For some, back to school conjures up sweet images of new school supplies, cute first-day-of-school outfits, and knowing that a routine is just around the corner. For others, sheer panic! Have no fear, we’ve rounded up some of the Back-to-School posts we’ve written throughout the years and have organized them into one spot to make it easier for you to find the resources you need. We have also included tips for parents sending their child to school for the first time, easy meals, and even some things just for moms!
Cheers to a fantastic new school year!
Routines & Preparation
Here are some things that can help ease back into a (peaceful) routine to ensure timeliness to school…and keep your sanity.
5 Tips to Conquer Back-To-School Chaos
Tips to help beat the chaos of back to school with a simple acronym, P-E-A-C-E.
Back-to-School Organizational Tips
This article contains great tips for organizing your home (including the kids’ closets!) before school starts!
How to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten (From a Teacher)
Sending your child to “big kid” school for the first time can be both exciting and totally nerve-wracking! This article has some great info about things you can do to prepare your child for kindergarten, with tips provided by a kindergarten teacher!
7 Ways to Ease Your Child’s Transition to a New School
Starting at a new school can be overwhelming, for both parents and children. The leaders at Mason Prep give us some great ways to ease the transition and make it a great school year.
How to Crush the Back-To-School Blues
For those not looking forward to setting the alarm clock again or evenings filled with homework, check out this post to help you balance your busy schedule with some downtime.
From Night Owl to Early Bird: How That Extra Hour is Life-Changing
It may sound counterintuitive to get up earlier than your kids, but the benefits really can’t be beat.
Meals & Snacks
Take the stress out of school lunches with this article on supplies and snack and meal ideas!
Family-Friendly Weeknight Meal Plan
With the school year comes new activities, sports, and a host of other things that take up our time. Here are some easy meals that your whole family is sure to love!
Tips for Family Meal-Prep at Home
Personal chef Jessica makes meal prep a lot less intimidating in this post filled with great tips!
Light Meal & Easy Snacks Ideas for Busy Mamas
Here are some great healthy snack ideas for whatever busy season of life you’re in!
30 Healthy, Portable, Kid-Approved Snacks
Snacks are truly a mom’s best friend, especially when dealing with a hangry child. Nutritionist Ali gives us 30 great ideas for portable snacks that are kid-approved!
Kids Eat Free (Or Cheap) Around Charleston
When cooking just isn’t on the agenda for the day, head to one of these local restaurants that offer free (or cheap) meals for kids.
Shopping
Tax-free Weekend Shopping Tips
Helpful tips for hitting the stores during tax-free weekend!
Simple Steps to Save Money Shopping
With apps to save money, as well as tips to plan your shopping trips, this is a great one to read before you head to the stores! (Or open your computer!)
Back-To-School Money Saving Tips
Here are some great tips for saving money going into the back-to-school shopping season as well as throughout the entire school year!
12 Local Organizations to Donate Your Used Items
Before you start buying new things for school, it’s the perfect time to donate some stuff you are no longer using. Here are 12 local organizations!
Check out the series we did with Channel 2 news on back-to-school budgeting! You can find Part 2 here and Part 3 here!
Homeschooling
Tips to Getting Started as a Homeschooler in Charleston (Part 1)
Thinking about homeschooling but don’t know where to begin? Contributor and homeschooling mom Marie provides helpful pointers on where and how to start.
So You’ve Made the Decision to Homeschool. Now What?
Part two of Marie’s series about homeschooling continues with information about curriculum, socialization, and much more!
Homeschooling Tips From a First-Time Homeschooler
Hear from a fellow mom about some things she learned as a first-time homeschooler, plus helpful tips!
Printables
First Day of School Printables
Whether you’ve got a child starting kindergarten or heading into high school, we’ve got you covered with lots of free printables!
For Mom
Dear Mom of a First-Time Preschooler
If this is your little one’s first time heading to school, this post, written by a preschool teacher, is a must-read!
Finding Your Place at Preschool
Speaking of preschool, this article shows just how important those bonds at your child’s first school can be!
I’m Rooting for You (A First-Timer on the First Day of School)
I’m not crying, you’re crying. Seriously, if you’re sending your child to school for the first time, read this!
4 Tips for Making Your Way Through School-Aged Friendships
If you have school-aged kids, this is a must-read! Contributor Emily gives us some great tips for helping us navigate through the big emotions of school-aged friendships.
Free (Or Cheap) Things to Do with Kids Around Charleston
Just because school is back in session doesn’t mean the fun’s over. Check out this list for lots of fun free or cheap activities to do with the kiddos around town!
How to Make Mom Friends in Charleston
No matter how old your kids are, mom friends are a must! Here are some great tips for connecting with other moms as well as some local groups you can join!
A List of Local Pediatric Developmental and Behavioral Resources
If your child is struggling with behavior or you have developmental concerns, contributor Melissa put together a great list of local resources!