Let's be honest back to school is full of emotions. Excitement for kids to be heading back to school, nerves (kids and adults) that they will have a good year, will like their teacher and will make friends, peace that routines and schedules are around the corner and stress over all the paperwork that comes home from school, back to school shopping, planning meals, and shuttling kids to after-school activities. We can all use more time, and with some easy hacks from some of our favorite local parents and getting your kids involved the start of a new school year can be fun - and a little less chaotic.
School Calendars and Getting Organized
"I attach a paper copy of the school calendar to the back of the daily folder so I can reference it easily." - Caitlin M.
Take the school calendar when it comes out and enter into my phone calendar, shared with my husband." - Melissa M.
I started plugging in important dates onto my google calendar so most things are in one spot and I can print it too.
I was getting overwhelmed with too many different calendars." Joyce E.
I have a large monthly calendar and then below a weekly one that I can fill in with greater detail. That really helps me stay on track and to not forget meetings, doc apt etc. I also have a hanging pocket folder in our pantry closet to put papers, projects etc." - Nicole O.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
"My girls both make their own lunches and do it the night before. Then they can just grab and go in the morning. Making it themselves gives them a choice and has also made it more likely that they will eat the lunch they made. I’m big in making them responsible/accountable. We've been doing it for two years and use the Sistema Lunch Cubes for lunch for easy packing." - Kristen W.
"We have one of those plastic drawers in the laundry room filled with school snacks so the kids can pack them easily but also know not to eat them when at home." - Caitlin M.
"I like to ask them for breakfast and dinner ideas for the week (some of their special dishes) and I plan my week accordingly. Helps with grocery shopping as well. My youngest loves Pinterest! She goes on my account and looks up different, kid-friendly, dishes. I like to try them out and we yay or nay them." - Melinda O.
Getting Dressed and Back to School Clothes Shopping
"They pick out clothes the night before and sometimes for the entire week beforehand. That way we know things are clean and available and there’s no scrambling. We buy shoes and a new shirt or two for the first few day. Then we don’t buy until the weather changes and it’s necessary." - Kristin W.
"We pick out clothes the night before to limit the morning drama." - Melissa M.
"I give my teens a back to school budget. That way they can budget and choose how they want to spend it. Especially when teens only want certain brands it’s fun to see how/what they choose to spend on. Much less arguing and I find much more reasonable spending. I also like it teaches them the value of money and shopping around." - Hannah W.
"My kids have plastic drawers from Walmart and they set out their clothes for the week in them on Sundays. It makes mornings way easier!" - Erin L.
"We get a new first day of school outfit from Sarah Joyce Designs and Nana takes them all to buy one new outfit, but otherwise, I buy clothes over the year as they need them. My mom buys all their sneaks which is a huge help!" - Laurie C.
I always try to have the kids outfits laid out and backpacks ready on the couch." - Nicole O.
"I shop online and use Ebates. I get money back for what I spend. Where it’s still warm out when I start I only buy two or three outfits.. then I do the same in October." - Chrissy B.
"We have a plan when the girls are a little older. We plan to get them a visa gift card with a specific amount on it. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Will make them really see where the money goes.. and how fast." - Mom of Tweens
School Supplies
Target list assist for school supplies! And I set cleaning supplies on auto-delivery to my kids' teachers at school so I don't have to think about it during the school year and they get the supplies they need delivered right to them." -Melissa M.
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