Back to School Essentials for Moms in School
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It’s Back-to-School season, just another busy time of year for moms everywhere. It can be even more hectic when you have classes of your own. I’m a single mom to a second grader and I’m currently in my last semester of grad school all while continuing to navigate all other areas of my life.
This semester, I am not only taking classes but I have to do another semester of student teaching. Long story short, it’s A LOT.
I wanted to share some of my back-to-school essentials. These are some items, tips, and tricks that keep me sane.
Use a Planner
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it many, many more times. Use a planner. It doesn’t matter what kind, but having a place to write down schedules, appointments, and due dates (not only for yourself but for the kids) is crucial to your success. I currently use Notion and a few Passion Planners. Passion Planner has weekly and daily versions available as well as digital versions. While their weekly planners all have the same weekly layouts, they are available with different start dates: annual (Jan-Dec), mid-year (Jul-Aug), and undated so you can start whenever you’d like. (copy and paste my discount code DAHLIAO144 to use on your next order). With the help of donations, I also give away free planners if you’d like to try one but can’t afford it right now. Head over to Operation Planner if you or someone you know needs a planner!
Notetaking Supplies
When you’re out buying all the things on your kid’s school supply list, grab some things for yourself.
For notes, I personally use discbound notebooks by TUL. In case you’re wondering, a discbound notebook is like a hybrid between a ring binder and a spiral notebook. You get the flexibility of the binder in that you can hole punch papers, add them, move them around, and organize your notebook any way you want. At the same time, you get that spiral notebook feel and can easily fold the cover back and take notes directly in it. If that’s not your cup of tea; the papers can easily be taken in and out as needed, so no worries about the discs getting in the way of your note-taking.
Now that you’ve got some paper, you need something to write with. Some of my favorite pens are Pilot Frixions. they come in different colors and are erasable. If you don't care for erasable pens, check out Papermate Flair (felt tip pens) and Papermate InkJoys (gel ink pens). Both come in a variety of colors so you can colorcode your notes., if that’s your jam, or even use them for doodling. I really like the InkJoy pens because they dry quicker than most gel ink pens and for some reason, my handwriting is so much prettier when I use them. As for highlighters, Zebra Mildliners are a great option. A fun fact, that many people don’t know, is that they are double-ended. There are both bold and fine point tips on each one.
Tech
What do you call an iPhone that sleeps too much? Dead Siri-ous. Get it? No? I wouldn’t be mad if you didn’t. Horrible puns aside, I’m an online student so a computer is a MUST. I’ve been using my Macbook Pro since 2020 and so far it’s been pretty great. I opted for my Macbook because it pairs nicely with my other Apple products. I can share things seamlessly between my Macbook, iPad Pro, and iPhone. If you’d like to buy an Apple product, try to shop during their Back to School sale and shop online in their Education Store to save some money. I also recommend checking out Amazon Renewed or Amazon Second Chance for pre-owned, like new tech. I want to add that I use grant money and have been gifted items from my parents. I know Apple can be pricey.
If Apple isn’t your thing, there are so many great computers out there. I am a huge fan of 2-in-1 laptops. I’ve heard good things about the Surface Pro and HP Envy 2-in-1 laptops. I actually used an HP Envy prior to getting my Macbook. If it didn’t tank out on me, I’d still have it.
Snacks
This one is a given but as busy moms, we sometimes forget the little things. Having some healthy, grab and go snacks on hand is crucial. You want to be able to grab something quickly before, during, and after a study session.
Last, but definitely not least, BREATHE
In the midst of all the chaos, take a step back and breathe. You’re doing better than you think.
Do you have any back to school tips?