Guide to All Things Back to School

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It’s time. 

The kids are tan and dirty and tired. They’ve grown a little, in both size and maturity. They’ve driven us crazy and they’ve filled our hearts with joy. They’ve played with cousins, gone to camp, learned to ride bikes or swim or do a cartwheel or tie their shoes. They’ve eaten too many popsicles and watched too much tv and stayed up too late. 

Some of us are shouting for joy at the prospect of structure and some of us are mourning the loss of extra time. For most of us, it’s a bit of both. 

It’s Back to School time.

We’ve filled out all the required school paperwork. Submitted the physical form, and given approval for OTC meds as needed.  We’ve made sure the school knows how to reach us if needed, and given emergency contacts in case they can’t. But what about giving our kids actual teacher a little bit of insight into our kids? This letter to my teacher is a great way to help our kiddos introduce themselves to their new teacher. 

Behind the 8 ball like we are and still looking for school clothes? 

Carter’s has been running great sales. At the time of this publication it was 50% off, but keep your eyes out because a few days ago it was 60%! Walmart and Target both have large uniform selections (we’re particularly obsessed with this sports material polo from Target and with the code UNIFORM20 you can get 20% off). 

Locally, we love Luca Boutique for second-hand clothing that is stylish and affordable. 

Stock up on books for that nightly reading with Barnes and Nobles #bookhaul BLOWOUT happening in-store and online from 8/24-9/2 (BN members get access 8/22!).

To help you get ready, we’ve put together some of our favorite articles, both old and new, on all things education and Back to School. The countdown is on… Providence Schools start in:

 

[ult_countdown datetime=”2019/09/03 08:00:00″]
School Fundraisers
nut free lunches

Lunches & Dinners & Snacks, Oh My!

Between packing lunches, finding nut free snacks and somehow still having the energy to get dinner into everyone, feeding a family can feel like a full time job. 

🌮 Check out ideas for easy dinners here and here and get some information about the meal prep service that saves our sanity here.

🍔 You’ll get no judgement from us if you forgo the whole cooking dinner charade entirely – but if you do, be sure to look for a restaurant where Kids Eat Free

🚫🥜🚫And by the way, before you start complaining about those nut free snacks, take a minute to read this post by an allergy mama. 

Special Education

✏️Whether you’re at the very beginning of this journey, or you’ve been at it for years, here are a few tips for being your child’s best advocate in the special education process.

đź’™Receiving a diagnosis can knock the wind out of you, read one mom’s perspective

đź’« Suspect your child might have sensory processing disorder? Read more about these complex needs here and here

đź’žNiki has a great post on how to support families on this journey

Homeschool

There’s something about this time of year that has everyone feeling that back to school feeling – even if you homeschool year round, September can be a great time to change up your routine. 

✏️Considering homeschooling? Here are five reasons why one mom loves it

🍎 Tired of answering the same questions about homeschooling? This author was too. 

🧸And for the families that are trying to juggle homeschool with littles around? Here’s some ideas to keep the siblings busy. 

Organization and Routines

After a summer of late nights, lazy mornings and less structure, getting back into the routine of things can be tough!

đź’¤Back to School means Back to Bedtime. Here are some ideas if you need to reinvent your bedtime routines.

đź““And speaking of routines, if you’re dragging your feet like us, here are some Back to School Hacks

🤝Looking for solidarity, not tips? We’ve got your covered if you’re riding the struggle bus or showing up to drop off in pajamas