My kids go back to school in just over a month and I’m just about ready. Summer is awesome for sure, but by about early-August I’m ready to start getting back into a routine, the one we threw out the window during the last week of school. So while I’m getting my back-to-school ducks in a row, I’ll share with you my must-haves for staying sane and semi-organized during this time of year. If you can add to the list, lay it on me!
Coffee
You guys, my kids start school SO early. They get on the bus at 7:13am and that bus is already mostly full when they hop on, so some of those kids are getting on at 6-something. For the love of learning, why???? It’s too early in my book. So coffee to jump start me and get my eyes opened is numero uno on my list. My Keurig is basically my BFF and I and living on these dark roast varieties.
Art Folder
Kids come home with so. much. paperwork. Each of mine have an art folder like this one and the stuff we end up keeping gets filed in there. They’re great for keeping special projects and those A+ tests organized by year and safe from being crumpled up.
Lunch Box Essentials
My kids pack lunch nearly every day so there are a few things we use all the time. You can check out my post on packing a zero-waste school lunch for more details. Basically we use a thermos, water bottle, resealable containers, reusable bags, and little ice packs daily.
Corkboard/Whiteboard
I’m a visual person so I need things right in front of me or I forget about them. We have a whiteboard and cork board combo in the kitchen so important papers and reminders can get written or hung up immediately. As soon as the date has passed or I can cross something off my to-do list, they come down. If the kids need to go to school in school colors, hang that reminder right in my FACE, folks.
Wall Calendar
Again, visual person. I can’t use a calendar on my phone or computer. I hang a wall calendar in the kitchen so the whole family can see what’s ahead on the agenda. Soccer games, birthday parties, special events at school, etc. etc. It all goes on the calendar. They have so many cool ones now. I like to find something that doubles as wall art.
Folder for Me
There are papers that the kids come home with that I like to keep handy, like their passwords to the online math practice sites, dates for standardized tests (ask me how I opt my kids out!), etc. I keep a simple pocket folder in my kitchen for easy access when I need to find this info. Rule of thumb: If it’s not important enough for Mom’s folder or special enough for the kids’ art folders, it belongs in the trash.
After-School Snacks
My kids are starving when they get off that bus! Here are 10 great ideas for after-school snacks. I always try to have a plan, even if that plan is fruit and a granola bar. Otherwise they are raiding the pantry for anything they can shove in fast. My favorite? These No-Bake Peanut Butter Snack Balls. Soooo good!
Easy Dinners
Both of my kids play soccer so we are running out the door more nights than not. Fast dinners are my friend. One of our favorites is this Easy Burrito Bar. Full of veggies and healthy goodies, and I can have this on the table in 10-15 minutes flat. We eat it once a week! Slow cooker meals are also a lifesaver. We love this Turkey Chili and my Easy Pot Roast Recipe.
Want more back-to-school inspiration? I’ve rounded up 40 of the best tips and tricks right here!
Tell me, what are your must-haves for back to school?
I’ve teamed up with seven other bloggers to share some of our must-haves throughout the year. See what are their must-haves for back to school, too. Meet the Moms Tell All group:
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