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Back to School Survival Tips for Moms

by Marva | Sun Sparkle Shine

With back to school right around the corner, moms all over are wondering how will they ever survive.

For me it seems like as soon as summer starts it’s almost over. Before you blink it’s time to go back to school.

I recall several first days of school where I wished I was better prepared. This time around, I’m trying to stay ahead of the game so I’m scouring the web for back to school resources for moms like me.

This is not your typical back to school resource list. This round up will help us prepare our hearts and minds and get us ready to conquer the first day of school … and beyond.

Whether your kids are home-schooled or attend school outside of home, I’m pretty sure you’d be happy to get back in the game ready to win.

Are you ready?

Let’s go!

Getting ready for back to school is not just for kids. This resource list will get moms in the right mindset to conquer the first day of school and beyond.
Photo credit: Pixistock (referral link)

How to Get Back to School Right — The Mom List

1. Want to Be More Productive? Start Your Day the Right Way!

– Blog post by Jennifer Bly, The Deliberate Mom

Jennifer is one of the most organised and productive people I know. Here she gives us a minute by minute account of how she starts her day. It helps me to see what others are doing and gives me a starting point that I can tweak for myself. There’s a free printable included for download.

This printable package includes:

  • a daily planning sheet
  • a weekly block planning sheet

To get the free printables all you have to do is subscribe to The Deliberate Mom’s newsletter by following the link provided.

2. Opportunity: My Homeschool Attitude Plan

– Blog post by Abi Craig of Joy in My Kitchen

Whether homeschooling or otherwise, our attitude sets the tone for the school year. In this post, Abi reminds us to set our hearts and minds right before heading back to school. I don’t know about you but I sure can use this kind of encouragement!

Getting ready for back to school is not just for kids. This resource list will get moms in the right frame of mind ready to conquer the first day of school. List includes free printables, books, e-course and even a Facebook group.
End summer right with this list of back to school resources for mom.
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3. Mom’s Back-to-School Printable Pack

– By Sarah Ann at Faith along the Way

This post is packed full of tips and resources to get you ready for the school year. Free downloadable resources include:

  • 30 Days of Prayer for the New School Year
  • Lunch Box Love Notes
  • Sweet Treat Bag Toppers
  • Back-to-School Conversation Cards
  • 20 Strategies for a Successful School Year and more!
Free-printable-pack-Faith-Along-the-Way

This post includes affiliate links which means if you purchase using a link here, I may receive a commission. It’s no extra cost to you and helps to support this site. Please know that I only share products/resources that I love and trust and which I believe will benefit you. See my full disclosure policy here. 

4. Count to Nine – 9 Liberating Steps for Mom Anger and Frustration 

– Book by Ruthie Gray of RuthieGray.mom

We all know how stressful the first day of school can be.  Sometimes the stress just keeps a steady pace throughout the school year. It’s very easy to let tempers flare. In this just-released book, Ruthie shares valuable tips gleaned from years on the frontline with her four kids. Don’t get into the battle without this in your arsenal.

Ruthie Gray - Count to 9 book

5. Battlefield Moms 

– Facebook group hosted and managed by Stefani Stoltzfus of  Walls of Home

Speaking of battles, this Facebook group is for moms who are passionately fighting for their children with the weapons God has given us. If your goal is to cover your kids in prayer every single day, you will feel right at home. To join just click on the link above and request to join the group. 

6. Make Over Your Evenings Course

– E-course by Crystal Paine of Money Saving Mom

This 14-day e-course helps you set yourself up for successful mornings beginning with the night before. Which mom with school-aged kids doesn’t need that?

This course will help you:

  • Establish a Realistic Evening Routine that works
  • Design a Prioritized To Do List for each day
  • Create a Best Stuff List
  • Eliminate calendar conflicts once and for all
  • Nourish your body, nurture your soul, and no longer put your health on the back burner
  • Assemble a wardrobe of simple outfits you love and that make you feel great
  • Develop a contagious, positive attitude
  • Stop sleepwalking through life

7. Praying the Promises Prayer Challenge

– Prayer resource by Arabah Joy of Arabah Joy blog

I’m excited about this new prayer challenge by Arabah Joy. Every Praying the Promises prayer challenge prompts you with one promise from God’s word each day. Typically the challenge lasts about a month and it’s encouraging to build community with others who’ve joined. This time around I plan to use this focused time to pray over my kids as they prepare to head back to school.

Moms don’t despair back to school. These top-rated resources are just what you need.
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8. The One Thing I Must Do this Summer…Fall Hopefully in Love

– Blog post by Carlie at From Dust Towards the Heavens

Least we get too caught up in the doing and forget to enjoy summer, Carlie calls us to slow down. And her call is not just to slow down and do nothing on the couch. Although, I’ll be the first to admit that there should always be time for that. But no, she reminds us to pause and actually bask in the glow of God’s presence.

Too often I’m quick to move on to the next thing. To constantly be in planning mode. But there is a time for everything and rest and rejuvenation in the Lord must also be on our list.

The One Thing I Must Do This Summer - Carlie Lake - Getting ready for back to school is not just for kids. This resource list will get moms in the right frame of mind ready to conquer the first day of school. List includes free printables, books, e-course and even a Facebook group.

9. How to Win Your Child’s Heart for Life 

– Book by Melanie Redd of Ministry of Hope

While getting ready for back to school is the challenge of the moment, we have to keep things in perspective. The truth is, there is a bigger goal in mind. As I raise my children my goal is to prepare them for a life with Christ. We’re in this for the long haul and that’s why this final resource is so dear to me.  This book reminds me of what’s really at stake. It is my hope to win my children’s hearts not just for the upcoming school year but for life.

Wish someone could walk beside you and share helpful parenting tips? Here Melanie Redd offers hope in her book on winning your child's heart for life.

And finally, there’s this …

10. Redbook Back to School

– Resource page by Redbook

As we think of back to school as the new New Year, Redbook has brought together a wealth of resources, articles and tips to help you prepare for back to school season.

Take your time and scroll through to find the resources that suit you best.

Getting ready for back to school is not just for kids. This resource list will get moms in the right mindset to conquer the first day of school and beyond.

How about you?

How are you preparing for back to school? Do you have any tips you’d love to share? Tell us about them in the comments!

Wishing you blessings, 

Marva - signature (1)

Please spread the shine and share this with your friends using the share buttons below. 

I love linking up with these amazing sites.

* Photos in this post are courtesy of the respective blogs, Pixabay, Pexels and Ashley Ella Design, and Pixistock.


For even more resources, visit the Sparkle Shop

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For Even More Sparkle

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  • The Big List of Mom Blogs Christian Moms LoveThe Big List of Mom Blogs Christian Moms Love
  • 3 Verses that Will Transform Your Prayer Life3 Verses that Will Transform Your Prayer Life

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Filed Under: Intentional Living, Parenting Tagged With: back to school, encouragement, moms, motherhood, parenting, resources

Comments

  1. Heather Hart says

    August 16, 2019 at 2:04 pm

    Hey Marva, I just wanted to let you know that we featured your post this week for our Grace and Truth Link-Up on CandidlyChristian.

    • Marva | Sun Sparkle Shine says

      August 21, 2019 at 12:25 am

      Thank you, Heather, what a pleasant surprise and a beautiful blessing. I pray this post and these tips will continue to bless other moms.

      Wishing you well!

  2. Tiffany Montgomery says

    August 16, 2019 at 10:51 am

    Love this list. Back to school can be super stressful. Getting everything prepared and keeping a good attitude is so hard but these are great resources to help.

    • Marva | Sun Sparkle Shine says

      August 23, 2019 at 8:41 am

      So true, Tiffany, good attitude makes such a big difference. I pray your back to school will be/has been peaceful and joyful.
      Blessings to you and yours.

  3. ESTHER | CHOSEN & CHERISHED says

    August 14, 2017 at 5:26 pm

    Wow, this is a great list of resources! Thank you for putting this together!!

    • Marva | Sun Sparkle Shine says

      August 14, 2017 at 8:18 pm

      You’re very welcome, Esther. I’m glad we connected today on Mary’s site at the Literacy Musings Monday Linkup. Thanks for sharing your back to school wisdom with us!
      Blessings and sparkles!

  4. Hannah says

    August 14, 2017 at 3:17 pm

    So many great resources here, I love how you took a different approach to back to school with resources for the heart.

    • Marva | Sun Sparkle Shine says

      August 14, 2017 at 8:16 pm

      I’m glad you enjoyed it, Hannah. It was very kind of you to visit and leave such an encouraging comment. Blessings to you!

  5. Mary Hill says

    August 13, 2017 at 12:53 am

    Thanks for sharing at the #LMMLinkup this week. Your post was featured as my favorite for the week.

    • Marva | Sun Sparkle Shine says

      August 13, 2017 at 1:00 am

      What a sweet surprise, Mary. Thank you so much! And thanks for always being such a gracious host at #LMMLinkup.

  6. Jerralea says

    August 3, 2016 at 10:49 am

    Marva, thank you for gathering such a comprehensive list of goodies to help moms get ready for the school year! I wish I knew you guys back when my kids were still in school!

    Thanks for sharing at The Loft today.

    • sunSPARKLEshine says

      August 3, 2016 at 11:02 am

      Hi Jerralea, I always love visiting you wonderful ladies at the Loft. I love the warm and welcoming community you’ve created.
      As for the back to school resources, I’ve shared these as much to help myself as to help other moms. Hopefully they’ll find it as useful as I have.
      Thanks for stopping by!

  7. Yvette Lewis says

    August 3, 2016 at 9:41 am

    These are great resources for moms to use as the new school year gears up! It is always such an exciting time, full of newness, but it can also be stressful for the same reason! Great post.

    • sunSPARKLEshine says

      August 3, 2016 at 9:47 am

      Oh yes, Yvette, I know that bitter-sweet feeling. We have a couple weeks left and I have mini panic attacks about forgetting something important — all while trying to soak up the last bits of Summer fun. 🙂
      I’m so glad we connected and I’m grateful you stopped by to share your sparkle today!

  8. Jessica says

    July 25, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    What a great list! We are just getting into back to school mode here so this is perfect timing! And I love Ruthie’s book too!!!

    Thanks for sharing this with us for Tuesday Talk! I’ll be sharing this on social media and featuring it this week! -Jessica, Sweet Little Ones

    • sunSPARKLEshine says

      August 5, 2016 at 11:41 pm

      Jessica, thanks so much for selecting my post to be featured. I’m grateful that more moms will have access to these amazing resources, thanks to you.
      It took me longer than usual to respond because I had to snatch your comment out of the spam folder. Those little bots have a way of snatching nice comments such as yours. Might be the same bots that have been stealing Summer! 🙂

  9. Stefani says

    July 21, 2016 at 11:20 pm

    Love love love this!!! You are so inspiring, my dear friend! Thank you for including my group in your wonderful list of resources! <3

    • sunSPARKLEshine says

      July 22, 2016 at 6:57 am

      It’s my pleasure, Stefani. The Battlefield Moms group has been such a great encouragement to me and I’m sure others will experience that too.
      Sending you hugs!

  10. Jen says

    July 20, 2016 at 11:16 pm

    You knew I needed this didn’t you? School starts next Thursday and right now I am a hot mess in the whole organizational area! Thanks for sharing just what I needed 🙂

    • sunSPARKLEshine says

      July 21, 2016 at 12:19 am

      Lol, Jen. I’m so glad this could help get you out of this mess you’re in. I’m feeling a bit jittery and I have weeks still to go so I can only imagine how you must be feeling.

  11. Carlie says

    July 20, 2016 at 11:16 am

    Thanks, Marva for such a well-thought out and useful list, and thanks for including my post.

    • sunSPARKLEshine says

      August 5, 2016 at 11:45 pm

      You’re very welcome, Carlie. Your post reminded me to enjoy Summer in a fresh way with my focus on Christ. Gosh, that’s good advice any time of the year.

  12. Anne Marie @ CCHC says

    July 20, 2016 at 7:56 am

    Excellent resources! We go back in less than 4 weeks and I am ready for the fighting to end 🙂 Hopefully these sites can help me be organized this year.

    • sunSPARKLEshine says

      July 20, 2016 at 9:02 am

      I know exactly what you mean, Anne Marie. I’m running out of ways to entertain and engage them. Lol.
      I really do hope you fibd the resources useful. Please do stop back and let me know which one is your favourite.

  13. Ana (@ANAWINSblog) says

    July 19, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    What great resource list! I love the variety of everything-there is definitely something for everyone! Thanks for putting this together. 🙂

    • sunSPARKLEshine says

      July 19, 2016 at 2:58 pm

      Thank you, Ana. I’m so happy to have you included. The Bible verses you chose speak directly to the heart — just what we need!

  14. Melanie says

    July 19, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    Thank you, Marva! I’m so glad to be on the back to school list!
    My babies are both seniors in college this year. I may be almost done with back to school!
    Cheering all of the other moms and dads on!
    Happy Anniversary today!

    • sunSPARKLEshine says

      July 19, 2016 at 2:38 pm

      Thank you, Melanie. I’m honoured to include your book — it’s such a good read and I found so many useful tips that I’ll be taking into the new school year and beyond. I’m so grateful for the example that you are for so many moms like me!

  15. Lori Wildenberg says

    July 19, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    Love all the support you provide. Awesome materials!

    • sunSPARKLEshine says

      July 19, 2016 at 2:35 pm

      Thank you, Lori! I hope that you find them helpful. I’m glad you stopped by and shared your sparkle! 🙂

  16. Lauren Gaskill says

    July 19, 2016 at 9:55 am

    I don’t have kids yet, but I love the idea of praying for them before they go back to school! This is going to bless so many families, Marva! <3

    • sunSPARKLEshine says

      July 19, 2016 at 10:49 am

      Oh I certainly hope so, Lauren. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing this with others. Hugs!

  17. Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says

    July 19, 2016 at 9:18 am

    What an awesome bundle of goodies! We go back to school in late May (we do year-round homeschool but I see some real gems here that I could use!

    Thanks so much for sharing (and for including my link too)!

    Wishing you a lovely week!
    xoxo

    • sunSPARKLEshine says

      July 19, 2016 at 10:45 am

      I’m always ready and willing to share the amazing content from your blog, Jennifer. Your tips and resources are always right on point. I’m so grateful for how God uses you to help and encourage others.

  18. Ana says

    July 19, 2016 at 8:53 am

    Thank you for this resource! Can’t believe school behind in two weeks for us!

    • sunSPARKLEshine says

      July 19, 2016 at 10:48 am

      The time is definitely going quickly, Ana. I’m torn between soaking up the lazy, hazy days and getting prepared and organised. I’m praying for God to order my steps.

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Marva Smith - SunSparkleShine
Hi, I’m Marva, an island-living, sun-loving, Christian wife and mom. I’ve transitioned careers, welcomed reinvention and I’m on the lookout for what God is doing next. I enjoy showing women how to sparkle and shine for God by living fully and abundantly right where they are (John 10:10).

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