5 Mom Survival Tips for Back to School Time (and $100 Giveaway)

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Posted by: Katja Presnal Tags: back to school, bts'09, Giveaway, GIVEAWAYS, hallmark, separation anxiety Posted date: July 30, 2009 | 229 Comments

I still remember it like it was yesterday.
Excited about Kindergarten, and the new backpack.
Anxious to start the new era in my life I was entering.
Looking brave outside and saying to myself I was a big girl, I can handle it.
Inside I was so scared and didn’t want to let go the hand I was holding.
Saying goodbyes at the classroom door and fighting against tears.

And not being able to fight the tears anymore when I walked out of the school house holding my husband’s hand and leaving my youngest child inside to start his first day at school.

The past year was my first year of all three kids in school, and it was an adjustment for sure, and if nothing else, very emotional! I have enjoyed working more, and attending to blogging conferences and events, which I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it, if all of my children weren’t in school. But getting to the routines and actually enjoying the new mommy freedom took more than I thought of. My advice for stay-at-home-moms: start planning already now, even before the first day of school is here!

1. Start a new hobby that keeps you busy and your mind excited. Join a gym, knitting circle or start cooking and baking more – what ever suits you.

2. Remodel your house. Or just a room. Start collecting decorating ideas now, so you are ready to start once school starts.

3. Get a pet – a puppy or kitten will keep you busy. Or maybe it’s time for another baby.

4. Start a new home based business. Get serious about your blogging. Or start creating products to sell at Etsy. Get a job.

5. Think about YOURSELF for a while – do something that you want to do but haven’t been able to before.

$100 for Back to School Shopping Giveaway

Lots of us are gearing up for school – an exciting, fun and sometimes, hectic time. Hallmark has put together this great resource to help you calm the butterflies and build your kids’ confidence. Just for joining the conversation you’ll be entered to win $500 – or comment here to get a chance to win $100.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
1. Comment here with a tip how to make going back to school easier for you or your child.
FOR EXTRA ENTRIES:
2. Tweet about the giveaway with a hashtag #hallmark and link to this post (leave a comment you did, you can do this once a day).
3. Become a fan of Skimbaco Lifestyle at Facebook

GIVEAWAY ENDS: August 15th Midnight EST.

Full disclosure: The Giveaway was sponsored by Hallmark, via Real Girls Media.

About the author

Katja Presnal
Katja Presnal is an international lifestyle expert who inspires you to live life to the fullest. She has been featured in NY Times, Glamour, Redbook and Woman's Day magazines among many other national and international publications and written for MTV3 and Lifetime TV networks. Read Katja's full bio and connect with Katja on Twitter @katjapresnal

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229 Comments for 5 Mom Survival Tips for Back to School Time (and $100 Giveaway)

Angela Bailey

Let your kids get involved with their clothes shopping but give them a budget before you even walk into the store but let them know that you will be involved in the decision making also and let them know that you will decide on the stores together and agree.

Janet Carpenter

8/1 tweet
http://twitter.com/janetmom2maya/status/3069483645
Happy Saturday!
.-= Janet Carpenter´s last blog ..friday0731 =-.

Melissa @Mel4Him

Tweeted:

http://twitter.com/Mel4Him/status/3069689882

Melissa @Mel4Him

I’m a FB fan
.-= Melissa @Mel4Him´s last blog ..Win $5,000 in the "Share Your Solo Photo" Contest in Celebration of the New Solo Squared™ Cup =-.

Melissa @Mel4Him

I think one way to ease out of the summer and back into school gear is to preparing at least 1-2 weeks ahead. Change your summer bedtime routine back to your schooltime routine. Go out shopping for school supplies and hit all the sales. Involve your child in school shopping.
.-= Melissa @Mel4Him´s last blog ..Win $5,000 in the "Share Your Solo Photo" Contest in Celebration of the New Solo Squared™ Cup =-.

Stefanie Hartman

http://twitter.com/keepsakebaby/status/3069528802

daily tweet id keepsakebaby
.-= Stefanie Hartman´s last blog ..Oh My Goodness =-.

Cecile

I am a fan on facebook!
.-= Cecile´s last blog ..UPrinting Poster Print Giveaway =-.

Cecile

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ablogger/statuses/3069051273
.-= Cecile´s last blog ..UPrinting Poster Print Giveaway =-.

Cecile

One way I make back to school easier is by shopping for lunch stuff and making and freezing sandwiches the day before. Then I don’t have the last minutes rush to make something for lunch!
.-= Cecile´s last blog ..UPrinting Poster Print Giveaway =-.

Cori Westphal

Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/3064780599
.-= Cori Westphal´s last blog ..Giveaways at Jamies Precious Peas Ending 07/31/09 =-.

Cori Westphal

Start early! We have almost all of our shopping done already and are already making sure we are in bed around the school night bedtime.
.-= Cori Westphal´s last blog ..Giveaways at Jamies Precious Peas Ending 07/31/09 =-.

sarah

my kids will be returning back to school and i don’t know if i’m more nervous or them! i’ve stuck to a routine with my kids all summer so that they don’t become “lazy” and start to feel like going back to school will be a burden…we read to them every night, do some exploring outside, and try to find something to do each day that is educational. my babies love to learn!

Stefanie Hartman

fan on facebook!!!

thanks!!
.-= Stefanie Hartman´s last blog ..Oh My Goodness =-.

Stefanie Hartman

tweeted with #hallmark id keepsakebaby

http://twitter.com/keepsakebaby/status/3061622125
.-= Stefanie Hartman´s last blog ..Oh My Goodness =-.

Stefanie Hartman

We have routines that make it easier for us. All 4 of my kids will be in school this year. UPK, 1st, 5th, and 10th. Age appropriate bedtimes, a place to study, healthy breakfast and after school snacks. I let my kids pick all of their own clothes, shoes, supplies, backpacks – It makes it fun for them and they look forward to school. My youngest, I do not feel ready to part with him – I like having him home with Mommy. Blessings
.-= Stefanie Hartman´s last blog ..Oh My Goodness =-.

Kasandria Reasoner

I became a fan on facebook
Kasandria
.-= Kasandria Reasoner´s last blog ..***Giveaway*** Livie & Luca Shoes =-.

Kasandria Reasoner

We start getting a schedule ready a few weeks before school starts. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Kasandria
.-= Kasandria Reasoner´s last blog ..***Giveaway*** Livie & Luca Shoes =-.

Katie

Get a new backpack every year! My kids love new things so this helps ease the stress.
.-= Katie´s last blog ..She should have stayed at the Gap. =-.

Prissy

It might sound a little silly, but I always let my daughter pick out her own special pencils and markers. She’s so excited about using them, she’s always totally ready to go back to school! Too bad this won’t work forever!