Back to School Tips for Moms

Back to School Tips for Moms

It’s somehow that time again… back to school season is here! I enjoy having my kids home so much in the summer, that I’ve become excellent at pretending school will never start again. Of course it does {sad face} but there are things we Moms can do for ourselves and our families to make the transition easier and stress free.

10 Sanity Saving Back to School Tips for Moms

1. Double Up on Your Cosmetics: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left the house in the morning sans makeup, dropped my kids off at school, and then ended up being “out” all day… never having time to pull myself together. There’s an easy fix. Pick up an inexpensive makeup bag (or ziploc sandwich bag) for your purse and double up on all your essential cosmetics– so you have one set at home and a smaller set with you. I keep a powder, lipstick and eye liner in my purse for those days when I’m on the go or just need a touch up. It’s amazing what a swipe of powder and dab of lipstick can do for you!

2. Grab Some Gift Cards: Part of being a parent is buying gifts for other people’s kids. As the school year starts and everything is especially crazy, it seems like there are a bunch of birthday parties to go to. Consider grabbing some gift cards now, before things get super busy. Gift Cards are the gift that both kids and their parents will appreciate (no more hassles returning undesired presents).

Most grocery stores stock gift cards (I buy Amazon.com cards, you can also do it online) or you can always swing by Target and grab a few for any amount your choose.

Tip: Keep that little activation receipt and tape it on the back of the gift card as soon as you get home. That way, it there in case there are any issues using it.

3. Get Carded: And while you’re at the grocery store or Target, grab a few of those cute .99 cent birthday cards and keep them in a handy spot with the gift cards. As an alternative, if you have a pint sized Picasso at home, have them make a few “generic” birthday cards so they can just fill their pal’s name in at the last minute and you won’t have the stress of nagging them to make a card when things are busy.

4. Take Time to Know the Teacher: Blink your eyes and it will be Christmas or Teacher Appreciation Week. Circumvent the last minute stop at 7-11 for a bouquet of flowers by taking the time to get to know your child’s teacher now. Here’s a link to my free Teacher Questionnaire. Print it, have the teacher fill it out and you can shop now for later. If you’re still feeling stumped for gift ideas, check out these Thoughtful Teacher Appreciation Gifts.

5. Make a Master Calendar: It doesn’t need to be fancy– just easy to read! I’m a very visual person and my kids are too too young to have smart phones so I like to use this Family Organizer Frame to keep us organized. It’s simple but everyone can see it and so we all know what’s going on each day. Just use a dry ease marker and the kids can add things to the calendar too.

6. Stock Up on Staples: You can score school supplies for cheap this time of year. While you’re shopping for the kids, think ahead. Grab extra packages of pens and pencils for when your child runs out mid year. You should also make sure YOU have a  stash of staples, tape for gift wrapping (Christmas is right around the corner), printer paper, ink for your printer and anything else you may need. It’s much nicer to “shop” your supply closet at home then have to run to the office supply store at 8:30 pm on a weeknight.

7. Create a Snack Basket: My kids and their friends EAT A LOT. We try really hard around here to have some apples, carrots and other fruits and veggies available, as well as some simple snacks in the pantry. Some of the items I like keep stocked are pre-bagged portions of Pirate’s Booty, BelVita Breakfast Bars (for when breakfast ins’t an option), Kashi Peanut Peanut Butter Bars, Cascadian Farm Organic Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bars and for something sweet, raisins. That way the kids can help themselves or if we need to grab a post practice snack, it’s readily available.

8. Be Recipe Ready: It’s been hotdogs, hamburgers and fruit salad all summer, but when those kids start school, sports and activities they’ll be needing some serious nourishment. Take half an hour and gather some of your favorite go-to dinner recipes. If there are ingredients that you can buy now (like spaghetti noodles and canned tomatoes), do it. Get your pantry stocked with everything you need for a few dinners expect those things you can buy that day. You’ll save precious time hunting up and down the aisles when time is limited. Here’s a link to my all-time favorite family recipe: Baked Spaghetti Casserole.

9. Organize their Work Space: It never fails at my house. One of the kids gets a homework assignment that involves something specific like colored pencils and then we we got to grab them– and they have vanished! I usually end up running out at the last minute to buy more {grrr}. Round up those commonly used items now so you can save yourself time and money later. Use Mason Jars to make a Desk Organizer so you and your kiddos can see what they have available.

10. Set Aside Some “Me Time”: Whether it’s scheduling your workouts or coffee with friends, look at your calendar and block out some things YOU want/need to do before you are slammed with volunteering requests. Let me say I am a BIG believer in helping out at school. But if you aren’t careful, all your time can get taken up by “small” volunteering obligations (it ALWAYS takes longer than you think it will, right)? YOU are an important part of the family too and dedicating every second of your day to other people doesn’t make you a better Mom. It may make you a grumpy Mom though! It’s not selfish to take care of yourself. It’s actually a nice thing to do for our family… so you can feel recharged and not resentful  while driving carpool, making dinner, helping with homework… you know– being a Mom!

11. Help Your Kids Find Their Zen: BONUS Tip… Print these FREE Mini Mediations for Kids. These mediations have positive message to help ease your children into the school year as well as easing their minds!

Happy Back to School!

If you have any tips on keeping the back to school stress level low… please share them in the comments!