Back to School Survival Guide for Moms

As a mom, the back-to-school season can be both exciting and overwhelming. With the new school year right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how to make the transition as smooth as possible for both you and your family.

Some of the information below includes affiliate links. When you click these links I may make a commission from your purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Use this comprehensive back-to-school survival guide to help you establish a solid routine, stay organized, plan meals, shop on a budget, practice self-care, and more.

Establishing a Solid Routine: One of the most important things you can do to ensure a successful school year is to establish a solid routine. This includes setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, creating a morning routine that works for you and your family, and scheduling homework and study time. By creating a routine, you’ll help your family feel more organized and prepared for the school year ahead.

Back to School Survival Highlights

• Establishing a solid routine is crucial for a successful school year.
• Staying organized can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
• Planning meals and shopping on a budget can save time and money.

Use tips and creating a routine that works for your family, you can help ensure a successful school year.

School Supplies Management

Managing your child’s school supplies can be a challenge, but with a little bit of planning, it can be done. Start by creating a list of the supplies that your child will need for the school year. Purchase these supplies in advance and store them in a designated location. Make sure to label all of your child’s supplies with their name to prevent them from getting lost.

Make organization a priority and help make the back-to-school transition smoother for both you and your child.

Nutrition and Meal Planning

Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Starting your day off with a healthy breakfast is essential for maintaining energy and focus throughout the day. Here are some quick and easy breakfast ideas that are both nutritious and delicious:

• Greek yogurt with berries and granola
• Whole grain toast with avocado and a poached egg
• Smoothie made with smoothie mix, a banana, and almond milk

Packing Nutritious Lunches

When it comes to packing lunches for your kids, there are a lot of options you can include in their lunch box. Choose from a variety of foods that will keep them full and focused throughout the day. Here are some tips for packing nutritious lunches:

• Include a protein source such as chicken, turkey, or hummus
• Add in some veggies like carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers
• Pack a piece of fruit and a healthy snack such as trail mix or a granola bar

Quick and Easy Dinners

After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking dinner. Here are some quick and easy dinner ideas that are both healthy and delicious:

• One-pan roasted chicken and veggies
• Grilled salmon with quinoa and roasted asparagus
• Stir-fry made with brown rice, veggies, and tofu or chicken

Check out our quick and easy meal planning guide to get more ideas of what to cook for dinner this school year.

And we also love ordering a few meals a week from Hello Fresh to mix into our meal rotation! This gives us a lot of meal options and adds in different flavors I may not think to include on my own!

Remember, eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating these simple meal ideas into your routine, you’ll be on your way to a healthier and happier school year.

Shopping and Budgeting

As a mom, back-to-school shopping can be overwhelming, but with a bit of planning, you can make it a breeze. Here are some tips to help you shop and budget like a pro.

Back-to-School Shopping List

Before you hit the stores or shop online, create a shopping list to avoid overspending on unnecessary items. Consider the school’s requirements and your child’s needs. Some essential items to add to your list include backpacks, lunch boxes, notebooks, pencils, pens, and binders.

Finding the Best Sales

Do your research and compare prices from different stores to find the best deals. Many stores have back-to-school sales, so take advantage of them. Also, consider shopping during tax-free weekends, which can save you money on sales tax.

Smart Coupon Usage

Coupons can be a lifesaver when it comes to back-to-school shopping. Check your local newspaper, online coupon sites, or store apps for coupons and promo codes. Also, sign up for store loyalty programs to receive exclusive discounts and rewards.

Remember to stick to your budget and avoid impulse buying. Keep track of your spending and adjust your list accordingly. With these tips, you can shop for back-to-school supplies without breaking the bank.

Self-Care for Moms

As a mom, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your family. Here are some self-care tips to help you stay healthy and happy.

Stress Management Techniques

Stress is a common part of life, but here are some tips to manage it effectively. Here are some stress management techniques to try:

• Take deep breaths: When you’re feeling stressed, take a few deep breaths to help calm yourself down.
• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a technique that involves being present in the moment. Try practicing mindfulness by focusing on your breath or on your surroundings.
• Take breaks: Take breaks throughout the day to help reduce stress. Take a few minutes to stretch, meditate, or go for a walk.

Finding Time for Exercise

Exercise can be a big part of self-care, but it can be difficult to find time for it as a busy mom. So a lot of times this can be the first thing that slips out of a routine when you get busy.Here are some tips for finding time to exercise:

• Schedule it in: Treat exercise like an appointment and schedule it into your day.
• Involve your kids: Find ways to exercise with your kids, such as going for a bike ride or playing a game of tag.
• Choose activities you enjoy: Find activities that you enjoy doing, such as dancing or hiking, to make exercise more fun.

Healthy Habits for Busy Moms

Maintaining healthy habits are good for your overall well-being. Here are some healthy habits to try:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help keep your body and mind healthy.
• Incorporate probiotics: Probiotics can help support gut health. Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt or kefir, into your diet.

Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your family. By practicing self-care, you can feel happier, healthier, and more energized.

Educational Support

As a mom, you want to ensure that your child is getting the best education experience possible. I love creating some education activities at home to help supplement what they are doing in school. Your routine can also help support their educational experience. 

Here are some strategies you can use to support your child’s education:

Homework Help Strategies

Homework can be a daunting task for children, but with the right strategies, you can help your child excel. Here are some homework help strategies:

• Establish a routine: Set a consistent time and place for your child to do their homework every day.
• Break it down: Break larger assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks.
• Provide guidance, not answers: Help your child understand the material, but don’t give them the answers.
• Celebrate success: Celebrate your child’s successes, no matter how small.

Encouraging Creativity and Curiosity

Encouraging creativity and curiosity in your child can help them develop a love for learning. Here are some ways to foster creativity and curiosity:

• Provide opportunities for exploration: Encourage your child to try new things and explore their interests.
• Allow for free play: Let your child engage in unstructured play to help them develop their imagination.
• Encourage questions: Encourage your child to ask questions and seek out answers.
• Support their interests: Support your child’s interests by providing them with resources and opportunities to pursue them.

By providing your child with educational support, you can help them succeed in school and beyond. Remember to be patient and supportive, and celebrate your child’s successes along the way.

Preparing for the First Week

The first week of school can be a challenging time for both you and your child. But with some preparation, you can make the transition smoother. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the first week of school.

Adjusting to New Routines

The first week of school is all about adjusting to new routines. You’ll want to start getting your child into the school routine a few weeks before school starts. This means getting them to bed earlier and waking them up earlier. Try to establish a routine that works for your family and stick to it.

Managing Morning Chaos

Mornings can be chaotic, especially during the first week of school. To avoid the morning rush, prepare as much as you can the night before. Lay out your child’s clothes, pack their backpack, and prepare their lunch. This will save you time and reduce stress in the morning.

Dealing with Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is common during the first week of school. If your child is experiencing separation anxiety, try to stay calm and reassuring. Let them know that you will be back to pick them up after school. You can also leave a special note or toy in their backpack to comfort them.

Remember, the first week of school can be overwhelming for both you and your child. Give it a bit of time and don’t stress if you have a few bumps along the way in the first week. Starting to implement your routine from the start will help you start the school year off on the right foot.

Effective Communication

As a mom, effective communication is key to ensuring that your child has a successful school year. Here are some tips to help you communicate effectively with your child’s teachers and stay connected with your child throughout the school year.

Building a Relationship with Teachers

Building a good relationship with your child’s teacher can help you stay informed about your child’s progress and any issues they may be having in school. Here are some ways to build a positive relationship with your child’s teacher:

• Attend parent-teacher conferences and ask questions about your child’s progress.
• Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher via email or phone.
• Volunteer to help in the classroom or at school events.
• Show appreciation for your child’s teacher and the work they do.

Staying Connected with Your Child

Stay connected with your child throughout the school year to ensure that they are happy, healthy, and doing well in school. Family dinners together have been a big part of making sure our family can check in with each other every night.

Here are some ways to stay connected with your child:

• Set aside time each day to talk with your child about their day.
• Attend school events and activities with your child.
• Help your child with their homework and school projects.
• Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities.

I hope this guide has been helpful to help you start off the year on the right foot and have a great school year! 

Resources for Moms

Check out these other great guides with more helpful information for moms!

• My Back to School Amazon Idea List
• Back to School Printable Signs
• Family Game Night
• Back to School Finds
• Cleaning Routine Printable
• Meal Planning Printable

** All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Being Mommy with Style is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.