Back To School Blog Hop {2015}

Good Morning!
Today is all about all things back to school! I am so excited to be teaming up with some of my favorite bloggers for a back to school blog hop.

3+ Ways to Show Love to Your Kids in School from Garay Treasures // Count Me In Giveaway from Abiding In Grace // Free Homeschool Pre-school Printables from All Kinds of Things // Back to School Tips for Moms from Our Pretty Little Girls // Back to School Boy Style from BYBMG // Tips for Using Your Local Library from Our Life on a Budget // Discovery Puzzles from Polka-Dotty Place // 10 Bible Verses to Encourage the Student Athlete from While I'm Waiting // First Day of School Printable from Morning Motivated Mom // Preparing an Anxious Child from Almond Place //Tips to Stay Organized With School from Living In This Season //
I feel like we are paving the way, we are officially on school day #3! Three days in and we are still surviving! I was just so sure that going back to the books after a summer packed full of fun might actually kill us. 
Joking aside, I feel confident and excited about the 2015/2016 school year. Re-purposing a space into a school room was quite possibly the best decision we have ever made. I am already seeing the benefits of a designated school space and wondering why we didn't do this sooner. I also did a lot of work to lay out, plan and organize our school year. We seem to thrive on organization in this household so I am hopeful my hard work will pay off.
Today I want to talk about getting back to school and offer a few tips to help mom out during this time of transition and change for the entire family. Simple, easy things that we can do to prepare for changes in the week leading up to and first week of school. 

Stock up//  If your home is anything like mine your typical grocery routine has been a bit disrupted through the summer months. Taking the time to get to the store and restock your shelves before school starts can help in so many ways. As a home school mom I don't have to worry about needing to add a store trip in for at least two weeks giving me more time to focus on our new school year. This could also greatly benefit a working mom as well.
Clear the calendar// Anything that isn't necessary goes. Sometimes this is easier said than done but while adjusting to a new routine clear the calendar as much as you can.    Wake up early// I know, I know! I can just feel the eye rolls, hear me out on this one. However much time you think you need, add at least 15 minutes. I can not tell you how many times I have unnecessarily stressed my kids out because I underestimated how much time we needed to do something. Once the kids adjust to the new schedule and things become more routine you can take those 15 minutes back.
You're still Mom// Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the teacher, homework police, schedule keeper, bed time enforcer role that the fun summer mom goes out the window and we become overly focused on rules. Going back to school and embracing a schedule doesn't mean you aren't allowed to be fun any more. Remember you're still mom. I am all for being firm when needed but don't be so overwhelmed by keeping things in perfect order that your kids loose sight of the real you.    Be proactive// Now is not the time to procrastinate. If you can do something right away, do it. If not make sure you right it down so it won't be forgotten about. So many stressful situations can be avoided simply by not procrastinating. 
Keep realistic expectations// These are the times that I think Pinterest perfect visions crush moms. Breakfasts, teacher presents, photos, back to school outfits & haircuts and looking oh so put together can be such a burden. Keep it real mom. You don't have to nail every single thing. Focus on what is the most important & realistic for you and let the rest go.
Pray// Lastly I would add don't forget to pray for your kids. Back to school is such a big and exciting time in the lives of our children. Pray with them and for them often. 
What back to school tip would you like to share with other moms?