The Ultimate Back-to-School List for Busy Moms
Blog submitted by: Kiaonno Bradley
Ready or not it’s time for the back-to-school hustle and bustle. Wondering how to prep for back-to-school season, yet feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done? Whether it's your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, I have some tips to make the process feel less overwhelming and more productive. As both an educator and mom I have learned through trial and error the earlier I start and the more detailed I can be the better both me and my little one feel.
Back to School Checklist
Use Alexa to Set Reminders
There are so many reminders we give our kids, “Do your homework.”, “Brush your teeth.”, “Prep your lunch.” etc. and that causes input burnout for us and our kids as well as sets us all up for failure when we inevitably forget a reminder. I challenge you to set up reminders for daily and weekly things before the first week of school.
Create Checklists
Another way to give some independence to us and our kids is to create checklists! Think about all the things you need them to know how to do so you can free up some of your time. Things like a reminder on your garage or front door stating not to forget essentials or even after-school reminders by their bedroom door. Anything you need them to be able to independently do can be made into a checklist. The best part is you no longer need to verbally go down a list to see if things are done, you can simply say “Did you complete your afterschool checklist?”
Prep & Freeze After-School Snacks
I don’t know about y’all but snacks are the bane of my existence, I am always trying to sneak in more veggies and protein while adding a variety and doing it in bulk to free up time. One way I started doing this was by prepping lunchable type snacks & mini sandwiches in advance and freezing them, it really saves you time and energy come a busy week. The key is learning how to freeze food so they don’t get soggy.
Establish a Realistic Morning and Bedtime Routine
I try my hardest to keep my little one on a routine year round but come breaks, especially a long summer break and I get lax to give us more time for fun. At least a week or two before school starts, begin transitioning kids to an earlier bedtime and wake-up time. Trust me, this will make school schedules feel less daunting for you all and you will get some of the big battles out of the way. Don’t be afraid to put yourself on a schedule too!
Independent Breakfast Station
Perhaps the biggest change I have made in our routine is prepping a breakfast station my 6-year-old can do on her own. She has a few options: make cereal (squeezable milk bottle and cereal dispensers) or have a hot breakfast she heats up in the microwave(think french toast sticks, pre-cooked sausage, and eggs). She is able to make and eat breakfast and I am free to get in a mini workout or ease into my day, a win-win for us both!
Calendar Out Important Events & Dates
As soon as the school calendar comes be sure to add any school spirit, sports tryouts, etc., to your family calendar so you all have a preview of what is coming up. I personally use both my phone and a large whiteboard wall calendar that is color coded. Be sure to add in any dentist, physical, or other outside appointments to avoid any overlap.
Car Homework Hack
Activities and sports keep most of us on the go until dinner and bedtime. Purchasing a car tray can give a place to not only do homework on the go but also to eat without a mess as well as allow kids some screen-free car activities like coloring or puzzles.
These are just a few of the things I do to ease into back-to-school time that free up some of my time and energy.