5 Tips to Reduce Back to School Stress

Happy Back to School season! This summer flew by. I don't totally mind because I looooove Back to School season. Buying school and office supplies is still one of my favorite ways to spend money (even if it is just for my personal stash of office supplies)! ​
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​​Although this is an exciting time of year, it can also be pretty stressful. Getting back into the swing of the school year while also trying to keep the family organized causes some major headaches. Organizing is more than having aesthetically pleasing spaces. It's about reducing stress so you have more time and energy to focus on the things you care about! Try these tips to reduce your stress and allow for more time and energy to embrace the new season.

1. Create a command center.
A command center is a must, especially during this season. Command centers are where backpacks and extra school supplies will live so that when the kids walk through the door after school, everything can go in the same place. No more searching for supplies at the last minute! A command center should also include a calendar and meal plan (check out last month’s blog for meal planning tips) so that everyone knows what to expect throughout the week. 

​2. Declutter old school supplies.
If you are like me, you hold on to old school supplies just in case you might need them again in the future. This does come in handy, but some materials also don't last very long. Go through all pens, markers, glue, and anything else you can find to make sure that it still works. Once you've checked every supply, add it to your command center or update your school supply shopping list to save you a little extra money this year!

3. Create a snack station.
Chances are, when your family gets home from school they are hungry and ready for a snack. Create easily accessible snack stations in the fridge and pantry with your family's favorite munchies! Grab-and-go snacks make it easy for your family to be self-sufficient instead of asking you to prepare something for them. I recommend getting a bin, putting it on a shelf that everyone can reach, and (of course) labelling.

4. Organize the kids' work.
Rather than throwing all work into one giant pile and having to sort through it frequently, try organizing the kids’ work as soon as it comes through the door. This is something your kids can do as well, so it’s not just on you. Whether you get bins, folders, binders, or use a drawer, each child should have their own place to put their work. As always, labelling will make your life 10 times easier and it will help the kids to know where to put their work. 

5. Bonus calendar tips!
I love a good calendar. Effective calendars are neat, simple, and located in a place where everyone can see it. I love getting different colored pens or Expo markers so that I can color code my monthly activities. Calendars are also a great tool to use with your kids to help them keep track of the days and what they have going on. It gives them ownership of their schedule which ultimately fosters independence!  

​I hope you have a fantastic Back to School season! Remember to have grace with yourself as you and your family navigate this transitional period. You’ve got this!