When kids experience anxiety about going back to school, it can have an effect on parents as well. This worry is compounded by the knowledge that the lazy days of summer are over, and everyone needs to get on the same page ASAP. There are some practical tips on how to ease school-induced stress and save time for mom also. Here are a few Back to School Time Savers for Moms:
Get a Jump Start Before School Begins
One of the big back to school time savers is staying ahead of the hype. It can be quite an eye-opener when you realize how many school supplies are already around your home. Pens, pencils, paper, and notebooks are often hidden in various places in your house. Clothes are also something moms need to have a good handle on. Nothing is worse than getting ready for the first day of school only to realize Jonny has no gym shoes that fit! Pull out all clothing and set aside time to sit and have a “try-on” session. Throw out or donate what can’t be used and reuse what is still in good condition.
Shop Early
Staying ahead of the game when it comes to back-to-school can go a long way in helping to prepare, organize and save time for the upcoming year. Be on the lookout for school supplies when you are out doing your regular shopping even if summer is far from over. While you shop before the Back-to-School rush hits, think about clothes as well. Grab good deals for out-of-season clothes as you are running your regular errands and buy the next size larger for your child as well. A lot of getting ahead is a mindset – just always be on the lookout for back to school stuff, even when it’s June, and you aren’t in the mood!
Get Organized
One big way for parents and kids alike to reduce stress and save time is to get organized. By getting organized about back to school (and beyond) reduces the getting-ready-for-school-chaos in the mornings that create stress and waste time. Create a space where all backpacks are to be hung, shoes are to be parked and even have your kids pick out their clothes the night before. Any planning in advance will save time and energy in the long run.
Become a Pro at Quick Breakfasts
Most families have something similar to a Chinese Fire Drill going on every morning during the school year. Dad needs to get dressed for work, kids need to round up backpacks and pack lunches, Mom needs to curl her hair and apply makeup and chances are everyone is fighting to get in front of the bathroom mirror. Breakfast is a part of that routine that should never be skipped, yet there are some time-saving/workaround ideas that are healthy to boot. Experiment with making breakfasts the night before like healthy homemade trail mix that can be combined ahead of time and stored in individual containers. Cold cereal is also quick-n-easy and can be topped with yogurt for an additional nutritional kick. English muffins topped with ham and American cheese are fast and filling as well.
Final Ninja Mom Tip
Going back to school is often a rude awakening for kids who have spent the last three months of summer sleeping late and staying up late. Try to ease into this schedule before school starts to help everyone prepare for the upcoming change. Encourage everyone to go to bed and get up a bit earlier as the school year approaches so that everyone can get into the back to school groove.
What are your favorite Back to School Time Savers?
These are great tips! Even though my youngest is now in middle school, we still started getting the kids back into a regular bedtime about 2 weeks before school started and then didn’t let them sleep in quite so late in the mornings. It definitely helped that first week of school since my kids have to be up at 6 am and out the door at 7.
I usually set my alarm clock at least 30 minutes early. this way I can get things done b/f kids get up, mainly have my first cup of coffee.
Making quick breakfast that the children will enjoy eating has saved me so much time. Getting them dressed in a timely fashion is another thing.
I was just thinking about how my week seemed to fly by due to the back to school rush. My entire to-do list for the week will likely wait until Saturday! I’m going to try some of these ideas to see if they help our week run more smoothly!
I can totally relate to the ‘Chinese fire-drill’ morning routine! I have tried to change that this school year by waking up an hour earlier to make the kids lunches and getting ready before them. So far it is working, but I need to get better at making quick, nutritional breakfasts instead of drive through! Great tips!