Posted By: Truly Free Home
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Posted On: 8/15/2025
If you have school-aged kids, you know all too well that August and September are about navigating the back-to-school transition with as little morning mayhem, homework battles, laundry overload, and after-school meltdowns as possible.
But between new routines, supply shopping, and sibling conflicts, keeping everything on track isn’t easy—and that smooth start to the year can begin to feel like wishful thinking.
Oftentimes, though, a stress-free start to the new school year simply comes down to figuring out the right strategies for your family. And if last year didn’t go as planned, don’t let that discourage you.
Maybe you’re dwelling on that time you forgot they had soccer practice after school or worrying about how you’ll help them adjust from summer’s laid-back schedule to a more structured routine. I’ve been there. Sure, it can leave you feeling a little frazzled, but it doesn’t have to.
If you’re looking for a few back-to-school tips for how to make this time of year glide along effortlessly—while keeping your home, schedule, and family’s routines as safe and healthy as possible—I’ve got you.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the start of the school year for clean-minded families.
It’s no secret that weekday mornings can be hectic, especially at the start of the year when everyone (including you) is adjusting to a new rhythm. To ensure an easy back-to-school transition, start slow, begin implementing changes a week or two before the first day, and, most importantly, keep things light and fun.
To make mornings more about rushing out the door or completing a checklist, build in connection time. During breakfast, start a daily ritual where everyone says what they’re looking forward to that day. Or, set the tone with an affirmation you can say together. If you need to reset the vibes, let the kids play morning DJ and pick a fun song to blast in the kitchen. (Dancing is encouraged!)
For those musts—like making the bed, brushing teeth, and getting dressed—create a visual chart with stickers of their favorite character that they can use to mark off each task. And if they’re dragging their feet in the morning, challenge them to “beat the clock,” making getting ready a game they can win.
Kids thrive on structure, and the more you can weave into a morning routine, the easier those AM hours will be.
I know the school supply list is a dreaded annual chore for parents (is it just me, or does it get longer every year?). But for kids, it’s their chance to pick out brand-new back-to-school gear to show off on the first day.
Here’s the thing. Traditional school supplies, think plastic lunch boxes, crayons, and markers, can contain chemicals like VOCs, phthalates, formaldehyde, PVC, heavy metals, or synthetic fragrances. While they’re usually present in small amounts, kids are especially sensitive because they’re bodies are still developing, they touch and handle supplies constantly—and sometimes put them in their mouths—and exposure can add up over time, especially indoors where air circulation is limited.
To help your kids get excited about choosing a stainless steel lunchbox over a plastic one with unicorns on it or beeswax crayons versus traditional brands, make it a game. Explain that they’re a superhero who needs gear that will keep them safe, their friends at school safe, and help the planet, too.
How to get them thinking non-toxic school supplies are cool:
When you’re a parent who steers clear of ultra-processed foods like Lunchables, chips, and fruit floating in syrup, it can be hard to get your kids pumped for their packed lunch. Getting them involved is the first step to tackling any pushback.
Make Sundays school lunch meal prep days where the whole family pitches in. You’ve likely planned what you want in their lunches, but by giving them choices, they’ll feel in control—and get fired—even if it’s stocked with fresh berries instead of fruit snacks.
When you have kids, keeping the house in check is a tall order, but the start of the school year brings a new level of chaos. Between backpacks, school projects, and after-school activities, it can feel like clutter and mess multiply overnight. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming, though. The key is getting everyone involved and turning everyday chores into simple, manageable parts of your family’s routine.
Motivate your kids by making cleaning feel like a game rather than a dreaded task. Assign simple, age-appropriate jobs so everyone can contribute without feeling overwhelmed, whether that’s folding laundry, sweeping and vacuuming, wiping down counters with gentle, non-toxic cleaners, or tidying up backpacks and shoes. Visual checklists are great, too. They help kids see their progress so they feel proud of their accomplishments, and these habits eventually turn into second nature.
Most importantly, lead by example by choosing safe, plant-powered cleaning products and showing your kids that a clean home can be a healthy home.
Even if your kids are enjoying school, they’re still experiencing a lot of change—and fast. So those first few days and weeks can bring up a lot of anxiety, especially at night when they’re thinking about the next day.
And even if they aren’t anxious, a solid nighttime routine will lay the foundation for a smooth morning. Help them wind down by creating a screen-free schedule before bedtime to calm their minds and set the tone for restful sleep. I’m a big fan of a three-minute stretch followed by listing three things we’re grateful for.
Encourage them to pick out their clothes and shoes the night before so they wake up feeling prepared and confident.
Add a nightly checklist with easy-to-follow tasks like packing their backpack, brushing their teeth, tidying up toys in their room, and picking a book to read. This small step reduces next-day anxiety and makes mornings smoother and more joyful for everyone.
Starting the school year can feel like a juggling act, so remember, it’s totally okay to lean on help. Whether it’s scheduling grocery delivery to save time, using tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm quick meal ideas or create a chore chart, or teaming up with your partner for morning routines, sharing the load keeps things smooth and stress-free. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s smart, clean-minded parenting in action.
Get a jump on the start of the school year with Truly Free Home by your side.
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