This post is all about the best back to school hacks to stay sane, save time, and make this school year a success.
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Back to school season is here, and it comes with many emotions ranging from excitement to nervousness!
As moms, we want to ensure a smooth transition for our kids (and ourselves). However, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by school supplies, schedules, and endless to-do lists. With a little creativity and planning, I can help you turn the chaos into calm.
In this post, I’m sharing the best sanity-saving back to school hacks to simplify your life, save you time, reduce stress, and make this school year the best one yet!
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This post is all about back to school hacks for moms.
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Back To School Hacks:
1. Have a family calendar
Having a family calendar is a game-changer for busy moms. Keeping a family calendar that everyone can access will keep everyone on the same page. All family members will know what’s happening, when, and where.
On top of helping you stay organized and productive, a family calendar will reduce scheduling conflicts, keep track of important dates, and decrease stress helping you feel more prepared and in control.
I use a magnetic fridge calendar, and it is perfect because it hangs in plain view for the whole family to see (but I also recommend taking a picture of it, so you can easily view it anytime you please).
2. No tie shoe laces
If you have a child who struggles with tying their shoes, these are a life-saver! These elastic no-tie shoelaces can fit just about any shoe and can be super helpful for kids in elementary who haven’t quite learned how to tie their laces yet.
I love that they come in so many colors and look stylish.
3. Stay prepared with a school emergency kit
Packing an emergency kit for school with essentials like band-aids, chapstick, sanitizer, and tissues can be incredibly helpful for your child. Having a personal emergency kit will help your child feel more comfortable and secure at school knowing they have the necessary supplies to handle small emergencies and inconveniences.
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Here are some school emergency kit ideas:
- first-aid items
- pads (if your child has a period)
- tissues
- chapstick
- hair ties
- hand wipes
- sanitizer
4. Keep money set aside for school-related costs
Put aside cash in an envelope or jar and label it “school fund”. This back to school hack will help you avoid the last-minute stress of scrambling for cash when an unexpected cost arises, reduce financial stress (since you already budgeted for it), and save you time!
5. Prepare ahead of time for spirit days
Preparing ahead of time for school spirit days can save moms a lot of time and stress! The easiest way to stay prepared is to plan. Check the school calendar for upcoming spirit days, and start stocking up on basics. My children’s schools always have pajama day and crazy hair day so I make sure to buy the kids a nice set of pajamas and keep items on hand for crazy hair day.
I bought this hair chalk to keep on hand for crazy hair day, and my kids are obsessed with it!
6. Help prepare kids for tough times with books and discussions
Read books with your children about difficult situations that may come up in school. Books are a great way to teach kids important life skills and values like confidence, emotions, bullying, etc. They also can help kids understand and recognize their own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses which can help them grow their self-awareness and confidence.
Reading books with your child will create an opportunity and a safe space for your child to ask questions and discuss tricky topics with you.
This is one of my favorite books to read with my kids because it teaches children about their emotions and feelings and healthy coping mechanisms.
7. Have a homework station
A homework station with essential supplies like pencils, colored pencils, rulers, glue sticks, and erasers will reduce stress and frustrations for you and your child! A designated homework station with supplies in stock will save time and keep your child organized and productive.
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I keep a stocked caddy by the kitchen table so my kids can easily access the supplies when needed. This helps us avoid last-minute scrambles searching for pencils and glue sticks when it’s time to do homework.
8. Declutter old clothes
Decluttering is an often-overlooked mom hack that can make a huge difference! Sorting through old clothes before school starts will save money and help you avoid buying duplicate or unnecessary clothing for your kids. In addition, decluttering old clothes will free up space leaving more room for new clothes and making it easier to pick out outfits.
9. Practice the school morning routine before school starts
Establishing and practicing the school morning routine ahead of time will help the whole family feel more prepared and less stressed. So get yourself and your children to wake up early, complete their hygiene routine, and be ready on time a week before school starts for a better school year!
10. Don’t forget to label your child’s items
Label your child’s lunch box, water bottle, backpack, sweaters, and coats to make it easy for them to identify their belongings if they get lost or misplaced at school. Labeling your child’s items will save your time and your sanity!
I use these labels and a permanent marker to label my children’s belongings.
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These are the top back to school hacks to make this year a breeze! With these tips and tricks, you are well on your way to an organized and successful school year. You’ve got this, you’ll be navigating the school year like a pro in no time!
[RELATED POST: TOP BACK TO SCHOOL MUST-HAVES FOR KIDS]
This post was all about the best back to school hacks for moms!
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