The hot summer days will soon come to an end and the nights will get cooler... You know what this means, another school year is on the way! Surely, your house looks a lot different during the summer time. And while the kids are enjoying their summer camp activities, now is the time for you to reset and ready your home for back-to-school season...
The School Solstice Is Upon Us!
During the summer, days are a bit more relaxed. The kids usually start summer camp around 9 AM, which means they can sleep in a bit more. And we all know they need it, because chances are, if your household looks anything like ours, your kids are most likely staying up later in the evening, playing outside with their friends, or swimming in the pool.
This is the reason why you need to plan transitioning your home into the school season. For example, going back to school for our family means that we are back to waking up at 6:45 AM to get the kids fed, lunches made, and out the door by 8 AM... then off to the home office by 8:15 AM.
Given that our twins are going into 3rd grade, this means that lists are necessary. Everything needs to be planned and checked off a list. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, lists are your new best friends. Which brings us to...
Our Top 7 Tips to Get Your Home Back-to-School Ready
After spending a whole summer and having quality time with your kids, you might be dreading the day they have to go back to school. (Or, you might be cheering!) Here are 7 tips to make the transition smoother...
1. To-do list on display
If you want your kids to go through their to-do list frequently, you need to think of a cute way to display it in a high-traffic area. Think of your foyer, mudroom, or fridge door. It’s a fun way to keep them engaged and make sure they are checking off each item they’ve completed. Turn it into a game, and you’re another step closer to success.
2. Design a landing station
The first thing kids do when they get home is take off their backpacks right in front of the door, drop it, and go. If you’re like me and don’t like the clutter it creates (or repeating yourself 1,000 times), why not design a landing station? Create a dedicated space for backpacks, laptops, charging stations, and even a homework station right where it’s needed most.
3. Keep the homework station fully stocked
Speaking of a homework station, try to make it as efficient as possible. Keep it stocked with easily accessible pens, pencils, paper, folders and other items that are needed for your kids to do their homework without getting distracted. (Plus some more tips for you, if you’re a first-time work-from-home parent.)
4. Transition the mudroom from summer to school season
What does your mudroom look like at the moment? Let me guess... it’s full of pool gear and other summer camp supplies? To better prepare your home for the back-to-school season, move the summer gear into storage (organize it if you can… future you will thank you). You can also start getting ready for fall sports activities like soccer, football, and cross country. (Just like rotating your wardrobe for the season, right?)
5. Vamp up the playroom
Is the family room or playroom in a good spot to have kids come over after school? Once school starts back up, your kids may want to have a friend come over after school to work on homework or play video games. Things may not get as crazy as they do in the summer, but having a dedicated space will make your life easier.
6. Meal delivery is your friend
One of my ultimate life hacks that I recommend to any busy parent is meal delivery services. There are so many to choose from, and we have been using them for so long that I don’t know how else we could have family meals with our busy schedules. Though the meals can be a bit more involved to cook, it does help us remember to slow down at least one night of the week to have a nice dinner at home.
7. Avoid overbooking your kids
This year, above all years, make sure to not overdo it with sports and extracurricular activities. The pandemic has forced all of us to slow down and not over-commit ourselves. Instead of falling back into old habits, now is the time to ask yourself if your kids really want to sign up for that sport, or whether or not you really enjoy helping out with the bake sale.
P.S. Just because you have said yes before, doesn’t mean you have to again. It’s your choice! And take it from me, there’s nothing more empowering than saying “no” to something that doesn’t bring you joy.
There you have it — plenty of tips to keep you organized, sane, and loving your kids. All in all, keep in mind that a new school year can bring exciting new possibilities. Spend the time to prepare your home and kids, and experience some back-to-school fun!
— Kathryn