Having kids in grade school comes with a lot of changes for the entire family. For moms who feel overwhelmed by the back-to-school craziness, it’s normal to be unsure how to handle everything! The first week of school is often the most hectic, especially when you’ve just gone on vacation. The slow days are over! But here are things you can do as a mom to make the back-to-school transition smoother for you and your kids.
Always start with a breakfast
Starting the day with a nutritious breakfast is vital for kids, especially during the school year. It’s hard to concentrate on an empty stomach, so make sure your kids eat something healthy in the morning. Oatmeal, eggs, toast, and fruit are all great options that will give them the energy they need to power through the day!
Prepare the night before
One way to ease back into the school year is by preparing as much as possible ahead of time! Make sure you have easy-to-grab breakfast and lunch items in the fridge, pack backpacks the night before, and lay out clothes, so everyone knows what to wear. This will help reduce the morning rush and make getting out the door much less stressful.
Make fun checklists
To help your kids stay organized, make fun checklists with them! This will get them excited about school and help them remember daily what they need to do. You can even use stickers or other small rewards to incentivize them!
Set your new routines
During the first week of school, it’s essential to establish new routines for the entire family. This will help everyone adjust to the new schedule and make life run smoothly. Wake up a few minutes earlier each day to have time to yourself before the craziness begins. And at night, have a set time for homework, dinner, and bedtime. Having routines will help reduce stress for everyone.
Connect with the school
The first week of class is a great time to connect with the school. If you haven’t already, introduce yourself to the teacher and ask about the curriculum. You can also talk to other parents and get involved in the PTA. Knowing the school will help you feel more comfortable and informed about your child’s education and needs.
Prepare the dedicated school spaces
To help your kids focus on school, prepare dedicated spaces to work in. This can be a corner of the room or a spot at the kitchen table. Make sure these areas are well-lit and free of distractions. Also, don’t forget to stock them with all the supplies they’ll need, like pencils, paper, and notebooks. A dedicated space will help your kids take school seriously and do their best work, even at home!
Be ready to let your kids go
The first week of school can be challenging for both kids and parents. It’s a big adjustment for everyone, and it can be tough to let go. But it’s important to remember that your kids are growing up and need to start doing things independently. They’ll be okay, and you’ll be able to relax a little. Just be sure to stay involved and keep communication open.
Take time for yourself
Remember to take a breather! It’s important to take care of yourself, too. Make sure you find time to do things you enjoy, like reading, taking a yoga class, or going for a walk. Don’t forget to schedule some time for yourself each day, even if it’s just a few minutes. You deserve it!
Don’t forget the hugs and kisses!
The first week of school is a big adjustment, but it’s also exciting! Celebrate all the new milestones with your kids. Give them extra hugs and kisses, listen to all their stories, and help them with their homework. Enjoy this time together and make the most of it.
