Avoid 10 Common Back to School Mistakes Moms Make
As the summer sun begins to fade and the excitement of a new school year approaches, it’s a time of mixed emotions for many moms. The back-to-school season can feel like a whirlwind, but with a little planning and preparation, you can make the transition smoother for both you and your kids. By avoiding these 10 common Back To School mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for success and create a more peaceful, organized start to each school day.
On one hand, there’s the thrill of getting back into a routine, watching your kids learn and grow, and perhaps even having a little more “me” time during the day. But on the other hand, the back-to-school season can also bring a whirlwind of stress, especially if you’re trying to juggle multiple responsibilities. And let’s be honest, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short amidst the chaos.
But here’s the thing, moms—you are doing an amazing job. The fact that you’re reading this post shows that you care deeply about your kids and want to do your best for them. Back-to-school time doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and some helpful tips, you can avoid common mistakes that many of us have made (and maybe even laugh about them later!). You’re not alone in this, and a few simple adjustments can make a world of difference.
So, let’s dive into some of the most common back-to-school mistakes and how you can steer clear of them. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or sending your little one off to school for the first time, these tips are for you. And remember, it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly—what matters most is the love and effort you put in every day.
1. Going to Sleep Too Late
It’s no secret that a good night’s sleep is crucial for both kids and adults. However, with busy schedules and the temptation of screen time, it’s easy to let bedtime slip later and later. Unfortunately, this often leads to groggy, cranky kids (and moms) in the morning, making the start of the day much more challenging.
How to Avoid It: Establish a consistent bedtime routine that allows everyone to wind down and prepare for sleep. For kids, this might include a bath, reading a book, and quiet time without screens. Try to start this routine at the same time every night, even on weekends. For yourself, it might mean setting an alarm to remind you to start winding down or having a no-electronics rule after a certain hour.
Adequate sleep is essential for your child’s concentration, mood, and overall well-being. It also makes it easier to stick to your morning routine because well-rested kids are more likely to get up on time and cooperate with getting ready for school.
2. Not Having the Uniform or Clothes Ready The Night Before
Nothing sends a morning spiraling into chaos like discovering your child’s uniform is still in the wash or you can’t find matching socks. When clothes aren’t ready the night before, it can lead to a frantic scramble in the morning that throws off your entire schedule.
How to Avoid It: Make it a habit to prepare uniforms or school clothes the night before. Check that everything is clean, ironed, and laid out for easy access. This goes for your own clothes as well—if you know what you’re wearing, you’ll save precious time in the morning.
If your partner is in charge of morning drop-offs, ensure they know what to wear and where everything is. The last thing you want is a stressed-out dad frantically searching for a clean shirt while the kids are waiting impatiently by the door.
You could even turn this into a fun nightly ritual with your kids. Spend a few minutes together before bed picking out their outfit for the next day. This way, they feel involved and it helps to eliminate those morning “I don’t want to wear this!” battles.
3. Waking Up Too Late
Mornings can be chaotic. Between getting yourself ready, making sure your kids are fed, dressed, and out the door on time, it’s a wonder anyone makes it to school before the bell rings! But one of the biggest mistakes that can throw a wrench in your morning routine is simply waking up too late.
When you don’t give yourself and your kids enough time in the morning, everything becomes rushed. Your child might be dragging their feet, your hair might still be wet when you drop them off, and breakfast might consist of a hastily grabbed granola bar (if you’re lucky). This rushed pace can set a stressful tone for the rest of the day.
How to Avoid It: Try setting your alarm just 15-30 minutes earlier than you think you need. This small cushion of time can make a big difference. Consider all the little things that can slow you down—kids who don’t want to get out of bed, a uniform that gets accidentally stained, or unexpected traffic on the way to school. Having extra time helps everything go smoother, and it allows you to handle those little hiccups without panic.
For example, if you know it takes 15 minutes to get your kids dressed and ready, set aside 20 minutes. If breakfast typically takes 20 minutes, allow for 25. This buffer time ensures that even if something goes awry, you’re still on track. Plus, a more relaxed morning routine can mean fewer arguments and a better start to everyone’s day.
4. Not Having a Morning Routine for Moms and Kids
There are so many back to school mistakes you should avoit, but one of the most important which is link to many others is not having a morning routine for kids and for you Mom! Mornings are often the most stressful time of the day, but a well-established routine can turn chaos into calm. Without a routine, it’s easy to overlook important tasks, like packing lunches or making sure everyone has brushed their teeth. This not only leads to stress but can also result in forgetfulness and rushed departures.
How to Avoid It: Create a morning routine that includes time for all the essentials, and involve your kids in this process. This doesn’t have to be an elaborate plan, just a simple checklist of tasks to accomplish before leaving the house. For instance, you might allot 10 minutes for getting dressed, 15 minutes for breakfast, and 5 minutes for last-minute checks like grabbing backpacks and putting on shoes.
Make sure your kids are aware of this routine too. It might be helpful to create a visual schedule that they can follow. For younger children, use pictures to represent each task, while older kids can use a written checklist. Encourage them to take responsibility for their own tasks, like making their bed or brushing their teeth.
This routine not only helps ensure that everything gets done but also instills good habits and a sense of responsibility in your children. And let’s face it—when everyone knows what to expect and what needs to be done, the morning feels a lot less like herding cats. Having a consistent morning routine will allow you to tick off from your list many other back to school mistakes, as you will be much more organized!
5. Not Having a Back to School Essentials List
One of the most common back to school mistakes that can lead to unnecessary stress is not having a back-to-school essentials list. When you don’t have a list, it’s easy to forget important items that your child needs for school, leading to last-minute shopping trips or your child going to school without something crucial.
How to Avoid It: Start by making a list of all the essentials your child will need for the school year. This should include basics like pencils, notebooks, and lunch boxes, as well as any specific items required by their teachers, such as binders, art supplies, or gym shoes.
It’s a good idea to sit down with your kids and discuss what they need and what they’d like for the new school year. Involving them in this process can make them feel more excited about going back to school, and it ensures that you’re not missing anything important.
Once you have your list, consider shopping online together. Websites like Amazon offer a wide range of school supplies, and shopping from the comfort of your sofa can be a fun and stress-free way to check everything off your list. Plus, you can take advantage of reviews and recommendations to make sure you’re getting the best products.
Having a clear list and involving your kids in the purchasing process ensures that they have everything they need to succeed at school, and it helps avoid those last-minute dashes to the store for forgotten items.
Have a look at some of these down below, shop by Category and Grade and forget the stress!
Avoid these back to school mistakes for a stress-free school year
6. Not Having the Uniform or Clothes Ready
Nothing sends a morning spiraling into chaos like discovering your child’s uniform is still in the wash or you can’t find matching socks. When clothes aren’t ready the night before, it can lead to a frantic scramble in the morning that throws off your entire schedule.
How to Avoid It: Make it a habit to prepare uniforms or school clothes the night before. Check that everything is clean, ironed, and laid out for easy access. This goes for your own clothes as well—if you know what you’re wearing, you’ll save precious time in the morning.
If your partner is in charge of morning drop-offs, ensure they know what to wear and where everything is. The last thing you want is a stressed-out dad frantically searching for a clean shirt while the kids are waiting impatiently by the door.
You could even turn this into a fun nightly ritual with your kids. Spend a few minutes together before bed picking out their outfit for the next day. This way, they feel involved and it helps to eliminate those morning “I don’t want to wear this!” battles.
7. Not Using Google Maps to Check the Route
Right, it’s not the end of the world if you make some back to school mistakes, BUT one of them that really can be annoying for the school is running late! You might know the route to school like the back of your hand, but that doesn’t mean you should skip checking traffic conditions in the morning. Unexpected roadwork, accidents, or even a new detour can throw a major wrench in your plans, causing unnecessary stress and potentially making your kids late.
How to Avoid It: Before you leave the house, take a minute to check Google Maps or your preferred navigation app. These apps can give you real-time traffic updates, including any accidents or roadblocks on your usual route. Even a few minutes’ warning can help you avoid a frustrating traffic jam or allow you to leave a bit earlier to make up for any delays.
Involving your kids in this process can also teach them the value of planning ahead. You can explain that checking the route is part of ensuring they get to school on time, and maybe even make it a shared task—older kids can be responsible for checking the app while you finish getting ready.
8. Making the School Bag in the Morning
The rush of the morning is not the ideal time to be packing school bags. Doing this last-minute often leads to forgotten items like homework, snacks, or gym shoes, which can result in unnecessary stress for both you and your child.
How to Avoid It: The night before, take a few minutes to pack your child’s school bag. Make sure all homework is completed and packed away, and double-check any extra items they might need, such as a lunchbox, water bottle, or sports gear. This way, you can avoid the morning scramble and ensure that nothing important is left behind.
Encourage your child to be involved in this process, especially as they get older. Teach them to take responsibility for their own belongings—this not only reduces your morning workload but also helps them develop good organizational habits.
9. Not Having a Backup Plan To Avoid Back To School Mistakes
No matter how well you plan, sometimes things go wrong—your car won’t start, your child wakes up feeling under the weather, or the weather itself is terrible. Not having a backup plan for these situations can add unnecessary stress to your morning and many more back to school mistakes I didn’t even mention in this post.
How to Avoid It: Think ahead about potential hiccups and how you’ll handle them. Can you carpool with a neighbor or friend if your car breaks down? Do you have a trusted babysitter or family member who can step in if your child gets sick? Having a backup plan can provide peace of
mind and help you handle these unexpected situations with grace.
It might also be helpful to have a “just in case” kit in your car with essentials like an extra school uniform, snacks, and some basic first aid supplies. This way, if something does go wrong, you’re not left scrambling. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s from your partner, a neighbor, or a fellow mom, having a support network can make all the difference when things don’t go according to plan.
10. Not Preparing for After-School Activities
It’s easy to focus so much on the morning rush that you forget about the rest of the day. But not preparing for after-school activities can lead to frantic after-school pickups, forgotten equipment, or missed snacks, which can all add to your stress levels.
How to Avoid It: Before the school week starts, take a few minutes to look over your kids’ schedule for the week. Make sure you know which days they have sports practice, music lessons, or playdates, and plan accordingly. Pack any necessary gear or snacks the night before, and communicate with your kids so they know what to expect.
You might also want to set reminders on your phone for after-school pickups or activities. This way, you’re not caught off guard and can transition smoothly from the school day to whatever comes next.
11. Overcommitting to School Volunteer Work
As a mom, it’s natural to want to be involved in your child’s school life. Volunteering at school is a great way to stay connected and support your child’s education, but overcommitting can lead to burnout and make your mornings (and days) more stressful.
How to Avoid It: Be realistic about how much time and energy you have to volunteer. It’s perfectly okay to say no or to commit to just one or two events that you’re really passionate about. Remember, it’s important to take care of yourself too. By not overloading your schedule, you can be more present and less stressed, both at school events and at home.
Communicate with your child’s teacher or the school’s parent-teacher organization (PTO) about your availability and interests. This way, you can contribute in a way that’s manageable and fulfilling for you, without feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion: You've Got This, Mom!
Remember, no one is perfect, and it’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned. Everyoe makes Back To School Mistakes because of the excitement. What matters most is that you’re showing up for your kids and doing your best. And on those days when everything seems to go wrong, give yourself grace, laugh it off, and know that tomorrow is a new day.
Now that you have some strategies to avoid these common back to school mistakes, why not put them into practice? Take a few minutes tonight to plan for tomorrow’s school day—set out those uniforms, pack the school bags, and set your alarm just a little bit earlier. And don’t forget to share these tips with other moms who might need a little extra encouragement during this busy season.
You’ve got this, mom. Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with smooth mornings, happy kids, and lots of coffee (for you, of course!).
