It’s time to go “back to school!” The kids have all their supplies, but what does a parent need to survive?

Let’s be honest, sending littles back to class can be both a relief and a headache all at the same time. We are excited to get back into a routine but the school year is anything but a “break” for parents! There are hectic mornings, open houses, teacher conferences, fundraisers and busy after school schedules to keep up with.

So what can parents do to keep organized? Here are a few of our favorite tricks!

1. Check At the Door:
Put a cute list on the door with the basics (lunch, homework, gym shoes, etc.). Every time you go to leave, you can do a mental check.  If there is something extra needed for the day, add a sticky note or laminate the list to use with dry erase marker the night before (example write “show & tell item”).

2. Grab Shoes and Go:
Are you constantly searching for the “other shoe…” finding one under the bed or in the car? Get organized by keeping the pair snapped together! Shop Wear a Pear Shoe Snaps HERE!

3. In-Sync:
You know the band, but are your calendars synced? You have to work late but does Dad and little Tommy know? Be sure everyone in the family knows the schedule. If kids are young, have a physical calendar in the mud room or for older kids, sync google calendars for email alerts to changes and schedule.

4. Unite and Conquer!:
Befriend the parents in your kids’ classes. Together, you can call on each other if ever in a bind and late for pick up or the forgotten homework/ permission slip.

5. Be the Teacher’s Pet:
You don’t need to be room mom, but a personal relationship with teachers, nurses, and office staff can go a long way in your child’s education. Sign up to volunteer when possible but if you can’t, send a friendly email to thank them for all they do! Together you are working to raise and educate your child…the school wants the best for each and every student so get to know it!

6. Have a back up plan…for your back up plan:
Give your child a plan for if and when things don’t go as planned!

7. Keep a backup set of clothes at school:
You’d think the need for this would end in Kindergarten but at any age, one of the most embarrassing moments for a kid can come with wardrobe malfunction! Watch this video for  packing kid’s clothes trick!
8. “Hello, My Name is…”:
You also thought this would end in kindergarten but let’s get real, school gear looks similar. If you don’t feel comfortable with their name (or they don’t want their name on binders/backpacks) then find a sticker, patch or ribbon to personalize things with.

9. Daily styling spot:
At any age (especially for girls) picking out the perfect outfit is a time killer. Create a style box in their room to fill with the next day’s outfit and accessories…right down to clean underwear and hair bow.

10. Routine:
It may go without saying, but SAY it! Discuss the daily routine with your child. What we may consider obvious, they may not. If this means a step by step on the fridge for the first week back, go for it! Routine prevents children (and most parents) from getting stressed and frazzled!

That’s what we’ve got, what are your favorite back to school tricks?