Between all of the appointments, events and shopping, it can definitely feel like there simply isn’t enough time to get it all done! And while some things may not make the cut for our July- September calendars, some others are non-negotiable.
The key to success here is pre-planning and prioritizing how we’re scheduling our time.
In our three- part back to school series, we are talking about organizing your kids’ clothes and how to DIY an amazing homework station. But today, we’re talking all about how to manage your busy back-to-school schedule. So let’s dive in!
Scheduling Time
With back-to-school events starting as early as late July, now is a great time to start thinking about how you will schedule your time. Especially when dealing with those yearly physicals and other time-sensitive items.
Some areas to consider scheduling time for:
- Medical appointments
- Sport or music practices
- BTS events
- Supply shopping
- Clothes- sorting of old, shopping for new
Once you have your list started, you’ll need somewhere to put all of that information.
Creating a Calendar Command Center
The best bet, is to select a central location where all members of the household will have access to the calendar. Get an enlarged paper or whiteboard calendar where you can easily update appointment times and events, to keep everyone informed. Get excited!Â
If you aren’t sure what to include in your family command center, grab our FREE checklist of ideas!
Just like that, you’ll be ruling that BTS schedule!
Scheduling Time on Your Calendar
Once you have the calendar set up, grab that packet of BTS papers that you tucked away for the summer and start sorting. If you can’t find it or are starting in a new school, you can easily search for your school’s information online. Or even call the main office for more information. You can also search online for school event and requirement information.
If you’re a military family, you can also reach out to your School Liaison Office (SLO) and they will gladly connect you with any school in the area, military or civilian! You can learn more about that program and see an updated directory for all branches, here.
And don’t forget one of your most powerful resources… other mama’s from your child’s grade/class! Hey, it takes a village right? You’re sure to get what you need!Â
Once you know what times are designated for those events, you can reserve some of the open time slots with back to school shopping and scouring Pinterest for homework station ideas.
School Shopping
If you’re passionate about shopping on a budget and getting the most bang for your buck, you can follow people like the Passionate Penny Pincher, who research and share their BTS shopping tips and how to save the most money. You can also view the weekly sales ad for any discounts and to compare prices.
Before you start shopping, don’t forget to do a quick sweep to see what supplies you have in the house from last year! You might be surprised at how much you already have.
We shared more about how-to sort through kids clothes here, but you should add time for that on the schedule as well.
Bedtime Routine
Another routine to be thinking about is bedtime. This can be a challenging piece in getting BTS ready. For some, summer time allows for a more relaxed bedtime and routine. Prepping your kids prior to the week of school starting, will help to ease any pains of the transition back to more regular sleep hours and routines.Â
An easy solution is to help kiddos gradually transition back to their normal routine over the weeks prior to school. So instead of drastically changing bedtime from 11pm to 8pm, start this week with 10:30 or 10 even and gradually move the time up. This goes for wake up times as well.
For those more resistant to the earlier bedtime, you can consider allowing for a quiet activity time before their actual bed time, such as reading or drawing, which will provide a time for relaxation and allow the body to naturally prepare for rest.
Once you’ve taken the time to get these items on the calendar, make sure you USE the calendar for reference! Setting up a time every Sunday to review the calendar with all involved parties will greatly increase the success rate of completing all things back-to-school, in time.
Wondering what to include in your family command center? Grab our FREE checklist of ideas!
Command Center Checklist
This is a great list to follow for any moms prepping for school to start. I don’t have kids but I see how staying organized can really help your routine.
Hi Kasia! Yes, I agree! Getting organized is key. Thanks for reading 🙂
Great organising tips for kids. One can imbibe disciplinary attitude in kids by following these tips to manage time.
Thanks so much, Kirti!
I am going back to school and I have my planner to keep me more organize and on the time management.
How exciting that you’re heading back to school! Yes, planners are invaluable!! I hope you have a great year!
I love to stay organised these tips will really help your time management. Thanks for sharing a great post
Hi Tahnee! Thanks for stopping by! I’m glad you found my tips helpful!
Some great tips here, I don’t need them yet, but in a couple of years I will. As a kid I used to hate all the BTS advertising in all the shops, it would just remind me that the holidays are coming to an end. It still strikes a little bit of dread into me, 30 years on!
Hahaha Matt, I hear ya! I always found it a little bit overwhelming! Kind of like the rush before Christmas….so much to do in a small window of time. But that’s why I’ve found it so important to really manage your time in advance (as much as you can) so that you don’t have to feel completely overwhelmed!
These are really awesome and helpful tips for school going kids to get everything done on time. 🙂 awesome post!
Hi Sonali, thanks so much! 🙂
Oh gosh, my little girl is just starting JK this year and I’m getting sad to have her go, boo-hoo! But getting prepared is a must, your organizing tips are great! Bedtime has to get under control here, long full day school will be tiring. Thank you for the ideas:)
Hi Lisa! I can imagine how difficult it must be to see your baby growing up and heading off to school, but it will also be so exciting! I hope my tips help to make a smooth transition for you both! Wishing you both a wonderful first year and great new adventure! xo
I think managing kids sleeping schedules are the toughest. I usually start by switching off the lights and TV by 9:30 pm, so that my son goes off to sleep by 10 pm. Usually the holidays to school opening times are quite a transition 🙂
I think that’s a great way to start the transition! 🙂
Such a helpful post! Staying organised makes life so much easier. Thanks for sharing!
On the nightly routine…as much as it stinks..stick with the times on the weekends too…it really will help those kids and you won’t be pulling your hair out of your head the first week of school!
Thank goodness we had early morning swim lessons over the summer so our schedule has remained the same all summer! (One less thing to deal with).
That is such a great tip! Thanks for sharing, Joanne! 🙂