How to Rock Back-to-School Time as a Parent
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As summer quickly fades away, the back-to-school season is finally here. It’s time to stock up on markers and crayons for those late-night homework sessions or a fun arts-and-crafts project with your kids! Start by checking out some of these awesome ideas that are as easy as it gets — they’ll have you ready in no time at all!
Those days when mom can’t find anything interesting enough for her (or his) child will soon be history thanks to this list of DIY projects perfect from preschoolers through high school students. Making slime isn’t just about playing around; there are actually science lessons built into each batch so get started today before it’s too late!
Fun Ideas for Back to School Photos
- Take a photo of your child with their favorite teacher!
- Take some funny pictures of your kids in their favorite school outfit for back to school!
- It’s summer and the sun is shining. All you need to do now is grab your camera, head outside with your kids or pets, take a few pictures then sit back and enjoy!
- Take photos to document everyone’s day-to-day life. The days are long, but the years fly by just like that! Remembering every moment is important for your family history. You can take a photo of something as mundane and ordinary as drinking coffee in the morning with breakfast or snapping an evening selfie before bedtime after hanging up clothes on a laundry line outside.
Check out this blog post for more fun back-to-school photo ideas.
To feel prepared and maybe a little organized, grab these free back-to-school meal plan printables from Bright and Busy Kids.
Back to School Books for Kids
Looking for cute back-to-school books? My favorite back to school kids books include:
- Frog and Toad All Year
- Rex Wrecks It! by
- Miss Nelson is Missing
See a full list of back-to-school books for kids here.
Back to School Shopping
Back to school time can be pretty tough on your wallet, especially if you’re trying to outfit the whole family. Kohl’s makes it a little easier by having sales all year round and cash rewards for shopping there.
I am also a huge fan of hitting the thrift stores! Everything from clothing to office supplies can be found and you never know what kind of deals you will find! Really, have the kids involved when it comes time to purchase school supplies. They should take part in making decisions about things like backpacks and lunchboxes so they’ll feel more connected. Have them draw up a list of items that are most important to them and help you pick a few options that fit your budget.
And while you may think this is an unnecessary expense, it will certainly reduce the money spent on school supplies in the long run! I have seen kids lose or forget things within just their first week of school. This will eliminate those pesky trips to the store for necessities like pencils, pens, and glue sticks.
Most schools give students a lot of supplies and they often times end up with stuff they already have at home. If you are able to take advantage of this freebie then I would recommend it! It is fun to use new school supplies though so if your children are really attached to their favorite pencil or marker you can keep it in a special place for them to remember.
Keep track of school supply deals you find in the store or online. That way when back-to-school sales start, you’ll be prepared and ready to go! You can also sign up for email alerts from retailers like Target or Walmart so that you will be notified as soon
There are many ways to save on back-to-school shopping.
Lunch Box Jokes
Send the kiddos off to school with laughter (in their lunch box).
- Why did the chicken cross the playground? -To get to the other slide.
- What do you call a pig that knows karate? – A pork chop!
- Why do bees have sticky hair? –Because they use honeycombs.
- What does a robot frog say? -Rib-bot. (Said in your best robot voice)
Grab this free lunch box jokes kid printable from Kelly’s Thoughts on Things or our own fall-themed lunch box notes.
Back to school crafts
Make a vibrant, happy crayon wreath using just a few supplies like crayons, wide ribbon, scissors, and hot glue. See the full tutorial over at Dollar Crafter.
Looking for an adorable teacher gift that they’ll actually use? These Back to School Mason Jars are simple enough to make those kiddos can help without making too big of a mess! 🙂
How about this cute Pencil Vase that looks amazing when paired with a fall mum from your local Wal-Mart for just a few bucks.
Another craft teachers will appreciate this teacher gift box. Teachers often have to spend their own money on supplies for the classroom, but with a little love and care you can help them out. Fill this organizer chest of drawers with some goodies like pencils and pens or stickers to make it feel more “teacher-y”. Add in your favorite type of candy as an extra surprise! Get creative by decorating the inside lid: grab some paint so that they know who gifted it and write something sweet such as “you are amazing!”
Back to School Recipes
Looking for some sweet back-to-school treats? Try these adorable and equally yummy composition notebook cupcakes and notebook cookies.
Not quite a dessert, but still sweet and delicious, this banana split trail mix hits the spot any time of day. Want a banana split for breakfast as you’re walking out the door? Well, why not?
Delicious breakfast on the brain? Banana chocolate French toast is where it’s at. No syrup is needed. Yum!
School day mornings are so hectic. It’s a wonder anyone gets dressed and fed, and out the door on time. DIY freezer breakfast sandwiches are prepared ahead of time and taste just the same when you reheat them. Winning!
If you forget to make the freezer breakfast sandwiches, you can quickly make this toasted peanut butter and jelly in a jiffy… no pun intended. 😉
Want to be a supermom? Here are some Bento Box lunch ideas to make your kiddo’s lunches the talk of the cafeteria.
You’re a busy parent and you’ve spent all day at work! You still have chores to do, errands to run. Who has time for cooking? Not me either! That’s why I love these 100 Kid-Friendly Recipes For Meal Planning that we collected – they’ll save the whole family tonight so we can get on with our lives tomorrow morning.
With all of our tips and tricks, you are sure to get off on the right foot as far as back to school is concerned. Check out other articles in our Back to School category for more ideas on how to be a super parent! (Or at least play one on TV)
Other Back-to-School trips you may find helpful:
- 7 Ways to Save on Back to School Lunches
- 100 Crockpot Recipes For Meal Planning
- Back to School Shopping Hacks
- Back To School Cheese Toast Rulers
- 100 Lunch Recipes For Meal Planning
- Back To School Free Printables!
