Back To School Routines
As the excitement (and maybe a little chaos) of the new school year starts to kick in, we want to partner with our families as we gear up for a new school year! We’re bringing you all the mom hacks paired with sourced must have items you didn’t know you needed to conquer those mornings and evening during the week that will help launch your family off for a great new school year!
Explore everything you need linked below!
Routines & Chores
Imagine mornings and evenings flowing smoothly, without constant nagging! These routine charts empower kids to independently rock their tasks while you can reclaim your time and sanity! These charts transform chaos into calm, building responsibility and confidence in your little ones. These are also great for saturday chores! Studies show kids with autonomy are more responsible, confident, and successful later in life. Children involved in chores have higher self-esteem, improved problem-solving skills, and a stronger sense of belonging. Creating structure with chores and routines promotes independence and accountability. Let's raise empowered kids, one task at a time!
I'm obsessed with the Hatch Restore (and its little sibling, the Hatch Rest!), it's totally transformed our family's sleep routines. No more chaotic mornings or bedtime battles! Use it in the evenings to create soothing wind-down routines, in the mornings, gentle light and nature sounds help the kiddos wake up peacefully and independently. You can schedule reading time or quiet play – hello, mama break! It's also a sound machine and night light. This thing is a game-changer for kids of all ages.
Mornings
Start your week by laying out all the clothes for the week in this convenient over the door organizer. Get the kids involved, let them pick and choose (with some gentle guidance, of course!), their outfits for the week. No more frantic rummaging through drawers or those dreaded "I have nothing to wear!" meltdowns at 7 AM. Don’t forget to lay out any accessories they may reach for in the mornings. This simple step saves SO much time during the week, leaving you with a few extra minutes for coffee or productivity. Say goodbye to morning power struggles and let everyone start their day with a smile! Trust me, this is a game-changer!
Create a DIY get-ready bin loaded with with hair essentials, toothbrushes, etc…(this spray bottle is great for taming morning bed head) to keep in the kitchen. This simple hack allows you to manage breakfast and other morning duties simultaneously.
Evenings
Consider adding 15-30 min of wind down time before lights out. We like to call this whisper hour! Everyone whispers as they get ready for bed setting the tone for a calm and quiet environment. Once the kiddos are ready for bed allow them to transition in their beds with some “quiet time” - when you come to put everyone down for bed, your kiddos have already acclimated to ending the day and are ready in their beds for bed time.
This genius hanging bed caddy is a must have for quiet time! Fill it with parent approved quiet time activities such as: books, brain games, or even a little journal. This hanging organizer gives them a chance to wind down and transition from their day to sweet dreams without getting out of bed.
Meal Time
Tired of shouting for breakfast and dinner? Transform mealtime with fun auditory cues! This dinner bell is an affordable great option or consider these bedroom doorbells– a playful way to call your crew to the table. Kids respond great to auditory cues, making meal prep smoother and stress-free. Imagine peaceful evenings and happy mornings, all thanks to a simple ding or ring!
A visual timer is an amazing tool to help kids visually see how much time they have left for any activity. No more dawdling over meals or getting dressed. Set it for mealtime, getting ready, or anything in between! Hold firm on the time limits you set, and watch as your kids become time-management pros.
Ignite amazing conversations with fun table topic cards! Family meals are a fantastic way to connect, share stories, and build stronger bonds. Studies show that kids who regularly eat with their families tend to have higher academic achievement and better emotional well-being. These simple prompts can transform your dinner table into a lively hub of laughter, learning, and intentional connection.
Reward Systems
Let's celebrate those wins! Set up a fun reward system to keep the good vibes flowing. Think, allowance or extra playtime, or even a special family outing when they nail their routine charts.
This magnetic jar is a great way for kids to visually see their good deeds growing! Rewarding positive behaviors like finishing meals on time, staying snug in bed, and rocking reading time will make them feel amazing and motivated. Positive reinforcement is super effective and will help motivate your kids to keep those routines flowing smoothly!
The Secret Ingredient - Planning & Trial Runs
The secret lies in proactive preparation. Plan your ideal school night and morning routines. Break down what needs to happen each morning and evening with realistic timeframes.
Before the school year begins, start practicing your new routine paired with your new tools and systems mentioned above. This allows you to review and adjust the routine as needed before the big day and help kids be prepared for the expectations. Think of it as a trial run!
Get ahead of the game, and enjoy a stress-free start! Two weeks before the first day, begin gradually adjusting bedtimes. This simple step can significantly ease the transition back to a school-year sleep schedule.
We hope these hacks bring a little more calm and a lot more success to you and your child’s days. Embrace these strategies, adapt them to your family's needs, and watch as your routines transform. Here's to smoother days, happier kids, and a fantastic school year ahead!
Now go forth and conquer, warriors!