Many students dread going back to school. Even parents dread it, and last-minute shopping and droves of crowds don’t help you welcome this inevitable event. Looking for the perfect bag or that pink floral-print pencil case may even turn into a witch hunt and eventually test your sanity.

Skip the headaches by making a checklist of back-to-school essentials and activities, and get ahead of the maddening packs of parents. When your whole family gets organized, going back to school will be a stress-free experience. Take this opportunity and transform it into a family bonding activity. Check out our checklist below.

(Photo by Koo Koo Bear Kids via Flickr Creative Commons)