As soon as you get into the summer routine. As soon as you feel like you have time to sit and relax. You walk into the store and you see all the Back-to-school supplies.  Get some help with this Back-to-School Guide for parents.

Then July hits and friends start asking you, “When is the first day of school?” As if we have had time to update our calendar or even log into the school website.

This Back-to-School Guide for Parents is to help you with the crazy hustle and bustle of August. Let’s be honest, August is tough! With the first day of school, new sleeping routines, new schools, back-to-school nights, bus schedules, extracurricular, and more. Not to mention the increased budget for all of the upcoming things and events.

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After you check out our list be sure to check out a time-sensitive list if you are local: Kansas City Free School Supplies for Back to School.

Back-to-School Guide for Parents

We hope to help you navigate the challenges and make the most of the upcoming academic year. From organizing your schedule to optimizing your routine, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Get Organized Before School Starts

It is time to set some goals and get organized.

The first step is setting clear goals. Write down your goals and break them into actionable steps.

Get organized by setting up a calendar or planner to keep track of important dates, assignments, and extracurricular activities. Utilize digital tools and apps that can streamline your organization process. I started using a paper planner to visualize my events and periodically update it on my family’s iCal.

Teach your kids how to use a planner. The Happy Planner is the best and pairs it with some stickers and colored gel pens to make using it fun and artsy! 

Establish a Routine and Stick to it.

The first step is that every night before bed, the house gets picked up, and kids line up school bags, lunches, and outfits for the next day.

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Use the weekends to meal prep. It is okay to have a couple of crock pots going and freeze your dinners throughout the week. Our family packs our lunches for the week every Sunday. You can even pre-make sandwiches and freeze them. In the morning when the kids take them out and add them to their lunch, they will be defrosted and fresh by the time it is lunch. We like these freezer containers for meal prep. We like them because they are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe.

I purchased an over-the-door organizer for my daughter and on the weekend she places her outfits for the week in each one. This is to minimize the 25 minutes of not being able to find her shorts in the morning. 

Create a Homework Routine

A consistent study routine is crucial for academic success. Create a study schedule that works for your family, considering your energy levels and preferences. My kids like starting their homework right away but you might find that some kids need a mental break prior to starting to work.

Designate a quiet and well-lit study area that minimizes distractions. Organize study materials and create a system for keeping them in order with your kids.

Break down your homework sessions into manageable chunks and incorporate breaks to prevent burnout.

Get Ahead with Back-to-School Shopping

Make a list of school supplies you’ll need for the year and start shopping early. Take advantage of sales and discounts to save money. I order groceries from Walmart quite a bit and every week they have different supplies discounted. I have just been throwing a few $0.50 and $0.97 cents supplies in my cart with my groceries! Such a money saver.  We then label everything quickly using Mabel’s Labels.

Take advantage of your state has Tax Free Weekend. Missouri’s Tax-Free Weekend is the first weekend in August. The 2023 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 4, and runs through Sunday, August 6.  Your state’s will be different.

Stay Updated and Engaged

This is my biggest struggle and this coming year my kids are in two different schools. I can barely keep up with all of the emails and announcements. So this year I plan to do better by following my own advice.

Keep up with school announcements, newsletters, and online platforms to stay informed about important updates and opportunities.

Take an active role in your kid’s school community.

Meet new parents and have play dates so you can help each other out.