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Happy Friday, Super Moms. As summer fades and the school bells start ringing, it’s time to embrace the back-to-school season. Think of it like our annual refresh: new backpacks, fresh starts, and maybe even a little more room in the fridge. Whether you’re gearing up for school lunches, homework routines, or just trying to keep your cool 😅, it’s time to jump back into a new school year.

Grab a coffee, kick back, and let’s dive into this back-to-school adventure together. Here’s to making this school year smooth, successful—and maybe just a little bit fun! ☕

• Back-to-School Budgeting: Acing the shopping list without failing your wallet.

• Routine Reset: 7 simple tips to get back into the school routine.

• Birdie Picks: Our top picks for back-to-school essentials.

FINANCE

Back-to-school shopping.

Back-to-school shopping is giving holiday spending a run for its money, with families expecting to drop an average of $875 this year. That’s nearly on par with last year’s holiday splurge. But don’t worry—you can still keep your budget intact with a few smart moves.

Audit Before You Buy
Leftover supplies from last year? ✔️ That backpack still in good shape? ✔️✔️ Taking inventory before you hit the stores can help you trim your shopping list and save some cash.

Shop Smart, Not Hard
Spread out your shopping to catch the best deals. 💡 Pro tip: Hold off on some purchases until September, when clearance sales can help you score big savings.

Sales Tax Holidays FTW
Some states offer sales tax holidays during back-to-school season, translating to instant savings on big-ticket items like laptops and bulk supplies. Check if your state is participating.

Teach Budgeting 101
Turn back-to-school shopping into a budgeting lesson. Get your kids involved by setting a budget and discussing needs versus wants. If they save on one item, let them splurge a bit on something fun.

📌Quick Tips:

• Audit what you have before buying more.

• Spread out your shopping to snag the best deals.

• Take advantage of sales tax holidays.

• Involve your kids in budgeting.

PARENTING

Getting back to the routine.

As summer winds down, the transition back to school can be a bit chaotic. But with a few strategic moves, you can ease your family back into the groove smoothly. Here are a few tips:

1. Adjust Sleep Schedules Early
   Kids need plenty of sleep for school success. Start adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times at least a week before school begins. Gradually move alarms earlier each day so by the first day, your kids are on a school-friendly schedule.

2. Ease Into the Morning Routine
   Practice the morning rush before it’s real. Start by waking up at the set time, and then gradually add steps—like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and prepping backpacks. 💡Pro tip: Create a “launching pad” by the door with all essentials ready to go.

3. Organize Homework and Study Spaces
   Set up distraction-free zones for homework. Stock up on supplies and establish a no-device rule during study time. A consistent homework routine helps kids develop strong work habits.

4. Turn Off Screens Before Bed
   Screens can be the enemy of good sleep. Set a screen-off time at least 30 minutes before bed to help kids wind down and improve sleep quality.

5. Prep the Night Before
   Make mornings easier by prepping the night before. Have your kids lay out clothes, choose breakfast, and pack their backpacks before bed. It saves time and reduces stress.

6. Plan Breakfast Ahead
   A good breakfast is linked to better school performance. Prep breakfast items like smoothie packs or boiled eggs in advance, and have grab-and-go options ready for busy mornings.

7. Visit the School
   Ease first-day jitters by visiting the school ahead of time. Show your child where their classroom, bathroom, and cafeteria are. Knowing the layout helps reduce anxiety.

AND ALSO

Transform School Lunch Packing into a Breeze

Packing school lunches doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little prep and some smart strategies, you can turn it into a smooth, efficient part of your routine. Here’s the secret sauce:

Create a Lunch Station. Set up designated spots in the kitchen for lunch supplies. Think: a basket in the pantry for snacks, a drawer in the fridge for fruits and proteins, and a freezer section for pre-made items. Make sure your kids know where to find everything.

Stock Up on Healthy Options. Keep a variety of whole foods within easy reach. Veggies, fruits, and proteins should be the stars of the show.

Prep in Advance. Pre-wash and cut fruits, portion snacks, and cook proteins ahead of time. A little prep goes a long way.

Establish a Routine. Set a regular time for packing lunches—whether it’s the night before or after brushing teeth in the morning. Consistency is key!

💡Bonus Tip—Follow this formula: 1 protein + 1-2 fruits + 1 veggie + 1 dairy + 1 crunchy snack + 1 small sweet.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

Back-to-school essentials.

As back-to-school season ramps up, snagging deals on student must-haves is a top priority. Here’s what’s catching our eye—and wallets:

Bentgo Kids Whimsy & Wonder Lunch Box
Perfect for the little ones aged 3-7, this lunch box is designed for fun with five snack-sized compartments to keep things fresh and exciting. Bonus: It’s on sale right now!

Pottery Barn Kids Backpacks & Lunch Boxes
Known for high quality and dozens of designs, these are a classic pick that can handle the school year’s ups and downs.

Under Armour Hustle Backpack
A favorite among kids, this backpack is stylish, durable, and currently on sale. With lots of colors and prints, there’s something for everyone.

Simple Modern Kids Water Bottle
This adorable insulated tumbler is a must-have for preschoolers. Keep them hydrated in style!

EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case
For the organized student, this spacious pencil case is a game-changer.

Rileys Planner 2024-2025
Help your student stay on top of their assignments with this affordable and practical academic planner.

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

📸 Snap the moment. First day of school captions that say it all.

🎨 Duct tape dreams. Prom dresses that stick out.

📝 Teacher’s pet. What teachers really wish parents would do.

🏪 Battle of the bulk. Sam’s Club vs. Costco—who’s the true MVP?

🍽️ Dinner dash. 30 easy recipes for those school night scrambles

Tackle Bedtime with Netflix Jr.’s Popular Podcast

• Made to help kids drift off to sleep

• Created with a childhood development expert

• Features stories from Netflix series like StoryBots

Listen to Bedtime Stories.

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