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It’s time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping, which can quickly become overwhelming, stressful, and even a little depressing. I have four kids, and it seems like each year their supply list gets longer. Oh, and my little Mattie will be in kindergarten this year, and I’m having a hard time with it.
11 Life Hacks To Make Back-To-School Fun For Everyone
My oldest is 16 and over the years I’ve picked up a few life hacks to help make heading back-to-school a little easier for everyone..
It’s okay to recycle and reuse.
Before starting your back-to-school shopping pull out last year’s leftover supplies. Not everything your kids bring home from school can be reused, but I’m sure there are a few things you can send them back-to-school with – scissors, glue, and anything else they have from the previous year that is in good condition.
Let them help create a homework folder.
Let your kids pick out any folder they like and let them know it’s their homework folder. This folder is for homework and notes to come home ONLY. It should stay in their backpack at all times unless they are putting homework in or taking it out.
Plan the kids school lunches.
We spend a lot of time planning dinner, but we don’t put the same amount of planning into lunches. It will make the mornings less stressful and weekly meal plans makes it easier to come up with healthy school lunch ideas for kids when they are planned.
Have fun with your kids lunch.
Have a little fun, add google eyes to their apple, cut their string cheese into an octopus, and have fun. They’ll appreciate it and it’s a great way to let your children know you’re thinking about them. Don’t forget to have a good lunch bag and everything they’ll need to keep their lunch. I got my kids a character backpack that came with the lunchbox, a character thermos and cup to keep everything safe until lunchtime.
Practice, practice, and practice some more.
I’m going to admit, I let my kids stay up WAY too late this summer and I’m already getting them back into a better sleeping schedule. They should be in good shape next week, then we’re going to start getting up and getting dressed like we would if it was a school day. This helps figure out my morning routine so I can get everyone out the door by 7:30am, especially since I’ll be sending four kids to school each morning.
Get organized early.
I learned last year that I need to get organized and make sure the kids have a place for everything so we can quickly find it in the morning. Things like backpack hooks, shoe area, coat hanger, school note area, separate hamper for school clothes, and make sure the kids have their own alarm clock. Sure I can wake them up, but I’m also trying to raise independent children. Plus, they like setting their alarm and waking themselves up in the morning, it helps them feel responsible.
Express yourself, even with school uniforms.
My kids go to a private school and wear uniforms, which can get a little boring if you don’t find fun ways for your children to express themselves without breaking the rules. This year we’re doing things like Frozen socks, colorful hair bands, backpacks, lunch boxes, school supplies, bracelets, earrings, and of course, the kids want Frozen, Minions, and Adventures shirts for the free days the kids get once a month.
Start shopping while the products are hot.
I know everyone gets excited about the tax-free weekend, but I start shopping before the tax-free weekend and stay home when everyone else is out fighting the crowds. I’d rather grab those awesome Frozen back-to-school items from Target before everyone else. Plus, you can typically find great deals when you start early too. I don’t notice much savings by waiting until the tax-free weekend and by starting early my kids get back-to-school gear they like.
Get your kids excited about heading back-to-school.
I’ve noticed my kids get more excited to head back-to-school when they have supplies they like. This year we’ve already purchased a few things from Target. Mattie’s is a huge Frozen fan and will be sporting her Frozen Backpack, Lunchbox, notebooks, pencils, socks, and her favorite Frozen shirt.
Get creative with the supplies.
Since Mattie is heading back-to-school with Frozen gear and Vayda with Minions I try to find supplies that match their gear. While Target has tons of character back-to-school items I still need to get pencil sharpeners, locker crates, etc. so I try to color coordinate with their current theme to get the kids excited to start school again.
Let them have fun getting ready for school too.
Why not help create a fun environment for the kids to get ready for school. I’ve learned Frozen mouthwash and Frozen gummy vitamins can helps the kid get out of bed with a little extra excitement. You can also have a morning song, dance, or even a rap. I’m not the best rapper, but we do rap in the mornings, lol. It makes mornings fun for mom too, and every now and then I’ll be a little silly and use the girls mouthwash or something. It just makes things easier and more fun for everyone.
It seems like we go through the same old routine to help prepare our children for a successful school year. Thanks to Target this year can be different with new styles, new products and a whole new energy.
I don’t know about you, but I love Target. It’s our favorite place to shop, especially as the kids prepare to head back to school. This year they’ve made it easy for not only kids, but parents to prepare for school in a way that is fun and effortless because they have everything kids want, parents need, and more. From backpacks and school supplies to school uniforms or jeans, back-to-school shopping. Target makes back-to-school prep as “easy as 1-2-3!”!
Target makes going back to school easy.
Do you have any life hacks that make back to school as easy as ABC?
