It’s that time already, Summer vacation is coming to an end and schools are kicking back into session. For some of you, I’m sure that involves a mini celebration as you prepare to get back into the daily routine and can grab a few hours to yourselves again. But, how often are you left feeling like the first few weeks back were more stressful than arranging Summer activities?! Or perhaps you’re just thinking there’s got to be an easier way…?

Luckily, we have some super efficient working Mom’s with our Brokerage who are in ALL stages of life; from toddlers, to teenagers and College graduates, as well as public & private schools to homeschooling. There’s quite an array! Which is why, this month’s blog is written with the help of their busy families to hopefully give yours a top tip, or easy recipe for surviving the Back to School Month!

Top Tips From Our DeGolian Moms!

Erica Foster:

“The week before school starts, start getting up at the time you normally would when school DOES start! Stop sleeping in and it’ll be easier to adjust when school actually starts!”

Kim Ross:

“This year we have three different schedules! One in middle school, one in Kindergarten and one homeschooling full-time with 2 different day programs. The schedule is going to be CRAY! My number 1 tip for a sane household is a weekly whiteboard! EVERYTHING major is on the board and it makes the entire week run smoothly.”

Amy Kronenberger:

“College 1st Years: Look on the school’s website or parent Facebook page for a list of ‘must haves’ for your freshman. Talk to other parents who’ve been through the process and ask what items your child does and doesn’t need.

Make a list (have your HS Senior do the list) of everything you plan to buy for the dorm and check the items off as they are purchased. And, always remember there is a Walmart/Target/etc. close to your child’s school for picking up those forgotten items so don’t stress out about forgetting the little things. Set a Budget for your soon to be college Freshman and have them be responsible for sticking to it.”

Nicole Knowles:

“We have a family wall with a monthly and weekly dry erase calendar, chore lists, and weekly menus. This way everyone knows what’s going on.(it’s also where our charging station is for all kid electronics, where they are turned in at night!)

Meal plan and let your teenagers cook a meal or two during the week. All on their own. We always do a quick before bed pick up, everyone pitches in making it far easier and gives you some evening to yourself!

My biggest tip is to take care of yourself , workout, read, eat healthy, slow down. Last of all, let it go – if it doesn’t get done it’s okay, if dinner sucks that’s cool, if you’re late that’s fine!”

Kathryn Grace:

“Well my little man isn’t going to school yet, but he does go to daycare. I like to prep as much as I can the night before – bottles made and labeled, clothes picked out, etc.

One of my favorite fast dinners to prep is salsa chicken in the crockpot. It’s just 3-4 boneless chicken breasts, a packet of taco seasoning, and a jar of your favorite salsa. Cook in the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours (high for 4). I shred the chicken and can eat it over rice, in a lettuce wrap, or a tortilla. Add whatever toppings you like! “

Amber Fronebarger:

“My biggest thing that helps me is..

Have each outfit picked out for the week. This way there is no guessing or trying to figure it out in the morning. If you can’t do the whole week in advance at least do it the night before. This makes it so small children can even dress themselves so you can prep breakfast or whatever while they dress.
Set up book bag with everything that is needed the night before. We have a folder, snack, and water bottle that needs to always be there. So snack is chosen the night before. This is also very helpful when you realize you didn’t pick up new snacks and need to quickly run to the store or even the gas station to grab something. You will not believe the melt down that has happened due to no snack prior to me doing this. Lol”

Laura Wheeler:

“I use Sunday to pre-make meals for the week- Spaghetti sauce, taco meat, meatloaf, sloppy Joe’s meat, Anything that freezes well.”

Glenys Lopez Bergeron:

“My daughter and I start our sleep routine the week before school starts. In summer she always goes to bed late, that means I need to cook dinner early.

As soon as the school put the supplies list on the website, I start my shopping. I don’t like to leave it to the last minute.”

Tonya Annette Tillery:

“This is one of my go to easy meal prep dinners for busy school nights!”

Easy, Clean Eating Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Holly Copeland:

“Cleaning out drawers and closets (getting ready for new things, throwing out work out clothes, giving away or recycling with other kids out grown clothes)- making lists of what they need for clothes, new back packs, lunch boxes, sports tryouts/teams.

This may sound silly, but know what bus # they ride and where it picks up/drops off!! New School Year may bring new routes etc.. be ready!”

Mishawn Meszar:

“An essential tip for back to school morning sanity is getting back into an earlier bedtime routine/schedule ideally a week or more BEFORE school starts!! Early mornings can be extremely difficult, especially to those who are used to staying up late and sleeping in late.”

Jackie Wheeler:

“A friend told me this great piece of advise leading up to kids going to college: Don’t be upset or take it too personally if your child is not being nice and picking fights with you. It’s easier for them to be mad at you than to tell you how scared and anxious they are about leaving, and how much they will miss home and family.

Also send them with the laundry detergent you use at home so their clothes will smell like home!”

And there you have it, some extremely valuable top tips from pro Moms just like you!

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Back To School Tips from Our DeGolian Families to Yours