This school year will be like none other on record. The only thing consistent are the inconsistencies. There’s the hybrid of both virtual and in-person, permanent online schooling for the year, strictly in-person, and the parents who have made the wise decision and who’s lifestyles have allotted them the opportunity for homeschooling.

And just when you think you’ve finally got the school year schedule down they throw a curve ball. Our district was going to start with the hybrid of 2 days in-person and remainder online, then we received a message that due to the “color” of our county (our county is currently red which means it has a high rate of individuals testing positive with the Covid) our children will be starting virtually and at a later date. What’s a mom to do? Take the reins for the sake of your kiddos!!

Since the schools are having a difficult time trying to figure out structure and consistency us parents need to take charge!! Even though my kiddos will be starting school virtually they will have a schedule, routine, and I will try my hardest to make this back to school tradition as smooth as possible for them! How?……..

 

1- Outfit Planning-Dress for Success

Sunday evening the kiddos will still set out their outfits for the week. Including hair bows, socks, underwear, & jewelry. They will dress for success even if they are in front of the screen, hence, especially if they are in front of the screen. Chances are one day when they are older and have a career of their own they will need to have meeting via the computer screen, let’s prep them now!

 

2-Pack lunches the Day Before

We will still sit down & plan the lunch menu for the week either on Saturday or Sunday, and place the menu on a clipboard next to the lunch boxes/containers. And after dinner each night the kids will grab the menu and necessary items from fridge to make their lunches. (I do prep the veggies & fruit ahead of time so all they have to do is literally open the container & place food in their bento box). Because we will still have a routine to our day and that will include lunch at home or at school.

 

3-NO TV or Social media in the morning

The television/social media are productivity zappers. Cartoons, news, “teenage drama” snapchat, etc. are out of the question in the morning. Mom can check the weather on her phone, but beyond that mornings need to be screen free for ultimate productivity!!

 

 

4-Morning Playlist-GET MOVING 

Music is where it’s at!! It’s the perfect way to help kiddos wake & stay on task. Put together a morning playlist, start out with quiet mellow music & slowly increase the energy with each song, and let kids know when a certain song plays it means they have 10 minutes until you’re out the door…and yes, even if we are at home we WILL go for a walk in the morning to get all the oxygen to those brains!! 

 

5-Breakfast

I don’t give kids too many options. I simply toss a couple choices on the breakfast table & let them pick and eat as they wake. It’s also a good idea to have some grab-n-go breakfast options…every kid is different. I have one that is up & at-’em early and lingers over breakfast and another that literally grabs her breakfast as we walk out the door.

 

6-A place for Everything 

They hybrid schedule could become confusing which is why it’s so important that kiddos have a place for everything and everything get put back in it’s place at the end of the day. My current plan is to still have the kids place book bags and computer bags on hooks each evening and grab them each morning whether they are home or going to school, remember, CONSISTENCY is the key!!!

 

7-Chores still need to be Maintained 

There are complicated charts, graphs, stickers, carry the one & add a smiley face methods out there for chores. Keep it simple! Get inexpensive frames, place each child’s picture in said frame, then each week write chores on the glass portion of pic with dry erase marks. Include community chores, as well as, an opportunity project to earn money.

 

8-Homework & Paper Clutter

I’ve assigned each child a clipboard and folder for important info, letters home, ongoing projects, basically anything important that I need to hold onto.

9- Put it on the Mother Board

“It’s Complicated” is legit the motto for this school year thus, everything must get on the calendar!! When school is brick and mortar, when it’s virtual, when projects are due, recitals, music lessons, orthodontist appointments, etc. my brain is going to be on overload this year, EVERYTHING MUST GET WRITTEN DOWN ON THE CALENDAR!!

10- Make adjustments where Needed

Like I said in the beginning, the only thing consistent about this school year are the inconsistencies. If something needs to be altered in your schedule or something about your routine isn’t working out give yourself grace, take a deep breath, and try it again.

This school year is going to be tough, but you were made for tough things, I promise…and if you need support, ideas on how to handle a certain situation or just need to vent, head on over to Toledo Moms Group #TMG

 

BONUS FEATURE: Here’s a great way to get the kiddos and yourself excited about this school year!! Mom’s this Mama’s Back-to-School Survival Boxonly cost $40 (ALL Money stays local…local mama puts these awesome boxes together) and it’s a fabulous way to find some joy in an otherwise chaotic & frustrating start to the school year.

Agree and/or disagree with one of the tips that made the list? Do you have a great back-to-school routine tip or trick that didn’t make the list? Please share!