Can you believe we’re already prepping for back to school? Where did the summer go?! It is crazy that we are already gearing back up for the busy yet exciting transition from summer break to the school year. Trying to balance the kids’ needs while managing your own is not always the easiest, but with a little organization and the right tools, it can be a smooth ride. Here I am going to be sharing my preparation for the first day! From three essential tips to simplify the process and our first day traditions, along with some of my favorite products that make preparation easy and enjoyable. On top of that I just did a haul of some mom approved drop off looks that you won’t want to miss!
Back to School Traditions:
Every year, I take my kids out on a 1:1 back to school date and I host a back to school dinner. It’s a fun family tradition and we really enjoy the time together for our day date, as well as our time as a family. One thing we do at our back to school dinner, is discuss what we are excited for the most about the upcoming school year, and something that the kids are a little nervous about. We chat about teachers, classes, and upcoming schedules and how we are a team and need to work together to navigate them. I love to make it fun with some festive decor – you can grab some of the school supplies you’ve purchased (like crayons, erasers, markers, stickers and lay it out on the table – and pair it with these cute school themed plates). I found this table runner which is really festive and we will leave it up at the table for the first couple of weeks of school.
Here are 3 Tips for Prepping Back to School:
- Print off those supply lists and cross-check Amazon. I’ve been amazed when price-checking to get the best deals. School supplies can add up, and I’ve found that I know exactly what is left to buy in-store if I check Amazon before heading out. I also love shopping on Amazon for our school teachers – teachers often will have an Amazon wishlist or a ‘clear the list,’ which is awesome to contribute.
- Do a clothing + supply inventory. I like to do a thorough ‘edit’ or deep clean of each child’s room and pull an inventory of their clothing. I look at everything from matching socks, underwear, shorts, pants, shirts, tops, jackets, and coats. I have learned that I only need to buy a few new school outfits, and then I can pace myself budget-wise throughout the year if I invest in a couple of great quality items. Little things like water bottles, lunch boxes, and even backpacks are often forgotten. I have had great success with the backpacks we’ve snagged (some even lasting two full school years. This year, I snagged this Dagne Dover Look-A-Like for a great price at Target. It’s incredibly lightweight, flexible, soft neoprene fabric, which will be awesome when it’s filled with books!
- Go over your schedules and start getting your kids back into a routine! This works best for our family and may not fit everyone – but we thrive on routine and schedules. I’ve already started adjusting my kid’s bedtimes from a summer sleep schedule to more of an earlier bedtime to accommodate School. I’m not a mean mom – I am definitely still letting my kids stay up late, but we are just trying to get ready so we aren’t as tired when School starts back up, and we have to be out the door at 7 am. I’ve found that starting to adjust schedules a couple of weeks early helps with the transition. Back to School is a significant milestone for kids each year and can be emotional. A week or so before School starts, we drive to the School (s) and calculate our drive times. We walk around campus to get comfortable with our surroundings. I try to really prepare my kids with our schedules and routines by preparing early.
School Essentials:
There are a couple of products that I’ve personally purchased and loved you might enjoy!
- These lunchboxes on Amazon are fantastic and have held up well for us – we toss them in the wash when they get yucky, and it is as good as new. They are the perfect size and keep the food at the right temperature all day with the ice packs that I throw in there + they are SO easy to attach to the kid’s backpacks with the clasp as well.
- I ordered these custom name keychains for backpacks – they’re a fun and unique way to add some character to your child’s things. And suppose you live in a small town like I do. In that case, extra customization or special touch is always appreciated to differentiate items (another reason I love trying to do most school shopping online).
- I also send my kids to School with a water bottle – they must stay hydrated! The Owala Kids Flip is an excellent option because they are leak and spill-proof, fit in the backpack, and are easy to clean (a must-have for me). The pop-up straw is super convenient, and I never worry that the kids will lose the cap or straw. It also keeps the water cold all day, which I know the kids greatly appreciate with the hot weather right now.
- Hand Sanitizer is a staple in our cars, backpacks, and everywhere we go. The TouchLand ones are my favorite hand sanitizers. I love the scents and how compact they are. Unlike any other hand sanitizers I have used, this one is not sticky at all and leaves our hands feeling moisturized.
We’ve had our bento boxes for four, maybe five years now, and they have truly stood the test of time! They are fantastic, and I cannot recommend them enough
DROP OFF LOOKS:
When it comes to school drop-off, I like to stick to comfort but still have a touchy style. The ideal outfits for moms on the go include comfy, cozy oversized T-shirts and simple basic T-shirts. If you can’t tell I love stripes right now!! But below are some of my drop off wardrobe staples that give you a relaxed but chic look. Pair them with some jeans or leggings, and you’ve got an effortless look that comes together in seconds. This is the perfect School drop-off mom look that leaves you ready to tackle the rest of the day.
Back to School can be stressful and nerve racking, but it doesn’t always have to be. I hope the tips and products I’ve shared will make your back-to-school prep easier this year. Doing things like getting back into a routine and preparing supplies can ease the stress for you and the kids. Here’s to a fantastic school year, full of new routines and exciting opportunities!
