Keeping It Real: Back-to-School Hacks That Actually Save Your Sanity
If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that back-to-school isn't just one day—it's an entire season.
One minute you're soaking up the last few weeks of summer, and the next you're hunting for missing sneakers, signing permission slips, wondering who needed a poster board by tomorrow morning, and trying to remember which kid has practice, which one has a dentist appointment, and whether anyone actually packed a lunch.
It can feel like a lot.
The good news? I've picked up a few sanity-saving tricks over the years that have made our school mornings, afternoons, and evenings run just a little smoother. They're not complicated, they're not Pinterest-perfect, and they don't require buying a dozen fancy organizing bins. They're simply the little habits that save time, reduce stress, and (hopefully) keep everyone a little happier.
Since you've come to expect it from your resident oily guru, I'll also sprinkle in a few of my favorite essential oil tips throughout the post. They're simple additions that fit right into real life and can make those busy school days feel just a little calmer.
Whether you're sending a kindergartener off for the very first time, navigating middle school emotions, chauffeuring a high school athlete, or helping with grandkids, I hope you'll find a few ideas that make this school year just a little easier.
Now let's get everyone out the door with a little less chaos... and maybe even on time.
Before We Talk Age Groups... A Few Habits That Make the Whole School Year Easier
Before we jump into tips for pre-k, kindergarteners, grade schoolers, middle schoolers, and high schoolers, I want to start with something that has made the biggest difference for our family over the years. It isn't the newest backpack, the cutest lunchbox, or the latest organizational gadget. It's creating a few simple habits and systems that make everyday life run a whole lot smoother.
One of the best things you can do before the school year even begins is set up a family calendar. Whether you prefer a giant wall calendar, a dry erase calendar on the refrigerator, or a shared digital calendar, find a system that everyone can easily see and actually uses.
Don't just write down the obvious things like vacations or doctor's appointments. Add back-to-school nights, open houses, library book return days, gym days, spirit days, project due dates, field trips, music lessons, practices, games, tournaments, and anything else that will affect your family's schedule. Keeping everything in one place saves so many "Wait...what's happening today?" conversations.
I also recommend keeping your calendar somewhere you'll naturally see it every day. Ours gets checked while I'm cleaning up dinner or getting lunches ready for the next day. Taking thirty seconds to glance at what's coming tomorrow—or even later in the week—helps you catch the little things before they become last-minute emergencies.
Speaking of tomorrow, one of the biggest stress relievers I've found is spending just ten or fifteen minutes getting ready the night before. I'll be honest—by the end of the day, the last thing most of us want to do is think about tomorrow. Dinner is finished, homework has (hopefully) been completed, everyone has been chauffeured where they need to go, and all you really want to do is sit down and relax.
But those few minutes of preparation make a huge difference. Pack lunches or prep the ingredients, refill reusable water bottles and pop them in the refrigerator, make sure backpacks are packed, homework is actually inside, and laptops, tablets, and headphones are charging overnight. Lay out clothes—including socks and shoes—and place sports gear, instruments, or special projects by the front door so no one is searching for them while trying to get out the door.
As your kids get older, start making these responsibilities theirs instead of yours. Even little ones can put their shoes by the door or return their folder to their backpack before bedtime. Elementary-aged kids can help refill water bottles or pack lunches. Middle schoolers should be charging their own devices and packing their backpacks, and by high school, most of these evening routines should simply be part of their normal responsibilities.
None of these habits are complicated, but together they create routines that make mornings calmer, reduce forgotten items, and help everyone know what's coming next. The goal isn't perfection. It's making the school year just a little less hectic for the whole family.
🖍️ Pre-K: Turning First-Day Butterflies into Excitement
If your little one is heading off to preschool for the first time, there's a good chance they're feeling a mix of excitement and first-day butterflies... and if we're being honest, you might be too.
This is such a big milestone. They're meeting new teachers, making new friends, learning a new routine, and spending time away from home. That's a lot for such a little person. One of the best things you can do is help build excitement before they ever walk through the classroom door.
Start the night before by letting them be part of the process. Give them a couple of outfit choices and let them decide what they'd like to wear. Talk about all the fun things they might do the next day—reading stories, making crafts, playing outside, singing songs, and meeting new friends. Keeping the conversation positive helps shift the focus from the unknown to all the fun that's waiting for them.
When my kids were little, KidPower wasn't around yet, so my go-to was a swipe of Valor on the back of their neck before bed and again before we headed out the door. It became part of our little "You've got this!" routine. Today, I'm so glad Young Living has KidPower because it was created with kids in mind... and as a bonus, it smells just like an Orange Creamsicle! Whether you choose Valor or KidPower, I love the idea of pairing a comforting routine with a reassuring hug and a few encouraging words before they head off on their big adventure.
One thing I've learned over the years is that kids often take their cues from us. If we act excited and confident about the adventure ahead, they're much more likely to believe that school is going to be a fun place to learn, grow, and make new friends. Even if your heart is doing a few flips inside, a smile and an enthusiastic, "I can't wait to hear all about your day!" can go a long way.
And don't forget—you've got this too, Mom. The first drop-off is often harder on us than it is on them.
✏️ Elementary School: Build a Routine... Then Give Yourself Grace
If I had to pick one piece of advice for the elementary school years, it would be this: create a routine that works for your family. Kids this age really thrive on knowing what comes next, and honestly, so do parents.
Now, let me be perfectly honest before I go any further. Every single idea in this blog comes from years of trial and error. Some things worked beautifully, some flopped completely, and many ideas evolved as my kids grew. I'm definitely not a Pinterest mom with color-coded schedules and perfectly packed lunches every single day. Some afternoons everything went according to plan, and other days we were just trying to make it to bedtime with everyone still speaking to each other. But here's what I discovered: on the days we followed our routines, life almost always felt easier.
For us, mornings started with breakfast and the diffuser running. I loved diffusing Peppermint and Orange because it was such a bright, happy combination. Maybe it was the oils, maybe it was the routine, or maybe it was just the promise of breakfast, but everyone seemed to wake up in a little better mood. I'll take whatever win I can get!
After school, I learned pretty quickly that expecting my kids to walk in the door and immediately sit down for homework wasn't realistic. They had spent all day sitting still, listening, learning, and following directions. They needed a chance to breathe before asking their brains to do more work. Our solution was simple. Shoes came off, backpacks were emptied, everyone grabbed a healthy snack, and then they had about thirty minutes to play outside and burn off some energy. Sometimes they rode bikes, sometimes they played basketball, and sometimes they just ran around the backyard. Whatever helped them get the wiggles out.
When the timer went off, it was time to settle in for homework. This was my cue to switch the diffuser over to some of our favorite "brain-loving" oils. Rosemary, Lemon, and Peppermint became regulars in our homework routine, and over time the diffuser itself became part of the signal that it was time to focus.
Was this our routine every single day? Absolutely not. Life happened. There were practices, appointments, unexpected errands, and plenty of evenings when takeout won and homework got squeezed in somewhere between everything else.
But having a routine to come back to made all the difference. It gave us a starting point, and when life inevitably got off track, it was easy to find our way back again.
📚 Middle School: Buckle Up... It's a Wild Ride
If you've survived the middle school years, you probably know exactly what I'm talking about. One minute they're laughing at your jokes, and the next they've locked themselves in their room because you breathed the wrong way. It's a season full of growing up, big emotions, changing friendships, new responsibilities, and lots of learning—for both kids and parents.
One thing I learned quickly is that this isn't the time to abandon the healthy habits you've worked so hard to build. If anything, they're more important than ever. Keeping nutritious meals and protein-packed snacks readily available, encouraging plenty of water throughout the day, making time for movement, and getting enough sleep all help create a solid foundation during a season when life can feel a little unpredictable.
I also became a big believer in giving my kids healthy ways to work through all those big feelings. Journaling can be a wonderful outlet, even if it's just scribbling thoughts on paper that no one else will ever read. Sometimes they wanted to talk, sometimes they needed a little space, and sometimes they simply needed a few quiet minutes before they were ready to rejoin the family. Learning to respect those moments made a huge difference in our house.
Of course, I had a few oily tricks up my sleeve for these years too. During those years, DragonTime became one of my favorite blends to have around for my daughter, while Northern Lights Black Spruce was a favorite for my son.
Did they solve every overly dramatic moment? Absolutely not. But taking a minute to pause, swipe on a favorite oil, take a few deep breaths, and reset often helped everyone approach the situation a little more calmly.
Honestly, there were days when I probably needed the oils just as much as they did.
If you still have younger kiddos at home too, don't put away the Valor or KidPower just because someone has outgrown preschool. Those blends are just as handy when emotions are running high, tempers are flaring, or someone simply needs a reminder to pause, breathe, and regroup. Sometimes a hug, a little grace, and a familiar routine are exactly what everyone in the house needs.
The biggest lesson these years taught me is that you don't have to fix every feeling. Sometimes your job is simply to create a safe space where your kids know it's okay to feel those emotions, take a breath, and know tomorrow is a brand-new day.
🎓 High School: They're Almost Grown... Almost.
The high school years are such a strange mix of independence and reminders that they still need you more than they'd like to admit. One minute they're driving themselves to school, and the next they're asking if you've seen their shoes... the ones they're currently wearing.
This is the season where responsibility really starts shifting from your shoulders to theirs. By now, most of those nighttime and morning routines you've been building over the years should slowly become their responsibility. Packing lunches, making sure homework is in the backpack, charging devices, setting alarms, getting ready for the day, and yes... showering and brushing their teeth without fourteen reminders... all become part of learning how to manage life on their own.
If they haven't already learned some basic life skills, now is also a great time to teach them. Laundry, preparing simple meals, keeping track of assignments, managing their own schedule, and remembering appointments are all things they'll need long after graduation. It's much easier to learn these skills while they're still living at home than during the first week away at college or in their first apartment.
One thing I also encouraged was keeping their own calendar. Whether they preferred a planner, a phone app, or simply adding everything to the family calendar, having one place to track assignment deadlines, practices, games, work schedules, tests, and school events helped them learn to manage their own time instead of relying on me to remember everything.
Another thing that served us well during the high school years was having easy, nourishing breakfasts ready to go. Let's be honest—many teenagers aren't interested in cooking a full breakfast at 6:00 in the morning, and some are walking out the door before the rest of the family is even awake. Having homemade protein pancakes or waffles tucked away in the freezer meant they could pop a couple in the toaster and head out the door with a breakfast that would actually keep them full. A breakfast with plenty of protein is much more likely to carry them through those first few classes than a sugary pastry—or worse, skipping breakfast altogether. It's hard to focus in second period when your stomach has been growling since first.
Here's one oily tip I really wish I'd discovered a few years earlier. I didn't start doing this until my oldest was already in high school, but it quickly became one of my favorite nighttime routines. While we sleep, our brains spend time organizing what we've learned throughout the day, strengthening memories, and preparing for another day of learning. That's why making quality sleep a priority is so important, especially during busy school years.
We started adding brain-loving oils to the diffuser as part of our nighttime routine. My daughter loved falling asleep with Stress Away, and we often paired it with GeneYus or Brain Power, depending on what I had on hand. My son eventually settled into his own favorite blend of Cedarwood, Northern Lights Black Spruce, and Brain Power. Since he's been oily since he was 3, choosing his diffuser blend became just another part of his bedtime routine. He's a lot like his mama—he knows what works for him, grabs the oils he wants, and gooooo! 😂
One more oil found its way into our high school routine—Clarity. When there was a big test to study for, a mountain of homework, or one of those evenings where focusing just felt a little harder, we'd often diffuse Clarity while homework was getting done. It became one more part of creating an environment that said, "Okay... it's time to focus." I always tell people that routines matter, and sometimes even something as simple as turning on the diffuser can become the signal that it's time to settle in and get to work.
One of my favorite moments as a mom wasn't when my kids remembered to pack their backpacks or make their lunches. It was watching them recognize what they needed and take care of it themselves. Whether that meant making a healthy breakfast, filling the diffuser, checking their calendar, or packing an extra snack for a long day, those little moments reminded me that all those years of routines were turning into lifelong habits.
And let's be honest... they'll still forget something once in a while. That's part of growing up. The goal isn't perfection. It's helping them build habits they'll carry with them into whatever comes next.
📚 Wrapping It Up
If there's one thing I hope you take away from this post, it's that you don't have to do everything perfectly to have a successful school year.
Some of these ideas came from things that worked right away. Others came after plenty of trial and error, forgotten lunches, last-minute science projects, and mornings that felt more like organized chaos than anything else. Every family is different, and that's exactly how it should be. Take the ideas that make sense for your crew, leave the ones that don't, and don't be afraid to adjust your routines as your kids grow and life changes.
Remember, the goal isn't raising kids who never forget their homework or always make their bed. The goal is raising kind, capable, responsible young adults who slowly learn to take ownership of their own routines and responsibilities. If a few simple habits—and maybe a few well-loved essential oils along the way—help make that journey a little smoother, I'd call that a win.
And if you're getting ready to send a son or daughter off to college this year, don't miss my blog, The College Survival Basket They'll Actually Use. It's packed with practical ideas, thoughtful essentials, and a few things they probably won't realize they need until they're living on their own.
If you're thinking, "Okay Jessica... tell me more about these oils," I've got you covered. Rather than creating one massive wish list, I've put together a simple link where you can browse all of the products I mentioned throughout this post. Take a look, see what catches your eye, and if you have questions, you know where to find me. And when you order DON'T FORGET my coupon code SHAREYL for 10% off your first order! Browse HERE
Thanks for stopping by Keeping It Real. I hope you found a few ideas that make this school year a little less hectic, a little more organized, and maybe even a little more enjoyable.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful school year filled with learning, laughter, growth, and plenty of memories along the way.
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The College Survival Basket They'll Actually Use
(Because ramen and dirty laundry shouldn't be the only things getting them through the semester.)
Even though August is just getting started, this is the time of year many families are already checking off college packing lists, squeezing in those last family dinners, and wondering how move-in day arrived so quickly.
Whether you're sending a freshman off for the very first time or helping a returning student head back for another semester, the countdown is officially on.
Packing for college is kind of wild when you think about it. You spend weeks shopping for bedding, command hooks, laundry baskets, shower shoes, and enough snacks to feed a small village. Then suddenly it's move-in day, you're carrying mini fridges up three flights of stairs, trying not to cry, and wondering how your baby is old enough to live on their own.
While everyone else is busy checking off the typical dorm essentials list, I wanted to share what I'd pack in a simple college survival basket. These are the things that don't take up much room, pull double (or triple!) duty, and can make dorm life just a little easier.
Start with a Simple Cleaning Basket
Dorm rooms get gross. There really isn't a nicer way to say it.
Instead of packing a dozen different cleaning products, I'd keep it simple. Grab a small basket, add a bottle of Thieves Household Cleaner, an empty spray bottle, and either a couple microfiber cloths or washable rags. If you know your college student isn't exactly excited about doing laundry, swap the cloths for a roll of paper towels instead.
Here's the part I love: Thieves Household Cleaner is concentrated. Just one capful mixed with water makes a full spray bottle that can clean just about everything—desks, counters, mini fridges, bathroom sinks, microwaves, and those mysterious sticky spots that somehow appear out of nowhere.
That one bottle will last them far longer than a semester... even if they cleaned twice a day.
And let's be honest... we all know that's not happening. 😆
Don't Skip the Diffuser
At first glance, a diffuser might seem like something that's nice to have, but I actually think it's one of the most useful things you can pack.
Dorm rooms have a way of collecting smells... gym shoes, sports gear, last week's pizza box, and whatever your roommate forgot to throw away. A diffuser helps freshen the room, but it also becomes useful during cold season, late-night study sessions, stressful weeks, and bedtime. One little diffuser ends up doing a whole lot more than making the room smell nice.
If I Could Only Pack Two Oils...
The first would absolutely be Thieves.
Thieves is the signature blend behind the entire Thieves cleaning line, and I think that tells you just about everything you need to know about what it was created for. Diffuse it in the dorm room, make a roller bottle to keep in a backpack, or keep it on hand during those inevitable weeks when everyone on the floor seems to be sharing the same bug.
In fact, I'd throw a couple of empty roller bottles into the basket before move-in so they can make a few blends at home before they leave. They take up almost no room and are much easier to carry around campus than a collection of full-sized bottles.
The second oil I'd never send them without is Peppermint.
Whether it's questionable cafeteria food, an 8 a.m. lecture after staying up way too late, or trying to stay focused while studying for finals, Peppermint seems to find its way into the routine over and over again.
I love diffusing it while studying, but my favorite trick is making a roller bottle to toss in a backpack. A quick swipe behind the ears before class is the perfect little "wake up and pay attention" moment.
Because Dorm Germs Are Relentless
Even with all the best intentions, sometimes the sniffles still happen.
That's why I'd add a SniffleEase roller to every college survival basket. It's already made, easy to use, and doesn't require digging through a box of supplies when you're not feeling your best.
Sleep Is Not Optional
College students have an amazing ability to function on way less sleep than they should. Unfortunately, eventually it catches up with them. Whether they're studying late, adjusting to a roommate, missing home, or simply enjoying college life a little too much, good sleep matters.
For bedtime, I'd choose either Lavender or Cedarwood, depending on what your just-barely-adult likes.
Lavender has earned the nickname "the Swiss Army Knife of essential oils" for a reason. It has so many uses that it deserves a spot in just about every dorm room. If they aren't a fan of floral scents, Cedarwood is another wonderful option that has a warm, calming woodsy aroma.
A Few Bonus Favorites
If there's still room in the basket, I'd consider adding a few extras.
NingXia Red is one of my favorites because let's face it... college nutrition isn't always exactly balanced. When dinner consists of ramen, frozen pizza, and whatever was left in the vending machine, it's nice to have something that adds a little nutritional support.
I'd also tuck in one calming or grounding oil.
Stress Away smells like an island vacation in a bottle. Valor is wonderful for those first few weeks when everything feels unfamiliar or before presentations and interviews. My personal favorite is Northern Lights Black Spruce. It has a fresh tree scent that always reminds me of deep roots. College life can feel overwhelming sometimes, and this one just has a way of helping me feel grounded.
One more bonus I'd definitely consider is Purification. Dorm rooms get stale. Sneakers get funky. Trash cans get forgotten. And let's just say... not every dorm bathroom has earned a five-star review. 😆 A few drops in the diffuser can help freshen the air after all of life's less-than-pleasant college moments.
And for those long days, Zyng is a great natural energy drink without a lot of the ingredients I'd rather avoid.
Round Out the Basket
Once you've packed the essentials, finish the basket with the practical things they'll actually use.
Think Band-Aids, a thermometer, hand sanitizer, electrolyte packets, tissues, a reusable water bottle, protein bars, an extension cord, phone chargers (because somehow they always disappear), and maybe a coffee shop gift card for those inevitable late-night study sessions.
🛒 Build Your College Survival Kit
If you're thinking, "Okay...I love this. Now where do I find everything?" I've got you.
I created a College Survival Kit that includes everything I mentioned in this post—from the must-have essentials to the optional "Extra Credit" favorites.
Just click the link below and you'll be taken straight to the kit. From there, you can remove anything you don't want, add additional products, or customize it to fit your student's personality, needs, and your budget.
No hunting down products one by one. No guessing what to include. Just a simple starting point to help you build a basket they'll actually use.
👉 Build Your College Survival Kit Here
Included in the Kit
- Diffuser (Choose your own but I love the Fresh Start)
- Thieves® Household Cleaner
- Thieves® Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- SniffleEase™ Roller
- Lavender or Cedarwood (your choice)
- NingXia Red
- Purification
- Choose one: Stress Away, Valor, or Northern Lights Black Spruce
- Zyng
One Last Thing...
The truth is, this basket isn't really about the products. It's about sending a little piece of home with your student. It's knowing that when they're exhausted, overwhelmed, homesick, or fighting off whatever dorm bug is making the rounds, they have a few simple tools to help them through it. And maybe—just maybe—it helps Mom and Dad breathe a little easier too.
If you've already sent a child to college, what's one thing you packed that ended up being a lifesaver... or one thing you wish you had sent? Share your best advice in the comments!
💜 Thanks for Stopping By Keeping It Real!
I hope this gave you a few ideas for building a college survival basket that's actually useful instead of filled with things that end up shoved under the bed until move-out day.
Whether you're sending your first child to college or your last, here's your reminder...
They've got this.
And so do you. ❤️
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