Back to school time has arrived! I have compiled a list of mom tips & tricks I’ve learned over the past few years that help me stay organized!
- Pick out your child’s clothes in advance! For those of us with opinionated toddlers (hi, it’s me!) choose 5 outfits for the week and allow them to choose from the “pre-approved” options saves time and avoids power struggles!
- Stock up on laundry sanitizer. Kids bring home all sorts of germs from school, and MOST detergents do not have a sanitizing agent. Lysol offers several options for those who prefer a free & clear option!
- If at all possible, create a “drop zone” for backpacks, bags, and shoes. I like to include my kids in putting their bags and shoes in their designated areas in order to instill tidiness. This is also helpful when they just can NOT find their shoes they were supposed to have on 10 minutes ago!
- Two words that will save your sanity. Meal. Prep. The first few days/weeks can be pure chaos! Planning out your meals and prepping your dinner in the morning can save so much time and anguish! My favorite (and easy) crowd pleaser is sheet pan pesto chicken.
-1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
-1 carton Rana pesto
-1 thin sliced red bell pepper
-1 head cauliflower cut
-1 bunch asparagus cut
Mix all ingredients on a sheet pan, season with salt and pepper, bake at 375 for approximately 40 minutes and voila!
- Stock up at the grocery store. Along with all of your staples be sure to get things you don’t routinely buy each week, make sure you’ve got a surplus of things like paper towels, toilet paper, ziploc bags, etc! These type of things are easy to overlook when you’re running low but can create a large inconvenience when you realize you’re completely out!
- Be sure you check your child’s backpack after the first day! Usually a school calendar is sent home along with other informational papers. Grab it and add all important events to your calendar, for those of you who still enjoy putting pen to paper my personal fave is MomAgenda (momagenda.com)!
- Lastly, read back to school books the night before the first day. Prepping them for going back after a break is always a good idea! A friendly reminder of what to expect AND seeing a familiar character going back to school can help ease those first day jitters!
I hope some or one of these tips can help mama stay organized and keep the kiddos happy! Wishing everyone a happy and healthy school year!
Xo, Julia