3 Insane Routines for Back to School

Routines for school? Absolutely! It is back to school season!

Twas the night before the first day of school, and all through the house, the children were screaming while the mother cried into her blouse! And what to her wondering eyes should appear, but a bright light and an idea seeming so clear!

No wine bottles, no magic tricks, no vacation escapes, she focused on an opportunity, for routines and strategies to keep herself sane!

This post is all about 3 Insane Routines for Back to School.

Routines for back to school are a must for a busy mom’s sanity. As soon as the alarm rings on the first day of school, most mothers feel like the race has started! Showers, breakfast, bags, and buses! Furthermore, thoughts frantically blast across your mind: did I sign the paperwork, will I make it to the drop-off line in time, or will my child make a new friend?

You no sooner get the kids on the bus than the bus bounces right back up to your driveway. Your children exit with smiles and laughter. And you are wondering, “What happened to the hours between the bells?” Although the kids are full of stories, you feel like another starting line gun has just exploded. Snacks, after-school lessons, activities, and dinner are the next stops in your race.

Let’s slow the pace down. Take a deep breath. This back-to-school transition can have a slower start. Not only will you find relief, but your children will be active participants in learning life skills.

Teach Your Kids These 3 Routines

I wanted to provide a resource that knocked my socks off as I navigated “back to school” with four children. Unfortunately, trial and error are how I built these routines. I hope these strategies help you develop more calm in the days before the first bell.

1. Night Routines for School

Have you ever noticed that your day seems to run more smoothly when you “plan” your next day before going to bed? Being intentional is a gift. As mothers, we are pulled in so many directions. Consequently, it makes being present more challenging. Our distractions create stress and unwanted mood changes. This is true for children, as well.

What if we taught our children how to “plan” for the next day before going to bed? Not only will this have a ripple effect on their mornings, but they will also develop life skills for college and adult life.

Simple Night Time Strategies

BACKPACK – Find it and pack it! What goes inside? Homework, school books, and gym clothes are the first things. Do they have laptops plugged in? In the morning, they can add a computer, lunch bag, and a water bottle.
CLOTHES – What is your child wearing in the morning? Certainly, as a girl of the ’80s, this was my most important school routine! Just like I remind you in 5 Non-Negotiable Summer Self Care Essentials to set out your clothes for fitness, your children need to do the same. If your child is involved in after-school activities, have him gather the football jersey or put her dance clothes in her dance bag. Set the extra bags by the door!
FOOD – Hot lunch or cold? Cut the vegetables and have them ready for grab and go, in the morning. Similarly, your child can bag up crackers, chips, or granola bars and put those in her lunch bag. Anything that can be prepped the night before means more that is ready for the next day.

You might like: {Five Healthy Lunches To Take To Work}

2. Good Morning Routines

Rise and shine! The sun is shining and it’s a great day to be the first day of school! Although the topic of morning routines is worthy of its own blog post, today let’s keep it simple and kid-friendly! And because I keep it real on my pages, my teenagers wake up at the last possible minute! So, even though my house has good morning routines, it is the responsibility of the child to follow through!

Start the Day Strong Suggestions

BREAKFAST – Think simple! Protein shake + fruit, scrambled eggs + toast, apple + peanut butter, yogurt + make-ahead muffin, or cereal + nuts! Create a basket filled with grab-and-go options for the late risers. And if they skip breakfast, they will decide if that was a good decision for them!
HYGIENE – Brush your teeth! Showering and hair brushing is optional! Children always figure out hygiene routines as they mature. Some prefer showering before bed, therefore it is part of the nighttime routine. Others need water pounding their faces to get the blood pumping! As for teeth, this is non-negotiable. Our house has toothbrushes and toothpaste located in the bathroom just as you exit the house.
BRAIN POWER – Supplements for a jump start may provide more focus and a bit of energy. Read labels before your teenagers gulp down the latest energy drink. If you are looking for cleaner energy, I suggest Yoli’s Passion. Also, a high-quality fish oil supplement is recommended to increase blood flow, improve mood, and help with working memory and executive function (Daniel G. Amen, MD. [Learn more here} Set out the supplements for kids to take after they eat and brush their teeth.

3. After-School Routines

The school bell rings and children of all ages pour from the doors and into their parents’ cars. Often, my children climbed in with smiles and stories. As they “aged,” the stories became less frequent and silence was part of the journey home.

The loud and rowdy pickup reminds you to allow for outdoor play when you pull in the drive. The quiet or moody pick-up demonstrates your child may need 30 minutes to chill. Or maybe you are in a season of activities and after-school means dinner time! Embrace all of the seasons of after-school!

Easy Checklist for After-School

UNPACK the LUNCH BAG – No one wants the rotten apple in the morning! This routine is friendly for all ages!
SNACK TIME – Teach your children about balancing snacks and meals. Proteins plus carbohydrates are perfect for afternoon snacks. A few ideas include a peanut butter sandwich + half of a banana, yogurt tube + almonds, cheese, pepperoni, crackers + carrots, grapes, or cheese stick, + pretzel sticks.
DETOX – Nature is the perfect place to release the fluorescent lighting and middle school drama. Create a routine for 30 minutes outside and then allow 30 minutes on an electronic device. Overstimulated kids may prefer downtime to read, work on a puzzle, draw, or journal.
HOMEWORK – Help your child identify when he’s focused on homework. By allowing him to choose the time, you provide an opportunity for him to learn about his learning habits. And if he doesn’t follow through, natural consequences are great teaching tools.

Balancing Macronutrients for Kids

Food is a huge part of everyone’s daily lives. As busy moms, sometimes we spend more time thinking about, planning, buying, and preparing food than we take care of ourselves! So, when I write about teaching your children to balance snacks and meals, focus on proteins, carbohydrates, and color!

Proteins, like lean meats, dairy products, and nuts help their active muscles and fill their tummies. Carbohydrates, like crackers, tortillas, rice cakes, granola bars, pasta, and bread provide the energy their bodies need to keep running, dancing, kicking, and thinking. And color, well that’s all the fruits and vegetables.

In conclusion, by creating simple routines to teach your children, going back to school does not have to be stressful. Night time strategies create smoother mornings. Morning routines provide more peace. And after-school routines allow opportunities for children to become more aware of their needs and promote self-responsibility. Rinse and repeat these routines for a smooth school year!

3 Insane Routines for Back to School