Keeping it Real: Advice From a Millennial Mamá on Back to School Season

I met Vanessa when we were both in kindergarten. Our connection was immediate and I knew then I had a best friend for life. Little did I know Vanessa would eventually bring to life my new besties, her daughter Sophia (12) and son Damian (7). As a young mother, Vanessa was at a crossroads where she had to pause her educational journey and prioritize being a mom. Her fearless spirit and unconditional dedication to her children was an inspiration and continues to be to this day. Now, she’s had the opportunity to go back to school to earn her Associate’s Degree in Sociology and is heading to the university this fall for her undergraduate program! I couldn’t be more proud and I always find myself wondering, “How does she do it all?”

So it was only right to come full circle and interview my incredible amiga about her best tips for all the mami’s out there with a similar journey! Check out her super helpful back-to-school tips down below.

Make a Checklist – One for You and One for the Kiddos 

Photo: Pexels

Back-to-school shopping can be a fun activity for the whole family, especially when you’re shopping for yourself too. “Turning school supply shopping into a family outing is the best part of back-to-school season”, says Vanessa. She recommends making individual checklists for you and the kids and scavenging through the store as you find all your back-to-school necessities!

Stock Up On Cleaning Supplies

Photo courtesy of Clorox

For Vanessa, balancing being a full-time mom, student and professional can make keeping the house clean a challenge. Stocking up on cleaning supplies ensures that you’ll have everything you need when you find the time to tidy up. Easy-to-use Clorox® Disinfecting Mist disinfects hard, nonporous surfaces, and even sanitizes and deodorizes soft surfaces when used as directed. With just this one product you can check off multiple items on your to-do list with ease.

Create Drop-off & Pick-up Schedule

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Herrera

“I couldn’t do this without the support of my loving fiancée and family”, says Vanessa as she shares how she organizes a comprehensive schedule of the family’s pick-up/drop-off times, the kid’s school activities, Back-to-School nights, Transfer Student Orientations, and more! 

As visual learners, Vanessa sets her family up for success with a whiteboard calendar that doubles as a fun activity for the kids.

Check In With Your Kids

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Herrera

Vanessa works to better understand her pre-teen daughter by using her Sociology degree. “It pushed me to be more open-minded and understanding”, she shares as she gushes about her relationship with her kids. Open dialogue between parents and children can encourage them to ask for help when they need it. 

Remember to Self-Care

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Herrera

In order to be your best for your kids, you have to feel your best. That means taking care of yourself just as diligently as you take care of your family! “I learned the importance of self-care through therapy”, Vanessa shares as she details some of her favorite activities like reading, puzzling, scrapbooking, and her favorite– the gym. Even superheroes need support, so prioritize your mental and physical health to keep dominating motherhood!

When it comes to being a mom, I have one thing to say– thank you! It takes a certain type of prowess to raise the next generation, but with moms like Vanessa, there’s no doubt kids are headed in the right direction. Clorox® has supported generations of mamás, so check out http://clorox.com/ for more products to help prevent the spread of illness-causing germs during back-to-school season.