Work Smarter: 4 Back-to-School Routines for Illinois Parents

Back-to-school season can feel hectic for families with new schedules, extracurricular activities, and trying to get everyone where they need to be on time.  Let's make it easier!

Related: 10 Things Illinois Parents Should Do Once Kids Are Back in School

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Prepping can make a big difference in your life.  Setting expectations, prepping for setbacks, and finding ways to make your mornings so much smoother can save you a whole lot of stress!  Here's what you can do to give yourself some breathing room when you need it the most this school year.

Work Smarter: 4 Back-to-School Routines for Illinois Parents

• PREP LUNCHES THE NIGHT BEFORE: Instead of scrambling every morning, just put together your lunches at night so it's all ready to go!  Gives you time to put energy toward something more important before school.

• LAY OUT CLOTHES FOR THE WEEK: You won't have to hear "I can't find my shirt" anymore if you plan your fits ahead of time.  Thank me later!
• DEDICATED BACKPACK AREA: All the permission slips, homework, and chrome books will be in one dedicated place if you want it to be.  I lose my key fob every day because I don't put it in the same spot when I get home... don't be me.

• TEACH YOUR KIDS TO SET THEIR ALARMS:  I had my alarm on the other side of my bedroom so I was forced to get out of bed to turn it off.  I was never late or behind in the morning, that's for sure!

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With daylight savings, season changes, and winters that drag on forever in Illinois, it's hard to stay on our A-game.  Try a few tips above to avoid stressing out the rest of the school year.  Good luck!