I’m not a parent . . . but I know 100% that these ‘hack-to-school’ habits would have been a huge help.
Hack 1: Checklists, Prep, and Repeat
– Visual reminders that are colorful, fun, and creative are a way to help your kiddo understand what’s expected each day
– Have these checklists in a specific area at home – call it the command center
– Prep the night before as much as you can, or better yet prep on Sunday to plan the week ahead will ease any morning stress
– Check the weather for the week and set aside clothes with the help of your little one
– Organize the clothes in DIY cube drawers, and give your child an alarm clock so they feel involved
Hack 2: Snacks and Meals
– Plan out breakfast and other meals for the week by having your kids pick their favorites
– Less choices will make the mornings easier as they know what’s happening the next day
– Like the checklists, meal prep on Sunday for the week ahead
– Have healthy afterschool snacks hand prepped in advanced and located in an easy, memorable spot in the fridge
– Hungry kids after school? Feed them supper first, and save those after-school healthy snacks for post-dinner
Hack 3: Keep life-saving ‘tardy tools’ in reach
– For those running late mornings, keep non-perishable snacks like granola bars in your car
– If the morning is extra rough and you forget the backpack or gym clothes, stash notebooks/pencils and an extra set of active-wear in the trunk
Hack 4: Make homework time a happier time
– Have a designated spot at home for schoolwork without any distractions
– The ‘homework station’ can be full of supplies in one area, which will make it less likely for supplies to go missing
– If your kiddo can’t sit still, create a ‘homework caddy’ where they can be mobile with their supplies from the couch to the kitchen table