{"id":16138,"date":"2022-07-29T11:52:54","date_gmt":"2022-07-29T15:52:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/?p=16138"},"modified":"2022-07-29T23:52:40","modified_gmt":"2022-07-30T03:52:40","slug":"21-tips-for-back-to-school-to-survive-and-thrive-as-a-family-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/home\/21-tips-for-back-to-school-to-survive-and-thrive-as-a-family-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"21 Tips for Back to School to Survive (and Thrive) as a Family 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Check out these 21 tips for back to school to survive and thrive, shared from a teacher AND mom. Make it a happier year for the whole family! \u00a0And if you don’t have kids at home? \u00a0No worries! \u00a0Share this with a friend and then read through for some ways to work on routines\u00a0and schedules in your home, no matter the season!<\/i><\/h5>\n

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Summer flew by but I can honestly say that it was one of the best summers ever for our little family<\/strong>.\u00a0 And while I\u2019m never ready for summer to come to an end, I know there are so many wonderful things about the school year.<\/p>\n

Since I cannot slow down time or add any days to summer break, I try to just make the most of it! \u00a0This year, I am focusing on thriving as a family, not just surviving.<\/p>\n

As a teacher, starting my 18th\u00a0year of teaching, and a mom<\/strong>, here are a few tips for a successful back to school season.\u00a0 Mostly, they are reminders for myself and hopefully they can help you out too!<\/p>\n

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How to Survive and Thrive…Tips for Back to School for the Whole Family<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Is joy even possible for going back to school? \u00a0<\/strong>If you’re a parent, you may be leaping for joy that the kids are headed back to school and you can finally settle your family back into a routine. \u00a0And maybe you can actually get something accomplished while the kids are at school! \u00a0<\/p>\n

I get it!<\/strong><\/p>\n

I’ve never been the mom that loves to see my kids off to school. \u00a0I really enjoy having all of us home together.<\/strong> \u00a0At the same time, these tips for going back to school do help us not only celebrate back to school, but also feel prepared, organized, and ready for the new season!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Kids-uniforms-for-going-back-to-school-scaled.jpg” alt=”Uniforms & Backpacks with shoes ready to go for the first day of school!” title_text=”Kids uniforms for going back to school” admin_label=”IMG kids uniforms going back to school” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”1-2″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Tips to Ace Going Back to School:\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\n

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How Can We Ace Going Back to School?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Create a home environment that celebrates school<\/strong> rather than encouraging kids to dread the start of the school year. They pick up on our attitudes very quickly!<\/li>\n
  2. Make home a comfortable, cozy haven for everyone to land at the end of a busy school day. You can find 5 of my favorite tips for creating an intentional home<\/strong> over on THIS POST.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cozy-home-for-back-to-school-scaled.jpg” alt=”Sweet cupcakes with icing formed into pencils & books” title_text=”Cozy home for back to school” admin_label=”IMG cozy home for back to school” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”3″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Tips for Back to School to Get Organized<\/em><\/h3>\n

    3. Before the school year begins, spend time organizing your home. Prioritize high-functioning spaces like closets, kitchens, and bathrooms.\u00a0 Next, move to the office, playroom, and bedrooms!<\/strong><\/p>\n

    You can find some organizing tips HERE: How to Organize and Store Toys, Arts, and Crafts<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Play-room-school-room-organization-scaled.jpg” alt=”Work area in the playroom with pencils, paints, & markers” title_text=”Play room school room organization” admin_label=”IMG play room school room organization” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”4-5″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Tips for Back to School to Celebrate<\/em><\/h3>\n

    4. Take time to do something special with each child to celebrate the end of summer. This one-on-one time is invaluable.\u00a0<\/strong> It can be as simple as a morning donut date or picking out school supplies together.<\/p>\n

    5. Toss old school supplies<\/strong> that are no longer usable or need replaced. You just don\u2019t need 201 pencils and 53 broken erasers!!!<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mobile-tool-caddy-homework-station-scaled.jpg” alt=”Play room with green storage cubbies & globes on top” title_text=”Mobile tool caddy homework station” admin_label=”IMG mobile tool caddy homework station” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”6-8″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    6. Schedule a family \u201cteam meeting\u201d<\/strong> to work on organizing activities, routines, and schedules. Everyone is more likely to stay on board with the plan if they also helped created it!<\/p>\n

    7. Be intentional about scheduling after school activities; kids really need <\/em>down time and white space<\/strong> on their calendars too. Take care to not fall into the well-meaning trap of overscheduling kids!<\/p>\n

    8. Refresh chore routines or create chore routines if you don\u2019t already have time. I could write an entire blog post about chores, but suffice it to say, building a strong work ethic is extremely important.<\/strong>\u00a0 Find age and developmentally appropriate chores for everyone in the house and help them put together a sustainable schedule so that they can be consistent with their chores.<\/p>\n

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    Tips for Back to School: How Do You Make Back to School Fun for Kids?<\/em><\/h3>\n

    9. Our kids are really excited about a new app we\u2019ve been experimenting with this summer! It\u2019s called “Busy Kids” and I can already see that it\u2019s going to be a big help for chore consistency<\/strong>.\u00a0 At the same time, our children are going to all benefit from working on their finance skills too!<\/p>\n

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    How Can I Survive the\u00a0First Day of School<\/i><\/h3>\n

    10. Create bedtime routines<\/strong> and about a week before school begins, start adjusting to a school year bedtime. Children ages 6-13 need 9-12 hours of sleep at night, according to studies.\u00a0 Set them up for success by making sure they consistently get the sleep they need!<\/p>\n

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    11. Stock up on extra school supplies while you\u2019re already in the mode of purchasing supplies. It\u2019s a great time to catch those back to school sales.\u00a0 I keep a small bin with extra pencils, erasers, glue sticks, etc<\/strong>.\u00a0 It saves time and stress throughout the year!<\/p>\n

    12. Since I know my availability to run out to the store for home essentials gets cut way back when school begins, I try to help myself out by making sure I\u2019m well-stocked with household essentials and personal items<\/strong> for everyone in our home. I treat it kind of like the stock-up and refresh time many of us do in January for the new year!<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Fashion-backpacks-for-back-to-school-scaled.jpg” alt=”Addy’s monogrammed backpack with notebook, shoes & pencil case” title_text=”Fashion backpacks for back to school” admin_label=”IMG fashion backpacks for back to school” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”13″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    How Do I Make It Easier to Go Back to School for the Whole Family?<\/em><\/h3>\n

    13. As much as possible, tie up the loose ends of any remaining projects around home<\/strong>. Not only does it feel good to start the school year fresh, but it also frees up a lot of time for you as YOU adjust to the kids being back in school.\u00a0 You can appropriately gauge your next project based on how much time you see your kids will need from you after school each day.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    I know some days get really busy for us between chauffeuring kiddos to activities and homework!\u00a0 It\u2019s just a great feeling to start the school year fresh!<\/strong>\u00a0 (That being said, I am currently in the middle of a couple of projects myself, so number 12 may not happen here this year! Haha!)<\/p>\n

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    How Do I Budget for the Back to School Season?<\/em><\/h3>\n

    14. This may not apply to everyone, but for us, it is helpful to take a little time and reassess our budget<\/strong>. A new school year brings new fees, different activities, and unique needs.\u00a0 It really takes the strain out when we plan ahead and realign our budget to fit those needs.<\/p>\n

    15. As you look at the budget, consider any help you may be able to add<\/strong>. We are adding a little extra house cleaning and some home maintenance.\u00a0 Some of those things got stressful last year so we are making it a priority to get help in those areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    As our children get older, I\u2019m finding that there are some things that get easier.\u00a0 Time is NOT one of those things and I need more of it to be available for their needs.<\/p>\n

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    Tips for Back to School: Don’t Forget the Snacks!<\/em><\/h3>\n

    It’s one of my kids’ favorite parts!<\/strong><\/p>\n

    16. Have the kids go to the grocery store with you<\/strong> and stock up on items for lunches and snacks. It can save some money to purchase those items in bulk, so it\u2019s definitely best to make sure you\u2019re getting what they love and will actually eat!<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Boys-lunchbox-for-back-to-school-scaled.jpg” alt=”Harrison’s monogrammed backpack with lunchbox & shoes with crayons & pencils” title_text=”Boys lunchbox for back to school” admin_label=”IMG cute lunchbox for back to school” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”17-18″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    How Do You Celebrate Back to School?<\/em><\/h3>\n

    17. One of my best tips for back to school is to prioritize family time for each day<\/strong>. It may need to be a different time on some days because of activities, but make sure there is at least a little time each day that your family all connects.\u00a0 This is increasingly important to me as our children get older.\u00a0 It\u2019s not always easy, but I feel like it is essential.<\/p>\n

    18. Schedule a little weekend trip for a few weeks into the school year<\/strong> for everyone to look forward to. It can help everyone to realize there is still a lot of fun to be had and the end of the summer doesn\u2019t mean the end of family fun!<\/p>\n

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    What’s a Good Back to School Gift?<\/em><\/h3>\n

    19. Connect with your child\u2019s teacher before<\/em> the school year begins.<\/strong> I know I\u2019m saying this as a teacher, but trust me, it means a lot for a parent to reach out before school begins to see what you need and how they can help.\u00a0 Consider putting together a simple little gift to give them after the first week of school\u2026gift cards are always appreciated!<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span> (If there are any of my students\u2019 parents who read this, I\u2019m NOT talking to you!!!!\u00a0 Haha!) \u00a0A simple card or note is always encouraging too!<\/p>\n

    As a teacher, I deeply appreciate parents taking the initiative to connect before the school year begins. \u00a0I love getting to know my students and their families. \u00a0So don’t be intimidated to reach out.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Let them know you’re supporting them, praying for them, and excited for your child to be in their class! \u00a0It really can help everyone get started on the right foot!<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Teacher-gift-card-for-going-back-to-school-gift-scaled.jpg” alt=”Potted plant beside vintage globe & teacher gift cards for returning to school” title_text=”Teacher gift card for going back to school gift” admin_label=”IMG sunflower arrangement for a back to school gift” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”20″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Tip to Get\u00a0Organized for Back to School<\/i><\/h3>\n

    20. If you don\u2019t have a good planner system in place, this is the time to get one<\/a><\/strong><\/span> together! I use THIS PLANNER<\/a><\/strong><\/span> and find it extremely flexible while also meeting the variety of organizational needs<\/a><\/strong><\/span> I have.\u00a0Take time to pencil the school calendar into your own calendar<\/strong> so you don\u2019t miss any of those important school dates!<\/p>\n

    As I mom, I am so aware that the success of our family’s schedule largely depends on my own level of organization. \u00a0I choose to view it as a way that I can serve my family<\/strong>, rather than being extra work or a burden. \u00a0(That’s not to say that it isn’t overwhelming, at least, sometimes!)<\/p>\n

    If organization isn’t your strength, look for some tools that can really work for your family.<\/strong> \u00a0For me, it is old-school paper and pencil. \u00a0A family command center, like THIS<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, could be really helpful too!<\/p>\n

    I find it very helpful for our family to practice our schedule and routines a week or two before school begins. \u00a0This helps us to not be trying to tackle all new things on the first day of school![\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Tips-for-organizing-your-planner-20210109-2-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Tips for organizing your planner 20210109 (2)” admin_label=”IMG planner to get organized for going back to school” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”21″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    How Do You Make Back to School Special?<\/em><\/h3>\n

    21. Treat yourself.<\/strong> You\u2019ve worked hard to set everyone else up for success!\u00a0 Whether it’s a<\/p>\n