The Best Tips for Back to School Success

Whether you’re ready to face it or not, school is officially right around the corner! A little bit of forethought and planning can help you make a successful transition from the lazy days of summer, so read through this list of More Time Moms’ best tips for back to school success.

It’s all about time management. Family planners and organizers are a must for busy families. Let kids choose a planner or scheduling tool that they’re excited to use and create a family calendar that tracks everyone’s activities and commitments. Establish a set “family time” each day, whether it’s during dinner or before bed.

Don’t forget the rules and regulations. Refresh your family’s rules about screen time for the school year by determining what’s allowed and when, and set your kids’ sleep schedules back to “school time” two weeks before the first day. Encourage kids to pack their backpacks and lay out their school clothes the night before and use these convenient checklists to keep them on track!

Healthy snacks and meals are essential. Save time, add variety, and provide lunches that they will eat, by having kids help pack healthy school lunches. Also, take the pressure off on busy weeknights by feeding your family delicious, healthy meals in less time.

Events and entertainment. Choose an after-school activity your child will love, arrange playdates with two or three of your kids’ friends to strengthen existing social ties, and volunteer at school events to see what’s happening at school and connect with other parents.

Remember the three Rs – routine, routine, routine. Kids thrive on having boundaries and they feel comfort in knowing what’s coming next. Set and enforce regular weekday and weekend bedtimes: spontaneous events and late nights are great, but it feels especially nice to come home to a familiar routine after the excitement wears off.  Set guidelines for the rhythm of your life that everyone in your family can adhere to. It’s a known fact that family routines for meals and chores reduce family stress, so plan mealtimes and chores to make things go a little more smoothly at your house.

Getting ready for back to school can be hectic if you’re not organized, but a few minutes of planning can make the transition smooth and easy. Set your family up for success this fall – use these handy checklists for busy families from More Time Moms and get amped for a brand new school year!