Back to School Parenting Tips

Okay, so last week Munch returned to school and I have to tell you that I was exhausted. I was so out of sorts it hurt. I couldn’t seem to catch a break or cook dinner. Thankfully, there was no homework, but it was rough. I wanted to sleep so much.

But, I realized some things that I should have done that would have eased my transition back into school. So I put together some tips to help you not fall victim to some of the traps I allowed in my house. I want you to make sure that you have a successful school year and get your routine going quickly.

Here are my back to school parenting tips:

1. Get them to bed early. I know it’s hard especially if you’ve been lax for the summer, but trust me it’s better to get them to bed early than fighting with them in the morning.
2. Cook a few meals the weekend before school starts. Freeze them if you have to. I was so thrown off by school starting and adjusting to the bus schedule and all the first week jitters that I didn’t cook not one meal. We ate out every night. Munch loved it, but my wallet didn’t. Cooking in advance would have helped solve that issue.
3. Buy school supplies from Five Below. Did you know that Five Below sells school supplies? Nope. Me neither until his dad sent me a link about a 25% off discount on 2 inch binders from the store. Staples had the binders for $8.99 each and he needed 3. I was already up to $35.00 and I wasn’t paying that price. I went to Five Below and was blown away at the selection and price. He has everything he needs for school.
4. Lunch prep and clothes prep the night before. Yes, I know you’re probably exhausted from rushing home from work and fixing dinner, giving them a bath and story time and then trying to get some housework done but you definitely should try to lay out and iron all clothes the night before and prep school lunches too.
5. Let them fly. This was hard for me, but when you think about it don’t we give our kids their wings and we want them to fly? We have to give them space to soar and navigate school on their own. Stay in the background and encourage them but don’t do it for them. Let them fly.

I promise you that these tips will make it somewhat easier. If you’re a working parent and running back and forth to school you have to find ways to value time. Our most precious commodity is time so you have to give yourself more time to be present and in the moment with parenting. By doing things like meal prepping, laying out clothes in advance and giving the kids plenty of time to rest and get back into their routine you will definitely see more time in your day.