17 Clever Back-to-School Hacks Every Mom Should Try
Last year, my friend Sarah was overwhelmed with the back-to-school rush. With three kids and a full-time job, she felt like she was drowning in a sea of school supplies and permission slips.
But this year, she’s got it all under control thanks to some clever tricks she picked up.
Turn a corner of your kitchen or entryway into a family command center. Use a bulletin board, whiteboard, or chalkboard to keep track of everyone’s schedules, important dates, and to-do lists. Add hooks for backpacks and a basket for each family member to store permission slips and homework.
This central hub will help you stay organized and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Plus, it teaches kids responsibility by giving them a designated spot to keep their school-related items.
2. Master the Art of Meal Prepping
Say goodbye to morning chaos by prepping lunches and breakfasts in advance. Spend an hour on Sunday assembling sandwiches, cutting up fruits and veggies, and portioning out snacks into grab-and-go containers. For breakfasts, try making a batch of overnight oats or freezer-friendly breakfast burritos.
Not only will this save you time on busy mornings, but it’ll also ensure your kids are eating healthy, homemade meals. Get the kids involved in the prep process to teach them about nutrition and responsibility.
3. Set Up a Homework Station
Designate a specific area in your home for homework and studying. This could be a corner of the dining room, a desk in the living room, or even a portable caddy that can be moved around. Stock it with all the essentials: pencils, erasers, rulers, calculators, and any other supplies your kids might need.
Having a dedicated homework space helps kids focus and establishes a routine. It also makes it easier for you to supervise and offer help when needed. Make it fun by letting your kids decorate their space with inspirational quotes or artwork.
4. Implement a Clothing System
Eliminate morning wardrobe battles by planning outfits for the entire week. Use hanging organizers labeled with days of the week, or set out outfits on Sunday evening. Let your kids help choose their clothes to give them a sense of independence and reduce morning arguments.
This system not only saves time but also teaches kids about planning and organization. For younger children, consider using pictures or color-coding to help them identify which outfit is for which day.
5. Create a Morning Routine Chart
Design a colorful chart outlining each step of the morning routine: wake up, brush teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast, pack backpack, etc. Use pictures for younger kids who can’t read yet. Laminate the chart so you can use dry-erase markers to check off tasks each day.
A visual routine helps kids stay on track and reduces the need for constant reminders from you. It also promotes independence and time management skills. Don’t forget to include a fun reward for completing all tasks on time!
6. Master the Art of Label Making
Invest in a label maker or some cute personalized labels. Put them on everything: school supplies, lunchboxes, water bottles, jackets, and shoes. This prevents mix-ups at school and makes it easy to identify lost items.
Labeling is also a great way to teach kids about ownership and responsibility. Make it a fun activity by letting them choose label designs or colors for their items.
7. Set Up a Charging Station
Create a designated spot for charging all electronic devices overnight. This could be a drawer with built-in charging ports or a decorative box with a power strip inside. Make it a rule that all devices go to the charging station before bedtime.
This habit ensures all devices are charged and ready for the next day, prevents late-night screen time, and keeps electronics out of bedrooms for better sleep. It’s a win-win for everyone!
8. Establish an After-School Routine
Create a simple after-school routine to help kids transition from school to home. This might include having a healthy snack, unpacking backpacks, reviewing and starting homework, and some free play time. Write it down or create a visual chart similar to the morning routine.
A consistent after-school routine helps kids decompress and sets expectations for the rest of the evening. It also ensures important tasks like homework don’t get forgotten in the post-school excitement.
9. Use a Family Calendar App
Download a family calendar app that everyone can access. Input school events, extracurricular activities, doctor appointments, and other important dates. Color-code entries for each family member to easily see who has what and when.
A shared digital calendar keeps everyone on the same page and teaches kids about time management. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid scheduling conflicts and last-minute surprises.
10. Create a Paperwork Filing System
Set up a simple filing system for all the school paperwork that comes home. Use a filing cabinet, accordion folder, or even a binder with dividers. Create sections for each child, and subsections for things like completed work, important forms, and artwork to keep.
This system helps you stay on top of permission slips, report cards, and other important documents. It also makes it easy to find and celebrate your child’s achievements throughout the year.
11. Start a Homework Supplies Box
Put together a portable homework supplies box with all the essentials: pencils, erasers, rulers, calculators, colored pencils, glue sticks, and scissors. Keep it in a central location so kids can easily grab it when it’s time to do homework.
Having all supplies in one place saves time and frustration when starting homework. It also teaches kids to be prepared and organized. Consider making a separate box for each child if they have different needs.
12. Implement a Backpack Check Routine
Make it a habit to check and clean out backpacks every Friday afternoon. Remove old papers, wash lunch containers, and restock school supplies as needed. This prevents the buildup of clutter and ensures kids start each week with organized, clean backpacks.
This routine also gives you a chance to review any important papers or notes from teachers that might have gotten lost in the shuffle during the week. Involve your kids in this process to teach them about organization and responsibility.
13. Create a Homework Incentive System
Design a fun reward system for completing homework consistently. This could be a sticker chart where kids earn a small prize after collecting a certain number of stickers, or a points system where they can “cash in” points for privileges or treats.
An incentive system can help motivate kids to do their homework without constant nagging. Just be sure to focus on effort and consistency rather than grades to promote a healthy attitude towards learning.
14. Set Up a School Memory Box
Designate a special box or bin for each child to store important mementos from the school year. Include things like special art projects, certificates, report cards, and photos. At the end of the year, go through it together and choose a few favorites to keep long-term.
This tradition helps preserve precious memories and shows kids that you value their accomplishments. It’s also a great way to see their growth and progress over the years.
15. Implement a Sunday Night Prep Session
Make Sunday evenings a time to prepare for the week ahead. Lay out clothes, pack lunches, check the family calendar, and make sure all homework is complete and in backpacks. Involve the whole family in this process.
This weekly prep session sets everyone up for a smooth start to the week. It also reduces morning stress and helps kids learn valuable planning skills.
16. Create a School Supply Restocking System
Keep a master list of school supplies each child needs. Every month or so, do a quick inventory check and restock as needed. This prevents last-minute scrambles for glue sticks or notebook paper.
Teaching kids to monitor and maintain their own supplies is a valuable life skill. Consider giving older children a small budget to manage their own supply restocking.
17. Establish a Positive Affirmation Routine
Start each school day with a positive affirmation or encouraging message. Write it on a sticky note in their lunchbox, leave a message on the bathroom mirror, or simply tell them as they head out the door. This small act can boost confidence and set a positive tone for the day.
Encouraging words can make a big difference in a child’s attitude and performance at school. Consider asking your child to share one thing they’re looking forward to or one goal they have for the day as part of this routine.
With these 17 fabulous back-to-school hacks, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the new school year like a pro.
