5 ways to simplify your back-to-school routine
Summer is winding down, which means it’s time to trade in your beach towels for backpacks — it’s officially back-to-school season! Getting back into a routine can be tough, but we have a few tips to help you ease back into things. These small changes can make a big difference for the whole family when it comes to having stress-free mornings and structured after-school time.
5 ways to get back into a school routine
Make breakfast a breeze
We know how tough those early mornings can be — trying to wrangle kids out of bed with enough time to eat breakfast and get to school. There’s not always time to cook a full breakfast, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for sugary cereals or, even worse, skip breakfast altogether. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day and can help boost brain power and memory.
For a quick and nutritious breakfast, add a scoop of Kabrita Junior powder to a smoothie or oatmeal. These simple recipes even can be made the night before to make breakfast a breeze:
- Chocolate Overnight Oats
- Easy Spinach, Pepper & Goat Cheese Egg Bites
- Strawberry Banana Breakfast Popsicles
Pack bags at night
Another great way to avoid the morning rush is to get everyone’s bags packed the night before. Before bed, check that everyone’s homework is done and put away, and sign any notes or permission slips from the school. You can also prepare lunches and keep them in the fridge for kids to grab on their way out in the morning. You can even take it one step further and help kids lay out their uniforms or outfits for the next day.
Depending on their ages, have your kids help with packing backpacks and lunches. Older kids can have more freedom to pack their own lunch with a general guide on what to include, while younger kids can help pick out snacks. Try making lunches while cooking dinner so you can get both meals done once. With all these preparations done the night before, you’ll be out the door in the morning with time to spare!
Set up a homework station
A homework station is a great way to make sure kids have what they need to jump right into their assignments. Whether it’s a desk or even a spot at the kitchen table, make sure it’s a quiet location where kids can focus without too many distractions.
Keep the homework station fully stocked with school supplies like pencils, paper, a pencil sharpener, and anything else your child needs to get their assignments done.This helps kids focus on their tasks without having to run around to find a pencil. Set a specific time that homework gets done each day and stick to it consistently. For more tips on how to set up a successful homework station, check out this blog post.
Homework pairs well with after-school snacks! Try these delicious snack recipes:
Create a task chart
Routines are great, but sticking to them is the most important part. With the transition to a back-to-school routine, visual reminders can help keep family members on track. Even with a simplified routine, a task chart can help provide some structure and ground rules for everyone.
Each family is different, and you can add as much or as little to your task chart as you’d like. We recommend including both morning and night routines to set clear expectations for the whole family. Here’s what you can include in your chart:
Morning:
- Make your bed
- Eat breakfast
- Brush your teeth
- Get dressed
- Pack your school bag
- Put your shoes on
- Hugs and kisses
Night:
- Finish homework
- Eat dinner
- Bath time
- Put on PJs
- Brush your teeth
- Read a story
- Bedtime hugs and kisses
For older kids, you can also add specific chores like setting the table, emptying the dishwasher, and helping with family pets. We also suggest keeping a large family calendar that everyone can see to help keep track of appointments, special days at school, and play dates.
Organize your shopping list
Coming up with ideas for dinner last minute is never fun — instead, try planning meals ahead of time. Set aside one day per week to decide on meals and go grocery shopping. Keep a grocery list in the kitchen and write down items as you think of them. Buy non-perishable items in bulk so you have fewer items to purchase weekly. To make it even easier, you can sign up for subscription services, so you don’t have to worry about certain items. Kabita offers 15% off on subscriptions for our formula.
Stay consistent with your routine
The transition back to school can take some time, so be gentle with yourself if routines go off track. Prepare what you can the night before to make mornings easy, and use visual reminders to ensure that you and your family get back into a groove and have a great school year. The most important part of getting back into a routine is consistency. The more often you can stick to your routines, the easier they will become!