Hey friends! 🌟
I cannot believe that August is already here like tomorrow😮. Were we not just celebrating Memorial Day and my 40th birthday? Please, someone slow down time! I’m feeling like it is flying by, especially as this week my nephew officially became a teenager! I’m in shock. But it’s just another reminder that these kiddos keep growing up, and they are about to start another school year. That’s right, it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school.
I know you moms with school-age kids are already planning and thinking about what you will need and how you will manage. Some of you may be dealing with new schedules or routines. So, I have 10 tips for helping you prepare to make the schedule and routine shift easier!
1. Create a Master Calendar 🗓️
A master calendar is a game-changer for keeping track of important dates, deadlines, and events. Use color-coding for different categories (school, extracurriculars, family) to easily see what’s coming up. Having everything in one place reduces stress and ensures you never miss a beat! Make sure everyone knows how to access the calendar (physical or digital) and agree on what gets recorded. Event, location, people attending, what to bring. This helps everyone so much to figure out where they need to be and prepare for it.
2. Set Up a Dedicated Study Space 📚
A well-organized study space can make a huge difference in focus and productivity. Choose a quiet, clutter-free area and stock it with all the essentials: pens, paper, notebooks, and a comfy chair. Having a designated spot for studying helps train your brain to get into work mode. For the little ones with homework it might make sense for them to work in the kitchen if you need to supervise them. As long as you have a plan for clearing the space for dinner and designate space nearby for supplies.
3. Plan Your Morning Routine ⏰
Starting your day on the right foot is crucial. Establish a consistent morning routine that includes prepping school supplies and laying out outfits the night before. This simple step saves time and reduces morning chaos, setting a positive tone for the day. Figure out how much time is needed, add some buffer and then determine the wake up time.
4. Use a Planner or Digital App 📅
Staying on top of assignments, tests, and activities is a breeze with a planner or digital app. Choose the format that works best for you and get into the habit of logging everything. This practice keeps you organized and ensures nothing slips through the cracks. If your child needs one, go through it together and practice how to use it.
5. Organize Supplies and Materials 🎒
Sorting and labeling school supplies can save you a lot of time and hassle. Use folders, binders, and storage bins to keep everything in its place. When your materials are easy to find, you’re less likely to get stressed or waste time searching for what you need. Also make sure your kids know where to find everything so you don’t have to be the gatekeeper especially for older kids.
6. Set SMART Goals 🎯
Setting goals is great, but making them SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) takes it to the next level. Break down larger goals into manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way. This approach keeps you motivated and on track. Your goal doesn’t have to be a huge project it could simply be getting prepped for back to school and using this list to break it down into manageable steps.
7. Create a Homework Routine 📝
Consistency is key when it comes to homework. Establish a regular time and place for tackling assignments. Break tasks into smaller chunks and take short breaks to maintain focus and avoid burnout. This routine helps you stay on top of your work without feeling overwhelmed. To help your kids practice you could start by having them do some reading around the time they will be doing homework. Start small, just do 15 minutes to see how it goes.
8. Develop a Time Management Plan ⏳
Time management is a crucial skill for success. Prioritize tasks and experiment with techniques like the Pomodoro Method or time blocking. Allocate specific days for all things back-to-school like shopping or updating your family calendar.
9. Minimize Distractions 📵
In our digital age, distractions are everywhere. Limit interruptions by turning off notifications, using website blockers, and setting boundaries with family members during study time. Creating a distraction-free environment helps you stay focused and get more done. The school year can be chaotic (or is that just all year lol) so think about setting up digital free times as you look at how your school year schedule will be.
10. Review and Reflect Weekly 📊
Taking time each week to review your progress and reflect on what’s working (and what’s not) is a powerful habit. Adjust your plans as needed and celebrate your successes. This practice helps you stay on track and continuously improve your productivity. I like to think about it as an experiment and take all the feedback as just that feedback on the strategy not a reflection of me. Try something and if it doesn’t work make modifications.
With these tips, you’ll be ready to tackle the school year with confidence and organization. Remember, the key to success is consistency and a positive mindset. You’ve got this!
If you even tackle just a few of these, you will be off to a smoother start to the school year. If you’re struggling and need more help, don’t do it alone. Let’s work together and bring some calm to the start of the school year.
Feel free to share your own tips and experiences in the comments below. Let’s make this school year the best one yet! Let’s work together!
Hope this helps! If you need any more tips or advice, just let me know. Here’s to a productive and organized school year! 🎉
Don’t forget to sign up for the Purposeful Productivity Program waitlist!
Stay tuned for next week’s POP Talk!
