific. One child may need a certain type of folder, calculator or notebook, while another needs art supplies or items for the classroom.
Simplified can shop for the items, pick up online orders and look for anything that is hard to find. Start with our back-to-school checklist for busy parents to make sure important tasks and supplies are not overlooked.
2. Buy Clothing, Shoes and Uniforms
Children can grow a lot over the summer. Clothes, shoes, uniforms and sports gear that fit a few months ago may need to be replaced before school begins.
Simplified can shop online or in stores based on your child’s sizes and needs. We can also pick up orders and manage returns or exchanges for items that do not fit.
3. Find After-School Activities
Dance, art, music, volunteering and sports can give children something to look forward to after school. Finding the right activity takes research, especially when each program has its own schedule, cost and registration process.
A family assistant can research local choices, compare schedules and complete registration. Simplified can also purchase supplies or equipment once you select a program.
Families interested in serving their community can explore these family volunteer opportunities in Boston. If your child plans to play a sport, learn how Simplified can help your family prepare for the fall sports season.
4. Research Childcare
School hours do not always match a parent’s work schedule. Families may need a babysitter, nanny, after-school program or backup care for early release days and school closures.
Simplified can research childcare choices and help coordinate interviews and schedules. Families whose children no longer need full-time care may also benefit from a family assistant. Read more about moving from a nanny to flexible family support.
5. Manage School Forms and Calendars
The beginning of school often comes with forms, emails and dates that need to be added to the calendar. There may be permission slips, health forms, parent meetings, picture days and classroom events.
Simplified can help organize this information and update your family calendar. We can also schedule school physicals, dental appointments, haircuts and other appointments that need to happen during the year.
6. Plan for School Vacations
School breaks can arrive sooner than expected. Camps and childcare programs may fill weeks or months ahead of time, so it helps to begin planning early.
A family assistant can research camps, compare dates and help manage registration. Simplified can also help with travel plans or local activities for families staying close to home.
Learn more about finding the right camp with help from Simplified and planning ahead for Massachusetts school vacation weeks.
7. Arrange School Transportation
Getting children to school and activities can become complicated when schedules overlap. A child may use the school bus in the morning but need another way home after a club, practice or lesson.
Simplified can research transportation choices and help families coordinate a plan. This may include reviewing school bus information, public transportation or local car services based on the child’s age and the family’s needs.
8. Make Lunch and Meal Planning Easier
School lunches and snacks can add another daily task to an already busy morning. Families may also struggle to plan dinner around practices, lessons and evening events.
Simplified can help with grocery shopping, pantry restocking and meal-planning support. Having food and household basics ready can make school mornings and busy evenings easier to manage.
9. Keep Up With Birthday Parties and Gifts
Once school begins, birthday invitations may start arriving often. Simplified can purchase and wrap gifts, manage online orders and make sure a present is ready before the party.
If you are hosting a celebration for your own child, our team can also help with invitations, decorations, food, favors and other party details.
10. Find Tutors and Academic Support
A child may need help with a difficult subject, study skills or test preparation. Finding a tutor who fits your child’s needs and schedule can take time.
Simplified can research local and online tutors, gather information and help coordinate the first appointment. Families can then choose the person who feels like the right fit for their child.
Get Support Throughout the School Year
Back-to-school help does not have to end after the first day. New needs can come up throughout the year as schedules change, activities begin and family responsibilities grow.
A Simplified family assistant can provide support with calendars, errands, appointments, household vendors, travel arrangements, bill payment and other family tasks. Each family can choose the type and amount of help that works for them.
This support gives parents fewer details to manage and more time to spend with their children. It also provides a reliable person to call when an unexpected task needs attention.
Make Back-to-School Season More Manageable
You do not have to complete every school-related task on your own. Simplified can help your family prepare for the first day and stay organized throughout the year.
Explore Simplified’s Personal Family Assistant Services and contact our team to discuss the support your family needs this school year.
Looking for a way to give back? Visit School on Wheels of Massachusetts to learn how the organization supports students impacted by homelessness and poverty.