Back-to-School Survival Guide for Busy Families

Kagan Watson
Jul 27
2 min read

Because Getting Out the Door on Time Shouldn't Feel Like an Olympic Event 😅

Hey mama,If your mornings have started to feel like a mix of The Amazing Race and Survivor: Family Edition, you’re not alone. Back-to-school season is a beautiful blend of excitement, nerves, new routines—and a whole lot of "Where are your shoes?!"

As a mom of a busy school-age kiddo, I’ve found a few tricks to help things run smoother (and keep me from losing my ever-lovin’ mind before 8 a.m.). So grab your coffee and let’s dive into this Back-to-School Survival Guide made just for YOU. 💙

✅ Your Go-To Daily Routine Checklist (Sticky Note Approved!)

I keep this on the fridge and my daughter loves checking things off. It gives her a sense of independence (and keeps me from repeating myself 47 times).

MORNING ROUTINE:

☐ Wake up with music (Alexa = lifesaver)

☐ Get dressed

☐ Eat breakfast

☐ Brush teeth

☐ Pack backpack (lunchbox, water, folder)

☐ Put on shoes by the door

☐ Happy dance out the door 💃

AFTER SCHOOL ROUTINE:

☐ Unpack backpack

☐ Snack + chat

☐ Movement break (bike, trampoline, Ninja moves!)

☐ Homework or reading time

☐ Play, shower, dinner, bedtime prep

Print it, laminate it, or stick it with a magnet—this list is GOLD. ✨

💡 Easy Prep Tips for Smoother Mornings

Want to cut the morning chaos in half? Here are a few things that actually work:

🌙 Pack everything the night before.Lunches, water bottles, clothes, and library books. Mornings are not the time for decisions.

👟 Keep shoes by the door.If I had a dollar for every time I heard “I can’t find my shoes!”...

📦 Create a snack + lunch bin.My daughter picks one from each: main, fruit/veggie, and treat. Boom—done in under 5 minutes!

🛏️ Stick to consistent bedtimes.Sleepy kids = cranky mornings. A solid routine really helps them wake up happier.

👏 Why the TS Athletics After School Program Has Saved My Sanity

Real talk? I work. And even when I’m not technically “working,” I’m doing laundry, errands, or playing chauffeur.

So having my daughter in the After School Program at TS Athletics has been a game changer.

Here’s why I love it:

💙 FREE transportation from school (hello, convenience!)

💙 She gets to run, jump, do Ninja and tumbling—WAY better than sitting on a tablet

💙 She’s surrounded by kind coaches and great friends

💙 I get a little breathing room after school, and she comes home happy and tired (the best kind!)

💙 BONUS: After School families get 25% off evening classes! 🙌

Whether you're juggling work, younger siblings, or just need help with that after school gap, this program is a LIFESAVER.

🌟 Ready to Take On the School Year With Confidence?

You've got this, mama. And when you need a little help, we’ve got YOU. 💪

Whether it's structured movement after school, tumbling in the evenings, or just a fun place to burn off some energy—Tumble Shine is here to make your school year smoother, happier, and full of SHINE.

👉 Join our After School Program at TumbleShine.com

See you at the gym (probably with coffee in hand),—A fellow Tumble Shine Mom 💙