We are in the throes of our first week back to school here and things are going okay! Minus a bee sting yesterday afternoon, things are going pretty smoothly. I love being home in the mornings because that’s my TIME. I’m a morning person for sure and I no longer feel that crazy rush to get to work. Things are good and I feel way more productive around here. Just remind me to fill out all that paperwork from the schools by September 15th. UGH! I hate all the back to school paperwork!
Thankfully, I didn’t need to run out and buy too many things for back to school. Most teachers here seem to supply the class with crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks etc., and we only need to bring them if we so desire. I love that. Plus, we’re reusing our awesome LL Bean backpacks from last year since they’re in great shape. Besides new sneakers, some new t-shirts, tissues and antibacterial wipes, we were pretty much set to go!
Now that we’re mainly a single income family, I love getting a bargain and shopping with coupons. Did you know that you can save over $40 on great Healthy Essentials® products too? I’ve been trying to carve out a little bit more time for me in the new school year – whether it be taking the time to try out a new facial scrub or just take better care of my skin during my daily regimen, I am trying.
Back to school can be stressful. I reached out to my friends on Facebook to see if they had any tips worth sharing and I loved them all so much. So here they are, in no particular order:
Back to School Tips for Re-Engergizing Your Routine:
- Jiliane says book a facial – just because we deserve it after that long, hot summer.
- Kristina says give the kids responsibility. I love this. Have them get dressed themselves and help pack and prepare their breakfasts and lunches. She is even clever enough to keep all the kid dishes and utensils down low so they can get to it all themselves! Brilliant, Kristina.
- Kristina also has tons of school lunch ideas for packing at home. You should definitely check them out.
- Caroline suggests earlier bed times (maybe even a little bit earlier than usual) to get them back into the routine of waking up on time for school and getting plenty of rest.
- My tip for back-to-school is one for mom and dad – I think we all need to go to bed earlier! We’re not used to the morning hustle and bustle and the days are long for everyone. So perhaps DVR that favorite late night show and get some extra shut-eye so you’re in a better mindset and feeling energized in the mornings too! Because when we’re happy, they’re usually happy too.
There you have it! What are your back to school tips that you swear by? Anything good working well at your house? Please tell us in the comments! Enjoy your extra savings from Healthy Essentials®!
Disclosure: This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.
Related Posts
Back to School Shopping: Carter’s Coupon
2016 RoC® Wrinkle Ranking
Back to School with Five Star
Kill Those Germs: They’re Coming for You!
Osh Kosh B’gosh Back to School Coupon and SALE!
Allergy Safe Snacks for Back to School
Back to School Mabel’s Labels for Everything {Giveaway}
Organic Options Available at BJ’s
My big thing this year is lists! I actually created a list for “the night before school!” It was a life saver!
Carly from The Puzzled Palate recently posted…10 Reasons to Start a Ladies League & Other Silly Antics.
With two little boys, neosporin and band aids are both high up on our list of essentials!
I am definitely planning a back to school facial!
Leah Klein recently posted…Vegan Late Summer Strata
Extra sleep is my friend— my bedtime is 10pm now— no matter what. I save all of my dvr’d tv for running on the treadmill 🙂 My back to school tip is to have kids pick out their outfits the night before –my daughter is almost ten–and with each new day, she cares more and more about her outfits and appearance. This way, there is no dawdling in the morning.
Elena recently posted…A Taste of Beet Risotto at the Lodge at Glendorn
I do not mess with sleep that is my favorite tip. I am NOT a morning person. I was drowning in the first day of paperwork yesterday. The same signatures for three piles of paperwork.
Another great tip was to include the kids in the responsibilities of preparing their lunches etc. I am still waiting for mine to take initiative instead of me constantly reminding them.
Nicole Estrella recently posted…Fall Family Fun
We’re finishing week 3 of school and I’m pooped! My 2nd grader has to be dropped off between 7:20-7:40, so we are up EARLY! The advice of mine that you shared above is so helpful – even for mommy getting back into the routine!
Caroline Murphy recently posted…Travel Journaling with Kids
We had to buy so many supplies! But yes, the kids have more responsibilities. There are check lists all over the house!
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? recently posted…That time with the upset tummy
Even though Brian isn’t school-aged yet, I’m using this time of year to try to get us on a more regular bedtime schedule. Our routine is bath, then bottle and bed, hopefully around 8:30pm.
Jane – Mom Generations recently posted…Teen Fashion: Click-eez for girls with our Teen Correspondent – Maddie
One thing I found that has helped with back to school is I make sure that I check backpacks the minute we get in the house that way I don’t miss signing in agenda or any of those pesky forms! Plus I get the kids to help out with packing their lunches and they also make sure that they get all their clothes pulled out the night before makes it so much easier in the morning!
I Pooped Already It’s Going On he 3rd Week Of School & I Am Like Pulling My Hair Out!! LOL! Thank You For All The Great Coupons!1
Love Johons’s Baby products. I use them for my baby and my older kids! Great selection of products!
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Super Saturday Giveaway Link Up
I’m not a morning person anymore, so I definitely need to make sure I get to bed early and get at least 8 hours. Otherwise, I’m a mess!
Liz Mays recently posted…Panda PandaMonium – Match the Tiles and Free the Pandas!
I’m totally loving your first tip
Lisa recently posted…CoSchedule Review