Parents are always so excited to send kids back to school. The only thing they aren’t excited about is the chaos.
Whether it’s school papers littered throughout the house or study sessions that never seem to stay on course, back to school season can be a headache. Thankfully, there are a number of awesome back to school hacks that will make your life easier.
Save Room in the Lunchbox by Freezing Water Bottles or Juice Boxes
Skip the ice pack and freeze juice boxes or a water bottle to keep food cold. This way, you can fit more into the lunch box and keep the food cold. If your child has a very earlier lunch period, this may not work out. However, you could also freeze grapes, which taste great frozen.
Use Cups to Practice Math
A fun hack is to take a stack of five Styrofoam cups and use it to help your kids practice math. Write numbers on the lip of the first, third, and fifth cups. On the second cup, write the plus, minus, multiply, and divide symbols. The fourth cup is just the equal sign. You can twist the cups around to create a math problem for your child to solve. For example, it might be 4 x 5 =. Your child will then select the answer using the fifth cup.
Organize School Supplies in Old Ice Cream Containers
Does your family love those pints of gelato that comes in plastic container? Wash those out and cover in decorative duct tape. You can then fill them with all the supplies your child needs when doing homework. Or you can use mason jars to organize supplies.
Set a Timer for Study Sessions
A timer is essential for study sessions. Instead of your child constantly checking the clock, he can set a timer and let it run for the allotted time. For example, you might set the timer for your child to study math for 25 minutes. Rest for 5 minutes and then move on to the next subject.
Offer Incentives for Reading
If your child is supposed to read 30 minutes each night, make it easier for her by setting a timer and offering a reward after each agreed upon goal. For example, you could offer a Hershey Kiss for every chapter finished. Or, you could give her a sticker for each chapter finished and for every thirty stickers she earns she could go to the movies, her favorite restaurant, or do whatever else she might want to do.
Create a Homework Station
A homework station is perfect. Not only does it keep all your kid’s papers in one spot, but it also makes sure your dining room table doesn’t turn into a war zone of papers, crayons, etc. You can find inexpensive desks that are perfect for younger children at Walmart. You can also find desks in thrift stores.
Related Post: Tips for Setting up a Homework Station
Make Packing Lunches Easier
Last, but not least, make it easier for your child to put together her own lunch by creating designated spots in your fridge and pantry for lunchbox items. Even if you’re packing her lunch, this can make your life easier.
Related Post: School Lunch Ideas {that aren't sandwiches}
Back to school season doesn’t have to be crazy. There are so many great hacks you can use to make your life easier.