Back to School Guide for the Working Mom

Social media makes going back to school seem like a competition between moms…

…to make sure your kid has the super specific supplies needed, cute teacher gifts, and uniforms that will hopefully fit for at least half of the year. Balancing work and parenting can make moms feel like they are just getting by or are settling for “good enough” when it comes back to school preparations. But these six shortcuts will help you start the school year right and help take the pressure off:

1. Save yourself time and order what you can online.

Major retailers like Amazon and Target typically put school supplies on sale for several days in July and August. Not only can you save yourself money, but you also avoid the jam-packed aisles of Walmart. Because let’s be honest, who has the gas money to drive all over town to find 12 plain plastic folders with three prongs?

2. Let your kid contribute what they can. 

We are always doing something for our kids. Am I right? From changing their diapers to tying their shoes, we get used to doing it all. Even as they grow up, we often step in and do things ourselves because it’s easier and faster. But returning to school is the perfect time to assign new responsibilities to your kiddos. Think about how your kids can be more independent while knocking some things off your to-do list. 

3. Make the weekdays easier by using the weekends wisely. 

By the time you get off work, feed the kids, do homework and baths, weeknights live little time. There’s no time for laundry or grocery shopping except on the weekends. If you can get your partner and kids to pitch in, you can get the groceries, laundry, and meal prepping all done over the weekend. We would all like smoother work weeks, wouldn’t we?

4. Sign, seal, and deliver immediately. 

Why do kids come home from school with so much paperwork? I can’t answer this, but I can tell you that filling forms out right away and sending them back in immediately will make your life easier. Don’t let the papers pile up on your counters where they can get forgotten or ruined by a spill. 

5. Regulate yourself and help your kiddos do the same. 

The routine of going back to school can be a rough transition for several weeks. Between waking up early, meeting their new teacher, and getting into the swing of things, your kids may feel overwhelmed and even you too. But it’s ok. Show your kids grace and give some to yourself too. Openly communicate about what’s hard and let your kids know you’re there for them.