Help From Your Community: Mama-Proven Ways to Make Back to School a Breeze

Looking for a little back to school wisdom to get you started on the right foot this year? Here are some mama-proven methods of making the school year transition a breeze.

Lists, lists, lists: use them to stay organized and stay on track.

Make meals ahead of time and freeze them for quick and easy school night dinners.

Prepare breakfast the night before so that you have simple, healthy solutions in the morning.

Lay out clothes, toothbrushes, backpacks and lunches before going to bed so that the morning is not so hectic.

Give each child a “school cupboard” to keep their backpack, supplies, and books where everyone can find them.

Planning ahead and buying the supplies you need for the whole school year will save you money all year long.

Use reusable items whenever possible, such as lunch bags and boxes, to save cash and the environment.

If you’re homeschooling, keep an eye out for chances to talk with other parents and swap educational materials and ideas.

If you have a big family, make a work rotation with tasks like washing lunch boxes, refilling supplies, and preparing breakfast so nobody gets burned out.

Reach out to teachers: know what they expect before the school year begins and prepare yourself and your kids.

Let the little ones help, and give the older kids responsibilities appropriate to their age, to help them feel more in control of their school day.

Prepare kids for the school year early by going over any changes from the summer routine.

Be flexible and willing to change your routines as needed when things aren’t working.

Don’t overschedule: while it may be tempting to sign the kids up for every after school activity they show an interest in, down time is just as vital.

Keep kiddos happy and healthy by letting them pack their own lunches from wholesome foods you have already prepared, or healthy packaged alternatives.

Mix up the lunch box with a variety of different options each week.

Give yourself an extra half an hour in the morning to wake up and reconnect before the school day.

Offer your kids an hour of down time after school to unwind before starting homework. This really improves their focus.

Listen to your kids: if they are telling you there is a problem, or seem out of sorts, you might need to make some changes.

Kids love to express their feelings with art: provide lots of creative tools to help your children process the school day.

Take a day off: sometimes it’s OK to skip work and school for a special field trip or day of rest.