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As we gear up for the start of another school year, it’s time to start thinking about how to make the transition smooth and successful for everyone in the family. Whether you have a little one starting kindergarten or a teenager heading into high school or college, getting prepared and staying organized is key. Here are some of my essential tips, tricks, and must-haves that have helped me through the years to ensure that our family is ready for the new school year!
Organization Tips and Tricks
For Moms:
Create a Family Calendar: Keep track of everyone's activities, assignments, and events in one place. A big wall calendar, paper planner or a shared digital calendar can be a lifesaver. Here are some of my favorites!
Command Center: Set up a command center near your main entryway with hooks for backpacks, a bin for shoes, and a spot for important papers.
Weekly Planning Sessions: Take a few minutes every Sunday to sit down and plan the week ahead to help reduce the mid-week scramble.
Meal Planning: Plan meals and snacks for the week. It saves time and reduces the “What’s for dinner?” stress. You can use these helpful Meal Planning Magnetic Notepads or a Meal Planning Notebook to help stay organized.
For Kids:
Homework Station: Create a dedicated, clutter-free space for homework. Stock it with supplies like pencils, paper, and other essentials.
Color-Coded Supplies: Use different colors for each subject or child to make organization easier. This works great for binders, notebooks, and folders.
Morning and Night Routines: Establish consistent routines to help your child know what to expect and stay on track.
Checklists: Use checklists to help your child remember daily tasks and responsibilities, like packing their lunch or finishing homework.
The Importance of Being Organized as a Mom
Being organized helps us manage our time, reduces stress, and sets a good example for our kids. Here are some tips to keep yourself organized:
Prioritize Self-Care: Take care of yourself so you can take care of others. Even small moments of self-care can make a big difference.
Delegate Tasks: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Delegate age-appropriate chores to your kids to teach responsibility and lighten your load.
Use Apps: There are plenty of apps designed to help with everything from meal planning to scheduling.
Stay Flexible: Life happens. Allow some flexibility in your plans to accommodate the unexpected.
Back to School Must-Haves
Grade-Schoolers:
Backpack: Look for one with padded straps and multiple compartments.
Lunchbox: Insulated and easy to clean.
Bentgo Lunch box: This helps keep lunches organized and separated.
Water Bottle: BPA-free and durable.
Labels: For clothing, supplies, and lunchboxes.
Comfortable Shoes: Sneakers that are easy to put on and take off.
Pencils and Erasers: Plenty of pencils and big erasers.
Crayons and Markers: For art projects and creativity.
Folders and Notebooks: Durable and colorful to keep subjects organized.
Scissors and Glue Sticks: Safe, child-friendly options for crafting.
Ruler: A sturdy, kid-friendly ruler.
Middle Schoolers:
Backpack: Sturdy and with more space for books and binders.
Lunch Box: Insulated and easy to clean.
Bentgo Lunch box: This helps keep lunches organized and separated.
Water Bottle: BPA-free and durable.
Tech Gadgets: Tablet or laptop, depending on the school's requirements.
Headphones: For more focused study sessions.
Planner: To keep track of assignments and extracurriculars.
Combination Lock: For lockers.
Personal Hygiene Kit: Deodorant, hand sanitizer, and wipes.
Pens and Highlighters: For note-taking and highlighting important information.
Binders: Sturdy binders with dividers for different subjects.
Folders and Dividers: For organizing subjects and assignments.
Scientific Calculator: Essential for math and science classes.
Index Cards: Great for studying and making flashcards.
Sticky Notes: For reminders and quick notes.
High Schoolers:
Backpack: Ergonomic with a laptop compartment.
Lunch Box: Insulated and easy to clean.
Bentgo Lunch box: This helps keep lunches organized and separated.
Laptop/Tablet: Essential for assignments and research.
Headphones: For more focused study sessions.
Advanced Planner: To manage complex schedules.
Portable Charger: To keep devices powered throughout the day.
Reusable Water Bottle: Eco-friendly and stylish.
Graphing Calculator: Necessary for advanced math classes.
USB Drive: For transferring and storing important documents.
Notebooks and Folders: To keep notes and assignments organized.
Pens and Mechanical Pencils: Reliable writing tools.
Locker Organizer: Shelves and magnets to maximize locker space.
Locker Combination Lock: For lockers.
Download Your Printable Back to School Checklist!
To make your back-to-school shopping easier, download our printable checklist here. It includes everything you need to ensure a smooth start to the school year!
Clothing Options
This is the fun part! When it comes to back-to-school fashion, comfort and style go hand in hand. For grade-schoolers, think bright colors and durable fabrics. Middle schoolers might start exploring trends, so look for versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. High schoolers often have a more defined sense of style, so think statement pieces and basics they can layer.
Easy Back to School Snack and Lunch Ideas
Keeping our kids fueled throughout the day is crucial. Here are some easy, healthy, and fun snack and lunch ideas:
Snacks:
Fruit Kabobs: Skewer a mix of your child’s favorite fruits.
Veggie Cups: Fill small cups with hummus and sliced veggies.
Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, dried fruit, and a few chocolate chips.
Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit.
Lunches:
Wraps: Whole wheat tortillas filled with turkey, cheese, and veggies.
DIY Lunchables: Sliced meats, cheeses, crackers, and some fruit.
Pasta Salad: Whole grain pasta with veggies, cheese, and a light dressing.
Bento Boxes: Fill compartments with a variety of small portions like cheese cubes, grapes, and mini sandwiches.
Additional Tips for Getting Ready for Back to School
Involve Your Kids: Let them help with shopping and preparation. It gets them excited and gives them a sense of responsibility.
Practice the Routine: A week before school starts, begin practicing the morning and bedtime routines.
Visit the School: If possible, visit the school with your child to familiarize them with the layout and ease any first-day jitters.
Stay Positive: Your attitude towards school will influence your child’s attitude. Stay positive and encouraging.
Getting ready for back to school can feel overwhelming, but with a bit of planning and organization, we can make it a smooth and exciting transition. You can check out more of our favorite back-to-school favorites here.
Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!
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