It’s nuts to think the back-to-school season is among us. I surely thought summer would feel long, but here we are prepping our schedules, supplies, wardrobes, and immune systems to hit the classroom again.

The back-to-school season has brought on mixed feelings for me in the past because of my previous career as a teacher. After ten years in the classroom, I’ve felt excited, nervous, scared, over-prepared, underprepared and even clueless.

It’s a completely different feeling now that I’m a work-at-home mom. I’m ready to get my kids out of the house and back into a structured routine! I’ve definitely been on survival mode these last few months, trying to fulfill my responsibilities while also keeping my kids entertained.

As a parent with school-aged (and preschool aged) children, the school year can definitely bring on excitement along with stress. But you got this, mama.

From my years as a teacher and being a parent, here are a few tips that help me survive the back-to-school season. I’m sure they will help you, too!

7 Tips to Survive Back-to-School Season

1. Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is always a good idea. For example, I ordered Kennedy’s school supplies in June for the upcoming school year. I don’t even want to try and shop in stores and drive myself crazy trying to find everything on the list.

Plan ahead by avoiding the mad rush of shopping during tax-free weekend. Plan ahead by budgeting for unexpected expenses. Meal prep, especially for the first week of school. If you have to order out dinner just to make it through the week, do it. Know that the first couple of weeks are going to be an adjustment for everyone, but planning everything in advance will save your sanity just a little bit.

2. Get Sleep Schedules Back in Order

Oh, how fun summer schedules (or lack thereof) can be. My girls’ sleep schedules are completely off! It’ll be a really hard first couple of weeks if you don’t spend at least a few days getting your kids’ sleep schedules and bedtime routines back in order. If you can, try getting them into their school bedtime routine a week prior.

3. Give Kids Routines and Responsibilities

Kids thrive on routines, and it makes life much easier when they always know what to expect. Routines make the school year so much easier because it takes some of the responsibilities out of your hands and there’s less yelling at kids to hurry up. Establish routines for morning, after school, and bedtime. It can be super simple – no need for extensive charts and graphs.

Giving kids responsibilities is also super important because, again, it takes some of the load off of you and is good for them. Small chores here and there will teach great lessons and have them be better classroom citizens.

4. Always Prep the Night Before

I have never ever been a morning person so I do as much as I can the night before. Pack lunches, lay out clothes, and set out backpacks. It makes for a way less chaotic morning. It also minimizes panic if by any chance you oversleep just a little bit.

When I taught full-time and had children in daycare, this was absolutely crucial to the success and ease of the day, so it’s always been something I’ve done since.

5. Help Keep the Family Healthy with Extra Immune Support

During the school year, you can give your immune system a little extra support. Goodness knows we all need it!

Make sure everyone washes their hands, practices good hygiene, and takes their vitamins. One other supplement you can add to the morning vitamin routine is the Zarbee’s Elderberry Immune Support Gummies. They are perfect for the entire family because they offer Children’s Elderberry Immune Support Gummies and Adult Elderberry Immune Support Gummies.

We are huge fans of the brand in this house, as all of their products contain carefully-sourced wholesome ingredients. I love these Elderberry supplements because they’re a blend of antioxidants, real elderberry, vitamins, and minerals. Not only do they contain Elderberry extract, but also Vitamin C and Zinc. What a powerful immune-supporting combo!

It’s a great idea to take these preparing for the back-to-school season, when life gets busy, and especially when anyone in the family isn’t feeling their best.

6. Speak Your Child’s Love Language

How does your child best respond to showing love? For Kennedy, she thrives on words of affirmation. Caroline loves quality time and physical touch. We try as hard as we can to parent our kids and show them love in the best way that speaks to them.

The beginning of the school year is a stressful time for everyone. Kennedy has said multiple times to me that she is nervous about starting first grade, so I want to make sure that she knows she is loved when she is away from us. Lunchbox notes are a great way to speak those words of affirmation to her, even when we’re apart.

If your child loves words of affirmation, feel free to download my Free Lunchbox Notes Printable and use for yourself!

7. Give Yourself Some Grace

Things happen. Mistakes happen. We’re all human. Give yourself some grace when the days get too crazy to handle.  You’re doing a great job as a mom. We’re all doing the best we can to raise good humans.  Celebrate the fact that you made it another day!

Cheers to a happy healthy school year!