Surviving Back to School 2025 (With Your Sanity Intact!)

I hate to be that person, but… summer is halfway over. I know, it feels like we just packed away the backpacks. But it’s time to face the music: Back to School season is coming in hot.

Here are 5 quick tips to make the transition a little smoother (and maybe even a little fun):

1. Get in the Know Check your school’s start date and any orientation events (especially for new schools or grade transitions). Those emails from the school? It’s time to actually read them! I know, I often don't either..

Helpful links:PSD | Weld RE-4 | Thompson | Resurrection

2. Get Geared Up for the Back to School Routine I’m not sure about you guys, but my kids are sleeping in way past school would even start. So start getting everyone adjusted to going to bed a bit earlier, and -sadly- stop planning evening events at least a few days before school kicks off again. The key to this is to have them wake up at or close to when they have to get up for school. Have your kids lay out their clothes the night before and get dressed for the day. This is training for you too (since nobody’s gotten dressed all summer…)

Bonus Points for making a dinner plan again! These are fool proof ways to get the kids (and YOU) mentally prepared for back to school.  

3. Grab That School Supply List Now Honestly if you don' follow any other tips, this one will alleviate stress the most in my opinion.

Did you know that you can get your back to school lists starting now? In fact, I was just emailed earlier this week with Hunter’s list. This applies to most schools – but if you simply search “Supply Lists Poudre School District” or your Child’s specific school, many schools have already posted these on the school’s individual website. If your school has an online portal, check that as well to see if your list is up.

Then, if you have younger kids like me, take them with you sooner rather than later to pick up their supplies and check them off the list.

OR, If you prefer to quicker route, order all your supplies for a Pick up or an Online Order (Walmart, Target. Amazon!) Boom. Done! No more fighting over the last spiral notebook at Walmart the day before school starts.

Also- Consider giving back around Fort Collins/ Larimer County and Donate a Backpack and Supplies for  A Backpack of My Own . This is an awesome nonprofit in NoCo that donates backpacks and supplies to Foster Kids in Need.

4. Get a Fresh Pinterest Board going for Back to School Lunches: Here are some lunch ideas that go beyond PB&J on repeat:

• Feeding Littles Printable

• Weelicious Ideas

• Hot Lunches and No Sandwiches YouTube

• Lunchbox Recos | Here | And Here
  

5. Make it a Celebration, Not a Chore

• Kick off with a fun Back to School breakfast — Pancakes and Eggs can go a long way to help with Pre-School Jitters!

• Surprise your kid's new teacher with a $5 coffee gift card and a smile.

• Try a fun “Class of ___” shirt for first day photos. Like this one.
  

So there’s your nudge: start prepping now, and thank yourself later.

What would you add to this list? Drop it in the comments .Enjoy the rest of summer — and may your school year start with matching socks and zero lunchbox leaks.

—Ashleigh