Back-to-School Hacks for Mums: Stress-Free Mornings and Smart Shopping
Ladies, ladies, ladies! Welcome back to Morning Coffee! So it’s over, the holidays have wrapped up, and we're staring down the barrel of the back-to-school routine. If you're anything like me, you're juggling excitement for some structure and sheer panic at the thought of early mornings and packed schedules. Because I’m not going to lie to you! I absolutely despise the school run and if you feel like me too, I feel your pain! But anyway listen, don't fret okay! I've got some effective tips that have been a Godsend and I know it can help you glide back into the school groove again without losing your mind. This year, we’re all about being prepared, saving money, and keeping our stress levels below high blood pressure range.
1. Online Shopping: Your Wallet's New Best Friend
Popping into shops always seems to end with me buying a bunch of stuff I don't need. Hello, scented candles and random snacks! Shopping online keeps me focused on essentials and helps me stick to my budget. Plus, a little birdie at Superdrug mentioned that some items are cheaper online than in-store. Who knew?
Here are some of my go-to online spots for school essentials:
Asda George: One thing I absolutely love about George is that they’re super affordable yet their school uniforms are durable enough to last. They won't break the bank, but they’ve got quality covered. The only thing I’d say is a bit tricky is the sizing, especially for trousers and coats, so make sure you check the measurements before you order. Check out their school uniform range here.
Amazon: From stationery to backpacks, Amazon's got you covered! The only issue is the delivery times have been a bit unpredictable lately. Prime doesn’t prime like it used to! So, order early to avoid the last-minute panic (trust me, I'm speaking from experience). Explore their school supplies on sale here.
H&M: Stylish pieces that actually last longer than most other stores! The quality of H&M’s kids' clothes is really impressive, and they hold up so much better than the cheaper alternatives. Plus, they’ve got such a great mix of comfort and style. Shop their kids' range here.
Primark: Because, why bloody not?! Primark is always my go-to for affordable bits and bobs. Click & Collect is a lifesaver, especially when stuff’s actually in stock. Just keep in mind, not everything is available for Click & Collect, which can be a little frustrating. Oh, and a word of warning. I wouldn't recommend their basic essentials underwear for kids (or for yourself, to be honest!). They barely last a couple of months before the threads start unravelling into your butt cheeks or disintegrating into the washing machine (haha, no joke!). Shop their school uniform collection here.
2. Meal Planning: Because Who Has Time to Think About Dinner at 6 PM? 
Deciding what's for dinner after a long day? No, thank you! I've jotted down a healthy weekly meal plan for me and my daughter, so I know exactly what's on the menu. It saves me from the evening scramble and keeps us eating a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet. I've even created my own meal plan template that you might find handy. Grab it here and download.
3. Uniform Prep: Mornings Made Easy
Gone are the days of frantic ironing at dawn and running around like a bat out of hell. I set up a five-day school prep station for my daughter, all her uniforms ready to go. If you want one, grab yourself one here. Mornings are now smooth sailing, and we even have time for a cheeky breakfast together.
4. Protective Hairstyles: Less Morning Fuss
As a black mum to a beautiful Black daughter, I know how time-consuming hair care can be. I opt for protective styles that last a few weeks or even a month. It means less styling time in the morning just a bit of moisture, growth oil and she's good to go.
5. Night-Before Prep: Snacks and Drinks Ready to Roll
I fill my daughters water bottle and pack snacks the night before. Whether it's water or her favourite diluted juice, it's one less thing to worry about during the morning rush.
6. Staying on Track with the Routinely App
To keep our daily routines in check, I've been using the Routinely app on my iPhone. It's brilliant for scheduling our morning, afternoon, and evening tasks. The timer feature ensures we're not lagging behind, and there's even a friendly AI voice that nudges us when time's nearly up no more dawdling! It automatically starts the next task, keeping us active and focused throughout the day. You can check it out on the App Store here.
Implementing these little hacks has turned our mornings in our house from manic to manageable. No more running around like a headless chicken at 6:45 a.m.! Got any back-to-school tips that have worked wonders for you? Spill the beans in the comments below. I’d love to hear them!
Thanks for reading! And remember, you’re doing an amazing job. Ciao!
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