As summer winds down and the school year creeps closer, I find myself feeling a mix of excitement and a hint of anxiety. Being an entrepreneur and taking care of your family can be tough, especially in the busy mornings when you're getting the kids ready for school. Yet with planning and making use of the tools I've learned that transitioning smoothly from summer to the school routine is possible. That's why I've put together the back to school checklist every parent needs.

Sort Out Your Family Calendar

A significant part of my preparatory process for the academic year involves diligently structuring our family's schedule.

As a solo parent trying to balance professional obligations and familial duties, it can appear overwhelming to stay on top of all the school events, key dates, and extra-curricular activities my kid participates in.

A structured calendar not helps me manage my own schedule effectively but also ensures that I don't overlook any crucial school events or deadlines.

Having a organized system in place helps me manage my time efficiently and reduces the stress of trying to remember everything on my own. This approach allows me to prioritize tasks schedule family activities and ensure that I am fully prepared for the school year. An organized family calendar is crucial for maintaining order and balance in our lives.

Tech & Paper team

I rely on THREE tools. use Notion and Notion Calendar on a daily basis, but also a beautiful Erin Condren Life Planner. Hey! I’m a former scrapbooker, guys: paper is my thing. By using a combination of technology and traditional methods, I can keep track of all my events, across devices seamlessly. The convenience of syncing these tools makes it easier for me to set reminders and stay on top of my schedule. I really appreciate how these tools help me stay organized both at home and work.

I enjoy being old fashioned and prefer to sit down with pen and paper to organize my thoughts. Typically I start by mapping out my plans on paper before transferring all the dates to my Notion.

When it’s time for back to school shopping I like to keep things straightforward and practical. Before the school year begins I focus on acquiring the essentials like notebooks, pens, pencils and any specific items requested by teachers. This approach helps me avoid overspending on items (or those that my child has been pleading for). Prevents clutter from piling up at home.

Having a list of needed supplies makes shopping easier and more efficient for me while saving time and effort. I also take advantage of sales and discounts to secure deals on school supplies. I appreciate how Amazon has simplified this process for me enabling me to stick to my budget and stock up, on items that will last throughout the year.

Amazon Back to School Packages

When its time to gear up for the back to school season I find it convenient to save time by buying a Back to School bundles from Amazon. These packages usually come with all the supplies my kids need for the school year like notebooks, pencils, pens, folders and more. Opting for a package lets me skip the hassle of shopping for each item 

Getting a Back to School bundles not saves me time. Also helps me save money. Times these packages are priced lower than if I were to buy each item 

In general I highly suggest making use of Back to School Packages on Amazon to simplify the back to school shopping experience. It's a cost time efficient option for parents who are busy, like me.

Get your checklist now to ensure you have all the necessary school supplies this year.

Establish an Effective Morning Routine

Mornings can get pretty hectic as everyone rushes around trying to get ready and head out the door.

I've found that sticking to a routine can really make a difference. I always make sure we all get up at the time every day so we can kick off our mornings smoothly.

A crucial part of our morning ritual is laying out our clothes the night. It's a lifesaver. Saves us from any last minute wardrobe meltdowns.

Once we're dressed and have had breakfast it's time, for teeth brushing before heading off to school or work. Following this routine helps us manage our morning tasks efficiently and ensures everyone is ready and punctual. It doesn’t only reduce the morning rush and stress but also sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Having this morning routine has truly transformed how we start our days on a note.

As mentioned earlier my Notion calendar is like a friend to me. I rely on it for reminders and alarms to help our family start the day smoothly whether its packing lunches, completing homework or making it to appointments on time. Our iPad has become a tool in keeping our household organized and efficient. We value how technology enhances our routines.

Tip Try practicing your morning routine a week before school begins to iron out any hiccups.

Setting Up a Homework Station for Success

When it comes to my kid’s education, I believe that having a workspace for their studies is essential. Whether they're attending school in person or learning from home, I aim to provide her with an comfortable area where they can concentrate and be productive.

I ensure the workspace is well lit with light to help them stay focused and engaged. It's important to eliminate distractions, like noise or clutter so they can focus on their tasks without interruptions.

I decided to set up a workspace in Salomé’s room so she can comfortably do her homework in her space.

I also ensure that the area is equipped with all the supplies, like pens, pencils, paper, textbooks and any other materials needed for her assignments. This way, she can easily find everything she needs without any hassle, which helps her stay organized and focused on her tasks.

Tip Use some time this weekend to create a designated study or work area. It may seem small. It can make a difference!

Meal Planning: Quick and Healthy Lunch Ideas

Balancing social media work, entrepreneurship, and single motherhood keeps me on my toes. Being organized and efficient is key, even with meal planning. Spending time on Sundays prepping meals has been a game-changer for me. It saves me loads of time and stress during the busy workweek. Believe me, it's a total game-changer! This routine lets me focus on my business and priorities without stressing about meals every day.

Involving my child in preparing meals not only saves me time but also teaches them important skills and gets them excited, about their food. We have fun and share laughs together too! When she gets to pick her foods, Salomé tends to enjoy her meals more. This also sets a foundation for having healthy habits early on.

I find my Erin Condren Life Planner super helpful again for keeping our meal plans organized making it stress free. The planners layout with sections dedicated to meal planning makes it easy for me to jot down our menu create a grocery list and note any occasions or dietary needs.

Tip Plan your lunches for the week on Sunday to make school mornings smoother. Having a planner really helps keep things in order.

Are you ready to get started? Remember to grab my FREE Back to School Checklist printable, filled with all the essentials for staying on top of things. Just click below to grab your copy today!

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