It’s back to school time again!
For those of you heading back to class soon or for all of you busy moms & dads, we thought we’d share a few our favorite back to school organizing tips & traditions again this year.
1) Back to School One on One Dates with the Kids – I love to take the kids on their own little back to school lunch & shopping dates. We use this time to talk about our goals & feelings about the upcoming school year. It’s a wonderful way to learn what they may be nervous about and talk about what things they’d like to learn & accomplish this school year. Here are some cute free 1st day of school signs to download as well.
2) Back to School Feast – The evening before school starts we put together a special dinner for the kids complete with a family theme, crowns & huge cupcakes. This year we are rooting for each other (and our classmates) and watching each other grow (last year’s theme was: Do No Harm But Take No Crap). 🙂
3) Buy extra – We always build in some extra money into the budget to buy some additional school supplies for any students that may not have been able to get what was needed and for the teachers. It’s a simple way to remind the kids about helping & caring for their classmates.
4) Get Organized – Before school begins I like to go through the kids closets & rooms and clear out clothes/books/backpacks etc. that no longer fit or that they no longer use and donate them to local families in need. This helps clean up their rooms (score) and helps other families (bonus).
5) Lunch & Snack Set up – We put together a make your own lunch & snack bin in both the pantry & fridge. Now that our kiddos are older they help with making their lunches in the morning and packing their healthy snacks. Here are some healthy & easy school lunch & snack ideas.
6) Meal Planning – Once the school year busyness begins I really try hard to plan out our meals based upon afterschool & evening activities (eg. simple dinners/crockpot meals on busier nights). Here’s a free weekly meal planner for you to download & use.
7) Homework Station – I also set up a little homework station so they can sit at the kitchen table and do their homework while we are making dinner.
8) Plan – Your older kiddos may also benefit in beginning to use a weekly planner to keep track of their own schoolwork, afterschool activities, chores, goals, etc. I love to have the kids set goals (personal, spiritual, educational, financial categories are all beneficial). Download a free kids goal planner here.
What are some of the ways you get ready for back to school time?
