Back-to-school season is here again, and honestly… my chest! 😩 You know that feeling when the holidays are about to end, and reality starts setting in? 3 of my kids are resuming this september; Different grades. Different needs. Different wahala. The stress is REAL. But over the years, I’ve mastered a few tricks to make resumption easier and smoother for everyone in my house — and I’m sharing them with you today.
1. Start With a Back-to-School Checklist 📝
The first thing I do is create a checklist for each child. I don’t trust my memory — if I leave it to chance, I’ll forget something important.
My checklist usually includes:
- School uniforms & PE kits
- School shoes & sandals
- Backpacks, lunchboxes & water bottles
- Stationery (pencils, pens, markers, sharpeners, the whole works and permit me to recommend the BIC’s brand because I used them growing up and they’ve launched new products especially for kids of all ages.)
- Snacks & food flasks (Whats your favourite lunchbox brand?)
- Hair supplies & personal hygiene items
I even tick items off one by one as I buy them — it gives me small joy, I can’t lie. 😅 You can make your own list or print one for each child to keep things neat and stress-free.
2. Budget Like a Boss & Shop Smart 💰
Back-to-school shopping hmmm if you don’t plan, you’ll cry in the market. These are my tips:
- Set a budget first. Know exactly how much you want to spend — and stick to it.
- Check what you already have. No need to buy a new lunchbox if last term’s own is still fine. We attended a birthday party this week and our “party packs” were school bags… how thoughtful!
- Shop early. Prices will shock you if you wait until the last week.
- Buy in bulk. Things like socks, snacks, and stationery are cheaper this way.
- Mix malls and markets. I can buy lunchboxes at a supermarket but get uniforms and school socks from Balogun market or even get better deals online – no need to leave your house. balance it out!
Pro tip: I set a spending limit per child. It helps me control impulse buying and stops me from over-shopping.
Organize School Supplies 🎒
One thing I’ve learned is that chaos breeds stress. To avoid shouting on Monday mornings:
- Each child has a dedicated school supply box or drawer.
- I label everything — lunchboxes, shoes, water bottles, even pencils.
- I always keep spare items: extra socks, pens, hair ribbons, and handkerchiefs.
Because, let’s be honest, children have a spiritual gift for losing things.
Lunchbox & Snack Prep 🍱
Packing five lunchboxes every day is no joke. To save my sanity:
- I create a weekly lunchbox plan. This helps me know exactly what to shop for and prep ahead.
- I stock up on non-perishable snacks — chin chin, crackers, granola bars, you name it.
- I prep in advance: wash and portion fruits, pre-make pancakes, boil eggs, and freeze sauces.
- I invest in good thermos flasks so the kids can have hot meals like jollof rice, spaghetti, or beans at school.
If you need ideas, this is where my Little Big Bite Co brand comes in. We’re helping parents make school lunch stress-free, so download The Little Big Bite Cookbook (for over 40 recipes) But the game changer is Little Big Lunchbox which has already assembled LUNCHBOX FOR SIX WEEKS! Remove the stress totally!
5. Reset Sleep & Morning Routines ⏰
During the holidays, the kids become night owls — and me too, if I’m honest. 😅 But a week before school resumes, I start resetting bedtimes so waking up won’t be a battle.
I also:
- Establish a morning routine: wake-up, bath, breakfast, dress-up.
- Set up a launchpad area where each child’s bag, shoes, and lunchbox stay ready the night before.
This small hack has reduced my Monday morning stress by at least 50%!
Hair, Health & Hygiene Prep 💇🏾♀️🧴
- I book salon appointments early for braids, cornrows, or haircuts — last-minute salon stress is not for me. We’ve currently booked appointments with a new kids salon in Lekki (Muna and Luchi) so that is sorted.
- I buy hair essentials: beads, rubber bands, leave-in conditioner, and oils.
- I stock up on wipes, deodorants, tissues, hand sanitizers, and body sprays.
- If needed, I schedule doctor or dental checkups before school starts.
7. Get the Kids Mentally Ready 🧠❤️
Back-to-school isn’t just about books and bags; it’s also an emotional shift.
- I talk to the kids about their new teachers, classmates, and routines.
- For my little one starting nursery, we practice a “school morning” to get her used to the idea.
- For the older ones, I encourage them to set personal goals for the term — academic or otherwise.
It makes the transition smoother and gets them excited instead of anxious.
8. Plan Transportation & Safety 🚗
Whether it’s the school bus, a driver, or me / their dad doing school runs, I confirm the plan ahead of time. Lagos traffic can humble anybody, so I also map out my best route to avoid surprises.
And if your kids walk or take public transport, please take time to teach them basic safety rules.
9. Stock Up the House 🛒
Once school resumes, life falls into a routine and i barely have time for doing extra stuff. So, I stock up on:
- Pantry staples: garri, rice, pasta, milk, and snacks
- Quick breakfast options: oats, pancakes, cereals, flour
- Freezable meals like stews, soups, and proteins
This way, I don’t wake up on Wednesday morning wondering what everybody will eat.
10. Take Care of Yourself, Too 🧘🏾♀️
Back-to-school season isn’t just stressful for the kids — it’s stressful for us parents too. So I schedule a mini self-care session before resumption day: hair, nails, maybe a facial. I also organize my work schedule to make room for school runs and homework supervision.
And lastly, I set my own goals for the term — whether for content creation, business, or fitness. Because as much as we plan for our kids, we must plan for ourselves, too.
How are you getting ready for Back To School ?