Back To School Hacks That Will Blow Your Mind

Are you looking for some genius back to school hacks that will make your life easier? Yep, it’s that time of year and moms everywhere are itching to get their hands on the school supply list so they can get a head start. Let’s be honest, most parents are STOKED to send their kids back to school or “preschool”. But, once it starts, we’re overwhelmed with the amount of preparation that it takes to get everyone dressed and off to school everyday. Insert: mind blowing back to school hacks for mom… because WE need strategy for survival.

You’ve spent all summer with your little one and they’re finally ready to start school!

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Whether it’s a “mom’s day out” preschool or Kindergarten (tears), there is a lot of prep work involved in making sure they have everything they need and get out the door on a positive note.

I’ve compiled some of my favorite back to school hacks, especially for you, Mamas!

 

Let’s talk back to school schedules.

Your child has likely been on a schedule since they were born. Eat, play sleep. Just because they are older doesn’t mean they don’t need a schedule! Kids CRAVE structure so they know exactly what to expect and to reduce their back to school anxiety. Here are some schedule hacks that I use:

• Early bedtime using the “Ok to Wake!” clock– YEAR ROUND!

Maybe once in a blue moon, Cambria will stay up past 9:30 pm… seriously. I’m convinced this helps her know what to expect out of us and we NEVER have fights over going to sleep. We use the “Okay to Wake!” clock to set that expectation for her and love it. We may or may not have told her this is how Santa keeps an eye on her during the year…

• Get them up and ready every weekday.

Closer to the end of the summer, it’s a great idea to get them dressed and packed up in the car and GO SOMEWHERE (Starbucks!) to set the tone for loading up the car when it’s D-Day. Using a “Get Ready” chart helps them be more independent and leaves you with less to do (hopefully).

• Add educational activities in the evening.

After dinner, I love shutting down the house, turning off the TV, and getting out Cam’s Big Preschool Book to work on together. This book is also clutch for those “IDK WHAT TO DO WITH YOU UNTIL BEDTIME” times. Yea, you know what I’m talking about!

• Implement “5 more minutes” to model the school setting.

In classrooms, teachers often use timers to let the kids know exactly how much time they have left doing a certain task. This helps them know what to expect and allows the “breakup” of that fun task a little easier. MOST of the time!

Now, everyone knows little people LOVE food! Here are some back to school hacks for feeding the people:

• Pack breakfast the night before using plates with lids

(insert mind blown emoji)- I can’t even tell you how life changing these plates are! Breakfast for us usually consists of fruit, yogurt and a sheet pan pancake or waffle. All I do is get the plate out, heat up the waffle and that’s it! Washing and cutting fruit in the morning before coffee just wasn’t working anymore. This is a total time saver!

 

• Pack lunch using Bento Box style lunch boxes

Yep, the night before–  I love lots of small compartments for Cam’s lunch because it reminds me to add a variety of healthy things for her to choose from (check out some ideas for kids with food allergies here). Since toddlers love to change their minds more than they change underwear (oh wait.. #pottytrainingprobs), then you’ll be glad you’ve packed a variety of small portions. Don’t forget the carrying bag!

 

• Label EVERYTHING!

Inch Bug makes some really cute, personalized labels and bands for lunch boxes or water bottles. They’ve also got the CUTEST sticky labels that LAST through the dishwasher, on clothing, socks, lunchboxes, pretty much anything! Their products are quality and there is a huge variety of labels and designs to chose from.

• Get some reusable storage bags for snacks

(insert another mind blow emoji here)- I HATE buying plastic bags; they’re mighty convenient but a total waste of money. I cannot for the life of me remember to buy more when I run out. Reusable storage bags come in all sizes and have amazing reviews on Amazon! *Bonus  tip- have your kids decorate them with puffy paint or permanent markers is a fun back to school activity!

Thought I was out of back to school hacks? NOPE! Let’s talk clothes.

As you might know, I’m VERY particular about what Cam wears. I don’t know why but I just am. Athleisure is my business wear these days and a top bun is a way of life for me. My child on the other hand has the best outfits, accessories and shoes.

• Place clothes on the counter the night before.

And yes, that means underwear, socks, shoes, bow. Don’t leave anything out and ASSUME your husband knows they need to wear socks or like… underwear… Anyway, the real hack here are these SOCK MONSTERS– little clips that keep tiny socks with their friends and never have mismatched sock again!

• Find shoes your child can put on themselves.

We LOVE a good pair of Vans. Why you ask? Cam can put them on herself (!!) and they’re cute and fashionable. You can dress them up or down and there are ton of neutral colors that will match any outfit. Get you some! We are a fan of the classic checker slide on’s, *leather* slide on’s (wipe them clean!) and high tops (zips in the back- no loose shoe strings!).

• Keep their outfits SIMPLE.

Preaching to the choir here, I know. Get packs of cute little t-shirts and shorts for school only to take the guess work out of what they will wear everyday. I love these elastic biker shorts because they are super easy to pull up and down when using the potty. Plus,  you won’t super sad if they get stains on them.

• Leave an emergency kit in your car.

Ever gotten all the way to school only to realize your child has had an accident that requires a FULL change of clothes? If I’ve learned anything in my short 3.5 years of parenting, it’s to be prepared for ANYTHING. Freakin’ anything. Don’t ask me how I learned I needed an emergency kit, just trust me that you *need one*.

I got a small clear container and packed it with:

• • Change of clothes, shoes & panties (these are THE BEST)
  • Wipes, baby powder, Kleenex
  • Grocery bag (or special barf bag)
  • Pre-packaged snacks
  • Sunscreen
  • Mini First Aid Kit

• Every little girl needs a bow for every outfit!

We have this set and it comes with SOO many different colors- we’ve never had to say “we don’t have a bow that matches”. I love that they’re in sets of 2 because piggies are my FAVORITE style!

Last but not least… here’s how to get the PERFECT “first day” photo. (aka the back to school hack of a lifetime)

• Set up your letter board and get a video.

Struggling to get a good picture of your kid? VIDEO THEM and screen shot a still image. If I learned anything while getting my Master’s Degree, it’s that video is made up of a crap ton of STILL images strung together. HELLO! Whip out the iPhone, video them doing whatever they do… try to get them to focus on the “little round thing” on the back of your phone and you’ll never be sad about your school photos again!

Oh, and back to school is just as important for their teachers! Here’s my favorite back to school hack:

I like to ask Cam’s teachers to fill out a “getting to know you” sheet (hello, Pinterest) so I know what they DO do like (Coffee or tea?) and what they don’t. When it comes time for Christmas or Teacher Appreciation week, I already know what they prefer for gifts instead of guessing!  #YoureWelcome. Last year, I learned Cam’s teacher has allergies so anything scented (candles, lotion, etc)  was off the table for her. I ended up giving her these super cool solar jar lamps and they were a big hit! Shoot me an e-mail if you’d like the back to school questionnaire I use (poms2moms@gmail.com).

If you’re feeling extra generous (and want them to look past all your mom fails), then you may consider giving them an Amazon Gift Card to kick the year off.  We ALL have teacher friends who are out spending their own money on our kids to enhance the classroom experience!

What are your favorite back to school hacks? Leave me a comment or connect with us on IG @poms2moms!