5 Back to School Clothes Shopping Tips and Other Morning Hacks that Make Getting Ready Easier

Back-to-school clothes shopping and thoughts of trying to get out the door when school starts is enough to increase stress levels.

No matter how hard we try, often we’re always running late, forgetting something important, and having a school day morning that’s frazzled. 

Many of us have been thinking that we wanted do things differently as the new school year begins. Dare we even think that morning routines can be calm and fun?

We asked experts to weigh in on how to make back to school, from clothes shopping to getting dress, a bit easier. It’s never possible to implement every tip at once, so pick the ones that speak the most to you and start from there.

#1 – Go on an organizing mission

Christina Giaquinto, a professional organizer, recommends focusing on organized nighttime and morning school routines which will help parents leave the house ready to conquer the day instead of feeling rushed and full of stress.

Her tips include, “Lay out your child’s clothes the night before. Organize a bin for all your 'out the door possibilities,' such as sunglasses, hats, chap stick, umbrellas, etc. Have snacks and breakfast ready to go the night before.

Declutter your car once a week so it is neat and tidy for the school morning drives. Organize a trash bin in the car for any garbage that accumulates on car rides to school."

#2 – Try a style subscription box to save loads of time

Why go to the store, fighting crowds, waiting on lines, all while trying to keep track of your kids when you can take a fun quiz with them and have a personalized box shipped to your door? 

Kidpik was founded by Ezra Dabah, father and entrepreneur, who remembers well how hectic mornings were.  “Kidpik stylists review your child’s style quiz and create a curated box of mix-and-match fashion that parents and kids love."

"We are known for our great fit, comfort, and fashion.  When you keep the entire box, each piece roughly $15.00 and parents have the option to include shoes in the order."

"Mornings are less hectic when a child can pick out their own clothes that they love and feel confident wearing. Parents are calmer because they had more time to take care of other things and they know that their child is appropriately dressed for school.”

#3 – TRY and take some time for yourself.

Dr. Maria Shaheen, senior director of early childhood education for Primrose Schools, shares that there are ways to cut down on school morning stresses that might surprise you.

She recommends that parents, try and take care of themselves. “With so many other demands on a parent’s time this might sound impossible but try and do something nice for yourself in the morning. It can be enjoying a cup of coffee and avocado toast — without interruption — while listening to your favorite podcast, scrolling through social media or setting a goal to exercise for 30 minutes a few days a week in the mornings."

"As with most parents, I know it’s hard to find time to do something for yourself, so enjoy making this a first priority of the day to reduce morning anxiety.”

#4 Adjust your routine to meet the needs of your child

Not every child is the same and often parents can make adjustments that are perfect just for their family. 

Mark Blakey, founder and CEO of an Autism parenting magazine told us that, “It is the parent's responsibility to design a timetable for your child. Your child should know the time they have to wake up and what time is to leave for school."

"The earlier to design the practice, the easier it gets in later years. Help them adhere to a particular time of brushing their teeth, eating breakfast, and packing their bag. The lower the morning stress, the happier the children go to school.”

#5 - Get Your Kids Involved in Morning Routines

Laura Doyle is a New York Times Bestselling Author with over 20 years of experience in relationship coaching.

She shares her essential tips for guiding children's decision making. “Kids like some autonomy over their life too. Because you have to exercise your ability to make decisions and there is a lot of truth that you learn from your mistakes. Kids are little humans and naturally need to express their desires as well.”

How can parents implement this without getting into an endless discussion? Doyle says that, “Something as simple as allowing them to decide what they wear will help to build their self-esteem and confidence.”

To learn more about kidpik clothes and outfits available, visit www.kidpik.com.