Tips for A Smooth Back-to-School Morning

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School just started yesterday and even though I have a million things going on right now, prepping for this back to school year was the easiest it has ever been! I was really crunched on time but I was focused and knew exactly what we needed and instead of waiting for that last minute motivator, I pushed myself through it and got things done. Now that school is in session I plan on keeping up with the momentum and staying organized so that the kids have their fuel for school in the morning and so my afternoons go smoothly. Below are some the steps I will be taking to ensure the boys and I stay on track.

1. Pulling out clothes the night before:
This is probably the most important step in creating a stress free morning. Before the boys go to bed they lay out their outfit for the next day. If it needs ironing, we do it as well. This will prevent the kids from yelling “mom where’s my…” a million times. they get up, get dressed and they’re good to go!

2. Quick & Easy Breakfast:
I have many fond memories of mi abuela but the one that always comes to mind is how she would always run to the bodega and buy fresh, hot bread and luncheon meat with cheese every time we’d come over. She’d make a huge pot of cafe con leche and make us sandwiches that she would lightly toast right on the burner. It was just amazing! I don’t have a bodega nearby to make my kids a fresh sandwich or a lot time to make breakfast from scratch, but what I do have is Jimmy Dean® breakfast sandwiches (found in the freezer section at Walmart) that are delicious, a satisfying source of protein, and high quality breakfast solutions for the perfect start to any busy morning. I pop one in the microwave while I brew my cafe con leche and we’re ready to tackle the day!

Often times, for the afternoons when the boys come home starving and tired, I depend on
State Fair® Brand who make a variety of delicious corn dogs featuring their signature honey-sweetened cornbread batter that are also located in the frozen aisle at Walmart. These are a great source of protein that are perfect to eat on the run, easy for the kids to make and they love them!! Easy to make choices like these is what makes it possible for me to get things done and still have time for my kids and family.

3. Personalize:
Having five boys means we more often than not have five of everything and they are constantly bickering over whose is whose and most of these disagreements occur in the morning. There’s the “mom that’s my brush”, “mom thats my cup” and my personal favorite, “mom he used my toothbrush.” Normally I would grab a permanent marker and write out their names but since they’re a little older now I decided to go with a more stylish touch and monogram their stuff.

There have been plenty of mornings when my kids are fighting over their favorite cup, so this year I bought them new cups so I can monogram them for each boy. This will eliminate the daily “but it’s mine” disagreement they have every morning and in return, I get to drink my cafe con leche in peace. It really is a win-win for me!

***Step by step tutorial is below and make sure you check back in because I have some more monogramming DIY’s coming soon!

You’ll need:

Chalk board spray paint
Painters tape
Scissors
Box cutter
Chalk
Cups
One piece of construction paper

How to:
Create your stencil and cut access paper. I made an oval but any shape would look just as good.

Using box cutter remove the center of your shape.

Make sure your cup is clean and dry
Tape stencil onto the cup with the painters tape **make sure you cover up the parts of the mug you don’t want to paint

Spray paint the cup **hold can approximately 10 inches away from cup to avoid any excess paint or drips

Let dry for about 1 hr and then using chalk personalize with their names or grade and year.

What are some of your tips for a smooth back-to-school morning?