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Back to school season can be a busy and sometimes stressful time for moms. Even if your little ones are just beginning pre-school or kindergarten like mine.
There’s something about the start of a school year that feels like a new beginning. And for moms prepping for the first day of school, there’s a variety of emotions that come along with the territory.
Excitement that everyone is getting back into a routine, relief that they’ll be occupied for a chunk of the day, and probably even sadness that the summer days are over.
But whether you’re eagerly counting down the days until your little ones are off to school or feeling a little wistful about the end of summer, you’re probally also overwhelmed by all you have to do to prepare.
But don’t worry – with this complete back to school checklist in hand you won’t miss anything! From getting your kids (and yourself) ready and organized, to stocking up on supplies and all the things you didn’t even realize you needed – I’ve got you covered.
Get ready, get set – let’s check off everything on this list so it’ll be smooth sailing once classes start!
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE BACK TO SCHOOL CHECKLIST FROM MY FREEBIE LIBRARY BY JOINING MY EMAIL LIST HERE.
Back to School Checklist for Moms: 1-2 Months Out
Clean Out and Organize Kid’s Closets
As the lazy days of summer start to wind down, it’s tempting to put off the not-so-fun tasks until the last possible moment.
One of my least favorite items on the back-to-school checklist for moms is the daunting task of cleaning out and organizing the kids’ closets. It’s the perfect opportunity to weed out clothes that no longer fit, donate items that are still in good condition, and make way for new school clothes.
But where to begin? With just a little planning and effort, moms can turn this stressful task into a fun project the whole family can get involved in.
Buy School Clothes or Uniforms
One task that often gets put off until the last minute is buying school clothes or uniforms. However, getting this task done early can save a lot of stress later on.
By taking the time to determine what your kids need and where to buy it, you can avoid the last-minute rush and ensure that your child is dressed and ready to go on the first day of school.
GRAB YOUR COMPLETE BACK TO SCHOOL PLANNER HERE AND HAVE THE BEST SCHOOL YEAR YET!
Go School Supply Shopping
Why wait until the last minute to get it all done? By tackling your school supply shopping ahead of time you can avoid the last-minute crowds and ensure that everything you need is still in stock.
From notebooks and pencils to paper towels and hand sanitizer, a little bit of preparation can go a long way in making the first day of school a smooth and stress-free experience for you and your kids. So why not get a head start on the shopping now? Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
Buy Other School Items You May Need
While clothes and supplies are usually the top priorities, let’s not forget about the other school items that may be needed.
As a mom, it can be overwhelming to keep track of everything, but having a plan and shopping early will make the transition back to school much smoother for everyone involved.
But it’s important not to forget about those items that might not immediately come to mind – things like lunch boxes, water bottles, and backpacks.
Ensuring your child is fully prepared for the school year ahead means finding the right mix of helpful accessories to set them up for success.
Must Have Back to School Items from PBKids:
Schedule Physicals/Doctor’s Visits
One important thing that is often overlooked is scheduling physicals and doctor’s visits. While it may seem like just another task to add to an already long list, it is crucial for the health and well-being of our kids.
Making sure they are up to date on vaccinations, checking for any underlying health issues, and addressing any concerns early can help prevent serious illnesses down the road.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE BACK TO SCHOOL CHECKLIST FROM MY FREEBIE LIBRARY BY JOINING MY EMAIL LIST HERE.
Register for Fall Sports and Events
Registering your kids for fall sports and events is another task you can usually check off your list early. From football and soccer to theater and debate club, there are plenty of extracurricular activities to choose from.
Not only will participating in these activities keep your kids active and engaged, but they’ll also make new friends and develop valuable skills. So don’t wait until the last minute to sign up – check out the offerings at your child’s school and help your little ones have a fun and fulfilling school year.
Add School Events to Your Calendar
As a mom gearing up for the new school year, it’s essential to stay on top of all the events and deadlines that the school year brings. Adding school events to your calendar is a great way to ensure that you don’t miss an important meeting or a fun school event.
Say goodbye to last-minute scrambling, and hello to a stress-free school year! Whether it’s a school play, parent-teacher conference, or a field trip, simply add the event to your calendar and set a reminder.
That way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you won’t forget anything important. Plus, you’ll be able to easily plan your schedule around your child’s school events. So, take the time to add school events to your calendar, and be fully prepared for the upcoming school year.
Erin Condren Daily Duo
This is my favorite planner that I use every single day. It keeps me organized and on task so I can be as productive as possible.
Work on Summer Reading and Summer Projects
The lazy, hazy days of summer might make it easy to forget about back-to-school preparations, but moms know that the clock is ticking.
To avoid last-minute panic, it’s important to tackle summer reading and summer projects sooner rather than later.
Instead of procrastinating until the end of summer, carve out some regular time to work on these tasks. This will give you some peace of mind and ensure that everything is completed well before the first day of school.
So, start checking off items on your back-to-school checklist now, and enjoy a stress-free end of summer!
Get Yourself and Your Home Organized
As moms, we all know the chaos that can come with the start of a new school year, but fear not! Organizing your home (and yourself) ahead of time can go a long way to easing the stress when that first month of school hits.
Here are a few simple ways you can prep your home in advance for the new school year:
- Make a lunch packing/snack station
- Designate and stock your homework station
- Organize your family command center
- Create a drop zone/out-the-door station
Back to School Checklist for Moms: 1-2 Weeks Out
Get Haircuts
While it may seem like a minor detail, a fresh haircut can give your child a confidence boost for their first day back. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about once the school year is in full swing.
Make sure to add “book haircuts” to your back to school checklist and start the year off on the right foot.
Meal Plan for the First Few Weeks
One important thing on your checklist is making sure your family has healthy meals planned for the first few weeks. Taking the time to plan out meals in advance can help you save time, stress, and ensure your family is getting the nutrients they need.
Need some help? Grab my busy mom’s guide to meal planning HERE!
Batch Cook and Freeze Meals
Another meal-related task that will make the transition a little bit easier is batch cooking and freezing meals. This not only saves time but also ensures your family has nutritious meals on busy school nights.
Spend a few hours on the weekend cooking up some of your family’s favorite dishes, and then freeze them for an easy, quick meal during the week.
By adding batch cooking and freezing meals to your back to school checklist, you’ll give yourself one less thing to worry about this school year.
GRAB YOUR FREE BACK TO SCHOOOL CHECKLIST WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST HERE!
Label Everything
One thing that will make life easier for both you and your kids is labeling everything they take to school.
From backpacks to lunch boxes to water bottles, putting your child’s name on everything will ensure they don’t lose anything.
Not only will it save you time and money in the long run, but it will also give your little ones a sense of ownership over their belongings.
Mable’s Labels
These labels make labeling everything SO easy! They are dishwasher and laundry-safe, so they’ll last all year!
Get Back into a Routine
Getting back into a routine can be difficult after a summer of sleeping in and late nights. It’s time for moms to help their families get back into a routine.
One key aspect of this is establishing an early bedtime to ensure everyone gets enough rest for the next day. Additionally, having a realistic morning routine and starting the day off on the right foot can make all the difference in productivity and overall mood.
Creating a consistent schedule for yourself and your children can alleviate the stress of the morning scramble.
Set Goals and Expectations
As the new school year approaches, it’s important for moms to set goals and expectations for themselves and their kids.
Whether it’s establishing a consistent homework routine or encouraging your child to join a new extracurricular activity, having a plan in place can help everyone stay organized and motivated.
However, it’s equally important for moms to set goals for themselves as well. Maybe it’s carving out more time for self-care or pursuing a new hobby.
No matter the goal, setting expectations for yourself and your children can create a sense of purpose and direction for the upcoming year. So take a deep breath, grab your planner, and get ready to tackle the new school year head-on!
MAKE THIS SCHOOL YEAR A SUCCESS WITH MY COMPLETE BACK TO SCHOOL BUNDLE!
Stock Up on Groceries and Other Household Necessities
The transition from summer vacation to back to school can be quite overwhelming, especially when it comes to grocery shopping and other household essentials.
It’s important to prepare ahead of time and stock up on necessary items such as snacks, school supplies, and cleaning products.
This not only saves time and money in the long run, but it also alleviates stress during the busy school season. Having a well-stocked pantry and household inventory can provide a sense of security and make it easier to manage weekday schedules.
While you’re at it, be sure to organize your pantry!
Back to School Checklist for Moms: Night Before
Pack Lunches and Backpacks
The night before the first day is the perfect time to get those lunches and backpacks ready so you’re not scrambling the morning of.
As you lovingly prepare your child’s favorite sandwich or snack, you can relax knowing that they will have a nutritious meal to fuel their bodies and minds.
Pack the backpack with all the required supplies, double-checking to make sure nothing has been forgotten. With the lunches and backpacks taken care of, you can sleep soundly, knowing that your child is well-prepared for their big day.
Set Out Clothes
Parents know that getting dressed in the morning can be a hassle, especially for little ones who just want to play.
That’s why moms are taking the time to set out clothes the night before, making mornings smoother and less stressful for the entire family. With crisp new outfits laid out, kids can feel confident and ready to tackle the day ahead.
Besides taking some (much-needed) stress out of the morning routine, setting out clothes can also give kids a boost of confidence as they step onto the school bus for the first time.
So, don’t forget to take the time to set out some amazing first-day-of-school outfits!
Hanging Closet Organizer
I have one of these 6-tier organizers in each of my kids’ closets. We put outfits for the week in the bottom 5 compartments and the top is reserved for other school-related items like spirit shirts, etc. so mornings are less stressful.
Read a Back to School Book
What better way to get into the back to school spirit than by reading a book about it?
From heartwarming tales of overcoming the first day jitters to discovering new friendships, there’s a back to school book out there for everyone.
So grab a book and your little one, sit back, and get ready to embrace the new school year with open arms.
A few of our favorite back to school books:
Go to Bed Early and Set Alarms
Prepping for the first day of school also needs to include a good night’s rest. As moms, it’s important to go to bed early and set alarms to ensure that everything runs smoothly the next day. With enough sleep, moms can wake up energized and ready to tackle the day ahead.
Hatch Alarm Clock
If you’re in the market for a great alarm clock this one is my favorite. It has a wind down and rise feature that makes morning and evening routines a breeze!
Review Teacher’s Name and Transportation Info with Kids
It’s your kid’s first day of school and you want to make sure everything goes smoothly. One important thing to do before you send your little one off to their new classroom is to review the teacher’s name and transportation information with them.
Take a few minutes to sit down together and practice saying the name of their teacher correctly. This will not only help your child feel more comfortable with their new teacher but also make a good first impression.
Additionally, make sure to go over the transportation information, whether your child is taking the school bus or being picked up by you. All in all, these small steps can make a big difference in ensuring a successful and stress-free first day of school for your child.
GRAB YOUR FREE BACK TO SCHOOOL CHECKLIST WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST HERE!
Back to School Checklist for Moms: First Day
Wake Up Early
As every parent knows, getting up early is essential when it comes to the start of a new school year. For moms, this often means brewing coffee in the wee hours of the morning while making sure their kids are up and getting ready for the first day.
It’s a daunting task, but the reward comes as they see their children leave the house with a backpack full of supplies and a smile on their faces.
There’s something special about being up early and taking charge of the day, and moms know that this is just the beginning of a successful school year.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Making sure to eat a healthy breakfast can make all the difference to start your day off right. Especially as the first day of school approaches, it’s important to fuel your body with the necessary nutrients to focus and perform at your best.
Consider incorporating protein and healthy fats such as eggs or avocado toast to keep you and your kids full and energized throughout the day. Don’t forget to also hydrate with water or freshly squeezed juice.
With a healthy breakfast in your system, everyone will be prepared to conquer the day ahead.
MAKE THIS SCHOOL YEAR A SUCCESS WITH MY COMPLETE BACK TO SCHOOL BUNDLE!
Take First Day of School Pictures
One thing that every mom knows is a must-do is taking a picture of her kids on their first day of school.
Whether it’s in front of your front door, in the front yard, or at their school, there’s just something special about capturing that moment.
So make sure you have your camera ready, your kids dressed in their best, and get ready to snap away! It’s a memory you’ll treasure for years to come.
***MOM TIP- The actual first day of school is usually hectic enough. The last thing you need is to have added pressure of getting that perfect first day picture. Dress your kids in their uniform or back to school outfit a few days early and snap those pictures ahead of time. No one will ever know the difference and it will alleviate a little stress on the first day!
These back to school signs are part of my complete back to school bundle or you can grab just the signs HERE!
Enjoy It and Stay Positive
The day has finally arrived – your kids’ first day of school. You’ve been preparing for this moment for weeks, maybe even months, and now it’s here. So, take a deep breath, mama, and enjoy it.
Embrace this new phase in your family’s life with open arms and a positive outlook. Celebrate all the hard work that you and your kids have put in to get to this point.
Whether it’s tears of joy or tears of sadness, allow yourself to feel every emotion and cherish this special moment in time. Remember, you’ve got this!
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