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Beat The Back-to-School Rush: Last-Minute Tips For Parents
Beat The Back-to-School Rush: Last-Minute Tips For Parents
12 Jan 2026

Don’t let the back-to-school rush catch you off guard. Start the year prepared, and protect the future too, with MiWayLife.

The back-to-school rush can feel like a whirlwind. Early mornings, stationery lists, uniform checks and lunchboxes all fighting for your attention at once. If you’re entering January feeling a little overwhelmed, you’re definitely not alone. These simple, last-minute survival tips can help you get your family into the swing of things without the chaos.

  1. Buy stationery in bulk – or team up!

If you’ve left stationery shopping to the last minute, don’t panic. Many stores are still well-stocked in January, and buying in bulk can save both money and future stress. Another smart option is to group-buy with other parents. You each buy a few items in larger packs, then divide everything up to enjoy the bulk-buying discount.

  1. Reuse what you can or shop second-hand

Before buying new uniforms, lunchboxes or school bags, do a quick home audit. You’ll be surprised how many items only need a quick wash, stitch, or clean to look good as new. And if you do need to replace something, second-hand school shops and community groups often have excellent quality items at a fraction of the price.

  1. Label everything

From jerseys to water bottles to glue sticks, if it’s not labelled, it’s going to get lost. A marker works just fine in a pinch, or you can invest in stick-on labels that last the whole year. It’s a small effort that saves endless headaches and missing jerseys later.

  1. Set a simple morning routine

Back-to-school mornings don’t need to feel frantic. Establish a quick, repeatable routine: wake-up, get dressed, breakfast, brush teeth, bags and out the door. The simpler the steps, the easier it is for kids to follow and the calmer your mornings will be.

  1. Prep whatever you can the night before

A quick evening routine can transform your mornings. Lay out uniforms, pack bags, and keep a few easy breakfast and lunchbox shortcuts on hand – think yoghurt tubs, fruit, wraps, mini cheese blocks or boiled eggs. Having everything prepped the night before means fewer last-minute scrambles.

Start The School Year Prepared For Life

While you’re making sure your kids are ready for school, take a moment to make sure your family is protected beyond the classroom too. Buying life cover means your child’s future remains financially secure, no matter what comes your way. MiWayLife’s 4-in-1 policy gives you life cover starting from R500 000 with premiums as low as R164 per month.


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Prefer a dedicated funeral policy? MiFuneral offers flexible, affordable cover from up to R100 000, with optional extras like Final Expenses Cover and a monthly income benefit that supports your family for 12 months after the loss of a breadwinner. And by drafting or updating your Will with MiWill, you ensure your wishes are clear and your child’s guardianship is protected.


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It’s about starting the year knowing that, in every way that matters, your family is ready for whatever 2026 may bring.

Did you know:

You can now take out life cover with us online in a few simple steps. No calls and no agents! Make sure to take care of those you love today by buying MiWayLife cover online.

Need more information on MiWayLife? Read about our life insurance product, or get a life insurance quote in 30 seconds. Alternatively, call us on 0860 64 54 33 .
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Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility, cover and benefits are determined on individual risk profile. MiWayLife is an authorised FSP (No. 45741) and its product offering is underwritten by Sanlam Life Insurance Limited, a registered long-term insurer. MiWayLife is a division of Sanlam Life Insurance Limited - Reg No. 1998/021121/06