Back to School & Self-Care: Time-Saving Tips for Busy Parents and Kids

Its that time of the year we are shifting from the carefree sunshiny days of summer to the structured and busy routines of the back to school season. This shift can be both exciting and stressful for both parents and kids. There are new supplies and gear to be purchased, new schedules to learn, meal preps, and homework help too. Its easy to be overwhelmed with a routine shift like back-to-school. However, despite the chaos of it all, its a very important time to prioritize some self-care. Finding ways to care for yourself while managing the family's seasonal transition can actually make things a bit smoother for everyone. Every hear that expression "happy wife, happy life" well its kinda like that.. happy you, happy ROU-time change? Okay, it doesn't quite have the same ring to it but it doesn't have to rhyme to be right.

In this post we will dive into practical ways to reduce stress by seamlessly integrating self care into your busy routine, how to include the whole family, and a few ways to save both time and money on back-to-school purchases.

The Stress of Routine Changes

Its okay to be looking forward to the midday quiet that the season change gives you. We all need a peaceful breathe of air to ourselves from time to time. Its the moments before that change that can cause the most chaos as we prepare for it all and adjust. According to Understood.org "87% of parents of children under 18 say the back-to-school season causes them stress and anxiety" Stress and anxiety are both things that can snowball if left to fester which is why its so important to make time for you and model that for your children as well.

Self-Care Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

Self-care can seamlessly blend into your daily activities. You do not need to create a rigid routine - unless that's your style! Here are some straightforward suggestions to help you feel more at ease without requiring major time commitments:

1. Quick Showers, Twice the Relaxation

Lets start with the basics. Turn your typical shower into a mini retreat. By incorporating a product into your bathing routine you absolutely love like our refreshing lemon poppy massage bar or invigorating lemon eucalyptus sugar scrubs you can level up your experience. Why trudge through through the steps on autopilot essentially blinking and your shower is over when you can breathe in the steam and enjoy every minute even if you only have 5 of them. You can give your skin some lovely exfoliating time or massage your muscles while letting the aromas lift your spirits and the water wash away your worries. Check your problem at the shower curtain because no matter what it is, it can wait the 5 minutes for you to clean up and take a little time for yourself. Spending just a few minutes in the shower focusing on yourself helps you unwind and can kickstart your day or end your night on a positive note.

2. Face Masks While Packing Lunches

Imagine this: while you pack your kids' lunches, indulge in a quick face mask. This little act of kindness towards yourself can feel luxurious, even at the kitchen counter. Opt for a clay mask that you can apply in 2 minutes and let sit for about 10–15 minutes, allowing you to treat yourself while preparing healthy meals. Then at the same time you'd go pop in the shower or wash your face anyways you can just rinse it off and feel a little extra refreshed.

3. Me-Time During Homework Sessions

While your kids try to get through homework time, take advantage of this quiet for yourself. You could join them at the table and read a book of your own. You could knit while helping them read. Maybe they are super self-sufficient and just need a homework check later on so give them some space and finish up that woodworking project in the garage, or get in 20 minutes of yoga. Be it homework time, nap time, afterschool clubs, or sports take the moments that you can to power through a task taking up space in your mind or relax however that may work for you.

The Super Convenience of Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Be it getting ready for the day, washing of the colored marker, or saying goodbye to sports practice BO, kids are frequently in the shower or tub. A great way to cut back on your families haircare budget is to swap over to shampoo and conditioner bars. Here are some reasons why they're an excellent choice for busy families:

Space-Saving Convenience

Shampoo and conditioner bars take up minimal bathroom space which is great for solving the fight for shelving space in the shower. They also eliminate the clutter of half-used plastic bottles. For instance, a single bar can replace two or three bottles which means even more space in your bathroom cabinets too!

Longer Lasting and Cost-Effective

Honey So Supple Conditioner Bar

These bars tend to last longer than traditional bottled products, potentially lasting up to three times longer in some cases. By switching, you could save quite a bit on your hair care budget over the course of the year. Being in a bar form its also far less likely for a child to use half the product in 1 go like a bottle that you can squeeze endlessly. As they gain more independence in their own hygiene routines this will be a bit help. With fewer shopping trips to buy replacements, this transition not only saves money but more importantly it saves you time. Our shampoo and conditioner bars can also be sent to you on subscription basis based on your routine be it a bar a month or 2 every 6 months. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, shipped right to your door.

Travel-Friendly

If your family enjoys road trips or travel, shampoo and conditioner bars are the perfect travel companions. Their solid format means they can pass through TSA without a hiccup on the 3oz rule for liquids, which makes packing a breeze for any spontaneous weekend getaway. This also makes them a great shower caddy addition for your college kids as well. Traveling can be just as stressful to prepare for (even short trips) as adjusting to a new routine. Why make it more complicated with prepping tiny travel bottles?

How to Stay Organized

A well-structured routine reduces stress and frees up time for self-care. Here’s how to get organized for the busy season:

1. Create a Weekly Family Calendar

Start each week with a family calendar detailing all commitments, from school events to extracurricular activities. When everyone knows what to expect, planning your self-care becomes easier. You might find that a visual representation can help your family predict where they can support each other throughout the week. Color coding each persons activities can also be helpful for quick glances. This tool can be a family built system where once a month you all sit together and fill it out for a little team bonding. This is a great time to discuss ahead of time how to manage time for project deadlines, how to practice mindfulness, or even how stress can impact moods which affect the whole family.

2. Have a Designated 'Self-Care Hour'

Set aside a specific hour each week focused solely on self-care. This could involve anything from a soothing bubble bath to practicing meditation or even meal prepping nutritious smoothies for your busy mornings. Make it clear to your family that this time is for you, encouraging them to engage in quiet solo activities during that hour. Some great times would be after a Sunday house cleaning reset or during naptime. Of course life doesn't always go as planned or follow our well laid out calendars so maybe this looks a bit different for you. If you are a single parent maybe modeling to your kids coping skills and self-care time as one so they can connect how self-soothing activities can help regulate our emotions. Maybe an hour is too long. Try 10 minutes a day or 30 minutes every other day. Whatever works for you and your family.

Engage Kids in Self-Care

Self-care is essential not just for moms but for all adults, teens, and kids too. Teaching children the importance of taking time for themselves can instill healthy habits. Here are some fun ways to promote this:

1. Make it a Family Affair

Plan family self-care nights where everyone participates. You could initiate a cozy movie night with healthy snacks or a relaxing spa night at home featuring DIY facials and massages. The bonding experience cultivates healthy habits and strengthens family connections. One way to do this is to take turns planning the self-care time. Maybe dad picks quiet fishing so you all pop over to the pond and see who can be the quietest the longest while waiting for a bite. Having all members of the family participate and appreciate how one activity gives someone else peace makes for stronger connections even if it isn't something that provides peace for everyone.

2. Set Designated 'Quiet Time'

After school, implement a ‘quiet time’ where everyone can unwind individually. Whether they prefer reading, napping, or doing art, this peaceful transition helps everyone recharge after a busy day. It could be right when you get home or maybe after a snack and chat time where you all recap the days events.

2. Explain What Self-Care is and Why its Important for Everyone

Its hard to participate in something we don't understand. Let everyone in on how self-care is not just an excuse to get away its a moment to breathe, a moment to relax, a moment to soothe our stress. Self-care takes on many forms from playing soccer for physical wellbeing to reading adventure books for expanding the the minds creative side. It helps us come back to life with more focus, energy, and an overall wellbeing boost. We only have 1 body and 1 mind so taking care of them by attempting to find balance between the ups and downs is important for our health. Everyone needs it. It just looks a bit different to each of us at different stages of our lives.

The Benefits of Prioritizing Self-Care

Prioritizing self-care during the back-to-school transition isn't just a luxury; it's essential. Really doing it all year is essential but the more stressful the time the more we need it. When you make time for your well-being, you're better equipped to be an active participant in your family dynamics. Many studies have shown the positive effects of self-care on the overall mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of the individual practicing it.

Embrace guilt-free self-care. The small changes you implement now can lead to a significant impact on your life and your family's happiness. By setting an example, you teach your children and partners the importance of balance and self-care for themselves as well.

When back-to-school season begins, remember that it doesn't mean sacrificing self-care. By incorporating small wellness practices into everyday life, utilizing efficient products like shampoo and conditioner bars, and involving your kids in shared self-care activities, you can create a nurturing environment for everyone. Prepare for the school year ready for growth, joy, and a bit of pampering too.

Find your Balance in Practicing Self-Care