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8 Tips For School Year Success From An Experienced Mom

Back to school tips to help your child โ€” and you! โ€” have a great school year

By Jennifer Hill, publisher of Macaroni KID Fremont, Calif. July 31, 2023

Back-to-school season is here, so it's time to gear up for another exciting year of learning! 

As a mom of four older kids myself, I have plenty of back-to-school experience and wanted to share my top 8 tips with you to make this year a success for your kids:



1. Give Your Calendar Some TLC

  • Mark your calendar as things come up, don't wait till the first week of school to put everything on the calendar (I use it for my work and personal life). - Yulia Watters, Finist and the Owl Owner 
  • Get ahead of the back-to-school whirlwind by giving your calendar some TLC in August. I like to transfer our school district's calendar to my planner and Google calendar.  Having a family calendar with updates in real-time leads to fewer communication breakdowns during such a busy time of year. -Brynn Dixon, Click Joy Photography

 sturti | Canva

2. Establish a Routine

Creating a consistent daily routine is a game-changer. Help your kids develop good habits and manage their time better with a consistent daily routine that includes:

  • A regular wake-up time for your kids that allows them to enjoy a healthy breakfast without feeling rushed as they head out the door.
  • Time for homework and studying — and outdoor play!
  • Enjoy a healthy and homemade dinner together as often as possible.
  • An appropriate bedtime.

 sturti | Canva

3. Team up with Your Kids

Go directly to the source by asking your kids—

  • What do THEY (each) need to do each morning before school to set themselves up for a good day? Remember, what works for one, may not work for all. 
  • What would a successful coming home routine look like? Get their feedback to help hold them accountable to their systems (and tweak as needed). If they can, have them write it down to display. If they cannot, have them help take pictures of the steps. Kids are visual—having this in a prime location will be key. - Kim

 sturti | Canva

3. Team up with Your Kids

Go directly to the source by asking your kids—

  • What do THEY (each) need to do each morning before school to set themselves up for a good day? Remember, what works for one, may not work for all. 
  • What would a successful coming home routine look like? Get their feedback to help hold them accountable to their systems (and tweak as needed). If they can, have them write it down to display. If they cannot, have them help take pictures of the steps. Kids are visual—having this in a prime location will be key. - Kim