Back-to-School Tips for the Busy Mom - 2022 Edition
Discover > Texas Mom Blog > Back-to-School Tips for the Busy Mom - 2022 Edition
The hectic, overscheduled life of an overworked mom can be changed for the better, starting with these back-to-school tips.
As summer vacation comes to a close and the back-to-school commercials start filling our televisions, many moms feel the pressure of transitioning back into a routine.
How can we prepare for the new school year when it feels like we've just been trying to keep up with summer? Have no fear! This Texas Mom Blog post will share tips that will help you get ready for class while enjoying the last bits of summer break. So read on, busy moms, and let's get started!
Before School Starts
The week before school starts can be a hectic time for any family. There are the last-minute doctor and dentist appointments, shopping for supplies and clothes, and saying goodbye to late bedtime and summer activities. For working mothers, there is also the task of getting child care and school buses lined up for the coming year. All of these things can be very overwhelming, but there are some things that you can do to try and reduce stress.
4 Tips: Scheduling, Meal Planning, Budgeting, Setting Goals
1. Scheduling
2. Meal Planning
3. Budgeting
4. Setting Goals
Set a Weekly Schedule
One of the best things you can do to prepare for the new school year is to get yourself a planner. If you don't already have one, find one that works for you and start using it to jot down school schedules, important dates, appointments, and events.
You can get organized by using your planner to set a weekly schedule. Doing this will allow you to keep track of your child's homework assignments, as well as after-school activities.
Having a planner can also help you map out your family's weekly schedule. You will be able to properly arrange a time for school, study, and extra-curricular activities and make sure there's downtime.
Ease Into the Routine
One thing that can help with getting your family back into a routine a few days before school starts is setting the alarm clock. Going to bed and getting up at regular times, give the kids time to adjust. This will help everyone to feel more rested and less frazzled when the first day of school comes.
Establishing a consistent sleep routine should work all year round, allowing family members to stay on top of their game mentally, physically, and academically.
With schools reopening across Texas, it's back to juggling busy morning breakfast routines. These healthy muffins provide the perfect option for the family!
Make A Weekly Meal Plan
Another helpful tip for busy moms is to have a weekly meal plan. This can be a huge time saver because you won't have to spend time every day trying to figure out what to make for dinner. Having a meal plan also ensures that your family gets to eat healthy meals.
The best way to make a meal plan is to take some time on the weekend to plan out your meals for the week. For example, if you know you'll be busy on Tuesday night, plan to have a crockpot meal that can be easily prepared in the morning. For other busy nights, you may opt to have quick and easy dinners like spaghetti or chicken nuggets.
Meal Planning Tips
Map out your menu
Involve the entire family
Shop after looking at your fridge and cupboard
Use your menu plan to make a shopping checklist
Keep favorite recipes handy
Cook in batches
Freeze leftovers for future use
There are a lot of great meal plan online resources to choose from. Check out some of TexasRealFood’s healthy habit tips for back to school here.
Plan a Nutritious Diet
Ensuring that kids eat nutritious meals these days can be challenging, but it is essential to ensure they are getting the fuel they need to grow and learn. Here are some tips for making sure your kids are getting proper nutrition in time for school:
Talk to your child's teacher or the school nurse about what foods are available and how to make sure your child is getting enough to eat.
Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast before school. Studies show that a nutritious breakfast will help them focus and do their best during the day.
Pack a healthy lunch for your child with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein. Include some whole grain slices of bread, crackers, or low-fat dairy products. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks.
Encourage your child to participate in extra-curricular activities like sports or dance. Physical activity helps kids stay healthy and can also be a lot of fun.
By planning and making healthy food accessible, you can help your child start the school year off on the right foot - nutritiously!
You have to try some of TexasRealFood's easy healthy snack ideas that are great to fill lunch boxes.
Develop A Budget
One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to develop a back-to-school budget. With the start of the school year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning.
When developing your budget, be sure to factor in the cost of tuition, books, supplies, and extra-curricular activities. Also, don't forget to save money for unexpected expenses like field trips or school shirts.
One way to save money is to take advantage of back-to-school sales. Another is to shop at discount stores. You can also check out websites where you can buy gently used clothes for a fraction of the price.
Practical Back-To-School Budgeting Tips
Preparing for significant expenses like back-to-school shopping is easier with these practical tips :
Do a supply sweep by taking inventory of what you already have. This prevents you from over-stocking on school necessities like pencils and notebooks.
Arrange a supply swap with your friends, classmates, or neighbors. Let them know what you need and make an exchange!
Most retailers drop their prices after the back-to-school rush is over. Hold off on new clothing and plan your shopping trips around the sale.
Look for cheaper textbook prices online before buying the ones offered at the school bookstores.
Following these tips can make the transition back to school a lot less stressful. Just remember to take things one day at a time and ask for help when you need it!
Set Goals
As the new school year approaches, parents or guardians must sit down with their children and set some goals. Unfortunately, students often get caught up in the daily grind of homework, classes, and extra-curricular activities and lose sight of their long-term aims. By setting aside some time at the beginning of the year to discuss goals, parents can help their children stay on track and motivated throughout the year.
When setting goals for the school year, we recommend that you keep the following in mind:
Encourage Positive Behavior
Help your child understand what is expected of them at school, and praise them when they display positive behavior. This will encourage them to continue behaving well.
Manage Your Expectations
When setting goals, involve your child to feel ownership over their targets. It's also important to be realistic and specific. Vague goals like "do well in school" are challenging to measure. Instead, try something like "pass all quizzes and exams."
You can also break down large goals into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if your child wants to get better grades, you can discuss what steps they need to take - like reducing screen time, and how this may lead to achieving this goal.
Communicate With the Teacher
If you have questions or concerns about schoolwork or the curriculum, reach out to your child's teacher. They can offer guidance and support throughout the year.
Texas schools are some of the best in the nation, but that doesn't mean that school kids don't face challenges. Whether it's staying on top of homework time or dealing with peer pressure, there are always new hurdles to overcome. But by setting goals and working together, parents and students can ensure that the new school year is a success.
Make the First Day Easier
Children often get nervous about new situations like a new school, classroom, or teacher. One way to help ease their anxiety is to talk about what they can expect on the first day. This could include a tour of the school, meeting the teacher, and learning about the daily schedule. Helping your child feel prepared for the first day may make the transition smoother and less stressful.
Another way to reduce stress on the first day of school is to have everything ready to go the night before. This means packing a backpack with all the necessary supplies, picking out an outfit, and making sure there is a healthy breakfast in the morning. Planning ahead can help avoid any last-minute scrambling and help your child feel more confident and prepared for the day.
Starting the school year off on the right foot can set the tone for the rest of the year. By following these tips, you can help your child feel more comfortable and confident as they embark on this new adventure.
Reducing Stress: Tips For The Week
If you're like most busy moms, the week can be a stressful time. Between work, errands, and taking care of the kids, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But there are some simple things you can do to reduce stress and make the week go more smoothly. Here are a few tips:
Sleep: Use your weekend downtime to catch up on sleep. You'll feel better rested and less stressed throughout the week.
Stay Organized: Make a list of things you need to do daily, and stick to it. Seeing your tasks written down will help you stay organized and focused.
Disconnect: Take a break from electronics after dinner and spend some time talking with your family or reading a book. Disconnecting from screens will help you relax and get ready for bed. Listen to calming music, read your favorite book, or take a warm bath.
Take Time Alone: Schedule some "me time" into your week, even if it's just for 15 minutes. Use that time to do something you enjoy, like listening to music or taking a walk.
Slow Down and Take It Easy: Practice relaxation techniques. There are many ways to relax, including meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation. Find out what works best for you and make it a part of your weekly routine.
Stay Healthy: Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Going for a jog or a quick swim are great ways to get active.
Avoid Guilt: When it comes to school, we have to remember that our kids are going to be okay. The teachers are there to help them, and they will make friends. We need to take a step back and trust that the system works. Allowing our guilt to consume us will put a lot of unnecessary stress on our shoulders.
List Your Wins: By taking a few moments out of each day to list your wins, you can shift your focus and start appreciating all the good things in your life. This will help you feel more positive and motivated, which can make a big difference in managing stress.
Seek Help if Needed: If you are struggling to manage your child's school experience, don't hesitate to reach out for help from professionals or other parents. There is no shame in admitting that you need assistance.
One of the best things you can do is talk to other parents. See how they're feeling and get some perspective. It's normal to feel stressed, but we must remember that taking small steps to reduce stress can make a big difference in your well-being.
It's easy to focus on our triggers, but we only add to our stress levels when we do that. So give these tips a try and see how they work for you.
Practice Safe Habits Against Covid-19
Prevention is always better than finding a cure. Always practice these safe habits regardless of the procedures your child’s daycare, elementary school, middle school, or high school implements to mitigate the spread of the virus:
Encourage the kids to wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
Monitor your child for symptoms which may include coughing, chest pains, body aches, sore throat, and congestion.
Keep your kids home if they have any symptoms.
Masking is a decision that you can make with your pediatrician. Take into consideration your own personal risk tolerance, as well as your child’s ability to comfortably wear a mask.
If you have more questions about your child’s school’s Covid-19 policies for the coming school year, it’s best to contact the school administration directly. For questions about your child’s health, including masking and vaccination inquiries, you may reach out to your pediatrician or healthcare provider for guidance.
Final Thoughts
While these tips are helpful, they are by no means exhaustive. Every mom's situation is different, so tailor these suggestions to fit your needs. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that it's okay to ask for extra help! Don't be afraid to delegate some of the responsibility, whether it's from your partner, a friend, or a family member.
What are your best tips for surviving the back-to-school season? We'd love to hear from you!
