10 Creative Back to School Tips your Life Easier

As a parent, back to school season is a whirlwind of excitement and chaos. Getting school supplies, coordinating schedules, and managing all the little things can feel overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks from my favorite parents, who said these have made this time of year a bit more manageable—and, dare I say—enjoyable! Here are ten creative and unique back-to-school tips to make your life easier.

1. Create a “Command Center”

This was a game-changer for my family. Dedicate a space in your home to a back-to-school command center. This can be a small table or a section of your kitchen counter. Here, you can keep all the essentials: school schedules, lunch menus, permission slips, and even a whiteboard for daily reminders. This way, everything is in one place, and no more searching for lost papers!

Here’s a great example from Sunday Family.com

2. Use Color-Coding for Everything

Color coding has been a lifesaver for our busy household. Assign each child a color and use that color for their school supplies, lunch containers, and even their calendar entries. It makes it so much easier to keep track of everyone’s stuff, and it helps the kids feel a sense of ownership over their belongings.

Here’s a great example from Brightstarlabels.com

3. Set Up a Morning Routine Checklist

Mornings used to be a mad dash in our house until I introduced a morning routine checklist. We laminated it and hung it on the fridge. It includes simple tasks like brushing teeth, packing lunch, and grabbing a water bottle. The kids love checking off each item; it keeps us all on track without me having to remind them constantly.

Here’s a great example from theincrementalmama.com

4. Create a “ Back to School Homework Caddy”

Instead of having to hunt down supplies every time it’s homework time, we put together a portable homework caddy. It’s a small bin filled with pencils, erasers, scissors, glue, and anything else they might need. When it’s time to do homework, they grab the caddy and have everything ready.

Here’s a great example from wayfair.com

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5. Prep Lunches the Night Before

This might seem obvious, but prepping lunches the night before has saved us so much time and morning stress. I even get the kids involved by letting them choose what they want to include from a list of healthy options. It’s one less thing to worry about when rushing out the door.

Here’s a great example from mysweetgreens.com

6. Plan Outfits for the Week

We started doing this a couple of years ago, and it’s been such a timesaver. We plan out the kids’ outfits for the entire week on Sunday nights. We use a hanging organizer with five slots, one for each day. This way, there’s no morning debate about what to wear, which helps avoid last-minute wardrobe malfunctions.

7. Make a “School Supply Stash”

Inevitably, someone will need extra pencils or a new notebook mid-year. Instead of running to the store every time, I created a school supply stash. I keep it stocked with extra supplies I buy for sale during back to school season. It’s come in handy more times than I can count!

Here’s a great example from lifewithlessmess.com

8. Create a Car Kit

During the school year, our car is an extension of our home. I put together a “car kit” with essentials like extra water bottles, snacks, wet wipes, a small first aid kit, and even a few books and games to entertain them during car rides. It’s been a lifesaver for unexpected delays or last-minute errands.

Here’s a great example from twinmomrefreshed.com

9. Set Up a “Drop Zone”

The first thing the kids do when they come home is drop their backpacks and shoes wherever they please. We set up a designated “drop zone” by the front door to combat this. Each child has a hook for their backpack and a shoe bin. It keeps the clutter at bay and makes it easy to grab everything in the morning.

Here’s a great example from momoftheyear.net

10. Plan for Self-Care

Finally, don’t forget about yourself. Back to school season can be stressful, so carving out time for self-care is essential. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee before the kids wake up, a quick workout, or just taking a few minutes to breathe, taking care of yourself will help you take better care of your family.

With these tips in your back to school arsenal, you’ll be ready to tackle the new school year. Here’s to a smooth and stress-free transition back to the classroom! 
PS: Read this article to see how you can support your child with reading at home to start them off on a good foot this semester!

Listen to this article and more on our podcast!

8 Things to do before getting an IEP – Raising Readers

In this episode, I'll cover the following questions: Key Questions Covered: How do you set realistic goals for your child before pursuing an IEP? What should you do while waiting for an IEP to be approved? How can you effectively communicate with teachers during the IEP process? Why is it important to track your child’s academic progress and behavior? How can outside tutoring or support help during the IEP process? When is extra time on tests helpful, and when is it not? What role do routines and study habits play in your child’s success? How can educational apps and tools enhance your child’s learning at home? And more! Looking for a tutor to help your child in reading or math? Check out one of the best tutoring services, based in Chicago, The Innovative Learners. 🥳 We pride ourselves on offering the best tutoring experience powered by our team of the best, most experienced, and passionate teachers.  Our approach revolves around personalized learning, where we tailor our methods to match each student's individual needs.  With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, our tutors create a supportive environment conducive to academic growth.  We understand that every student is unique, which is why we focus on providing personalized attention to ensure effective comprehension and skill development.  If you're looking for top-tier tutoring that prioritizes your success, click the link below to get connected with The Innovative Learners and our team of best tutors.  After three months in our program, your child will grow at least three grade levels! ✅ Connect with The Innovative Learners here:  https://theinnovativelearners.com/ Request a tutor: https://form.jotform.com/223615282943155 Click this link to schedule an in-person meeting with Gabriell at 6127 S University Ave #1286, Chicago, IL 60637: https://app.usemotion.com/meet/gabriell-gaiter/meetirl Have questions about IEPs? Click here to read my article:https://theinnovativelearners.com/parent-tips/how-to-determine-if-an-iep-will-benefit-your-child/ Is your child lacking their phonics skills? Click here to read my article about how to improve them: https://theinnovativelearners.com/reading/understanding-phonics/ Need help improving your child's reading habits? Click here to read my tips: https://theinnovativelearners.com/uncategorized/6-ways-to-improve-reading-at-home/

1. 8 Things to do before getting an IEP 17:32
2. How to Make your Back to School Season Easier 13:41
3. Why are schools using "new math"? 08:10
4. What most parents get wrong about online learning 16:23
5. 3 Ways to Increase Reading Levels this Summer (And Prevent the Summer Slide) 19:39