Create a Family Command Center

Designate one spot, physical or digital, where school calendars, forms, and to-do lists live. A shared family calendar app or a simple wall calendar in the kitchen works well. The goal is not perfection, it is having one place everyone can check instead of digging through emails or backpacks.

Shop Smart, Not Last-Minute

Waiting until the week before school often means picked-over shelves and higher prices. Tackle school supplies, uniforms, and backpacks in smaller batches over a few weeks. It is easier on both your schedule and your budget, and it gives kids time to get excited about their choices.

Sync Calendars Early

For dual-working parents especially, back-to-school season means juggling school start times, early dismissals, sports schedules, and work commitments, all at once. Sit down together, or with your caregiver, and map out the first few weeks before school starts. Identifying the gaps now, rather than the morning they happen, makes a real difference.

Loop In Support Early

This is exactly the kind of season where an extra set of hands changes everything. Whether it is a nanny helping manage mornings, a family assistant handling errands and paperwork, or a household manager keeping the whole operation running, bringing support on board before the school year starts (rather than scrambling once it does) gives everyone room to breathe. 

Give Yourself Grace

Even with the best prep, the first few weeks of a new school year rarely go perfectly. Something will be forgotten, a morning will run late, and that is normal. Building in a little flexibility, and a little extra support where you can, makes the adjustment period feel much more manageable.

At °µÍøAV Family Care, where family comes first, we have spent over 40 years helping households get ahead of exactly this kind of seasonal transition. 

Want an extra hand this back-to-school season? Connect with us today to talk through what kind of support would make the biggest difference for your family.

The professionals at °µÍøAV Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized  approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. °µÍøAV has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 40 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.

The post Getting Ahead: A Family’s Back-to-School Prep Checklist appeared first on °µÍøAV Family Care.

Rebuild the Routine Before Day One

Rather than waiting until the night before school starts, begin shifting bedtimes and wake times about two weeks in advance. Move them gradually, in 15-minute increments, so the adjustment feels natural instead of jarring. Practice the actual morning routine once or twice, including breakfast and getting dressed, so kids know what to expect and mornings run smoother once school begins.

Organize the Logistics Early

School supply lists, forms, and schedules tend to pile up fast. Set up a simple system, whether it is a wall calendar, a shared digital calendar, or a folder by the front door, so paperwork and deadlines do not slip through the cracks. Involve kids in picking out supplies or organizing their backpack. Giving them ownership over small details builds excitement and independence.

Ease the Emotional Transition

Even kids who are looking forward to school can feel nervous about a new teacher, new classmates, or a new routine. Talk openly about what to expect, read a book about starting school if your child is younger, or do a practice run to the school building if possible. Naming the nerves out loud, rather than brushing past them, helps kids feel more prepared and supported.

Build in After-School Downtime

A full day of school is tiring, even for kids who love it. Resist the urge to fill every afternoon with activities right away. A little unstructured time to decompress, snack, and play helps kids reset before homework or evening plans. This is also a great window for a professional babysitter or nanny to step in with a calm, familiar presence while parents are still finishing the workday. Learn more about finding a professional babysitter for your family’s after-school needs.

Where a Caregiver Fits In

For busy, dual-working households, the back-to-school stretch is often when the gaps in coverage become most obvious: someone to get kids out the door in the morning, handle school pickup, or manage the after-school hours until a parent gets home. An after-school nanny or family assistant can smooth over exactly these pressure points, bringing consistency to a season that otherwise feels anything but consistent.

°µÍøAV Family Care can help families find the right professional nanny or childcare provider based on their individual schedules and needs.

At °µÍøAV Family Care, every caregiver goes through our thorough 8-Step Screening process, so families can feel confident handing over these important daily transitions. Because at °µÍøAV, where family comes first, we know that the right support at the start of the school year sets the tone for the months ahead.

Ready to build a back-to-school routine that actually works for your family? Connect with °µÍøAV Family Care to find a caregiver you can trust for mornings, afternoons, or everything in between.

The professionals at °µÍøAV Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters, and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami, and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other—not simply an internet search. °µÍøAV has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 40 years and looks forward to working with you!

To find great nanny and babysitting jobs, visit °µÍøAV Family Care or call 314-725-5660.

The post Back-to-School Ideas That Actually Make Mornings Easier appeared first on °µÍøAV Family Care.

A family assistant or household manager does more than childcare. At °µÍøAV Family Care, we place experienced household professionals who can take on the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a family running: managing family calendars, coordinating carpools, handling errands and shopping, overseeing meal planning, and even supervising other household staff. During back-to-school season especially, that kind of support can make the difference between a chaotic September and a smooth one.

Consider everything that has to happen in the weeks before and after school starts: supply lists to fill, forms to submit, schedules for multiple children to coordinate, after-school activities to arrange transportation for, and routines to reestablish at home. A household manager can take ownership of these tasks, freeing up parents to focus on their careers and their families rather than logistics.

This role is especially valuable for larger families, families with children in different schools, or households where both parents work full-time. A skilled household assistant becomes the connective tissue that holds the day-to-day together, not just during back-to-school season, but all year long.

At °µÍøAV Family Care, our placement team takes the time to understand your household’s specific needs so we can match you with an individual whose skills and experience fit. If back-to-school season has you feeling stretched thin, it might be time to consider bringing on household support. Reach out to our team to learn more.

The professionals at °µÍøAV Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized  approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. °µÍøAV has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 40 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.

The post Getting Ahead of Back to School: How °µÍøAV Family Care Can Help Your Family Transition appeared first on °µÍøAV Family Care.

New crayons? Check.

New clothes? Check.

Childcare? Don’t stress. It’s never too early to start thinking about your school year child care needs. No matter how much help you need, TLC Family Care has a few ideas on how to help you gear up for the school year.

1. Hire an after school nanny. Not every parent is able to be home after school with their kids. Luckily, °µÍøAV Family Care has caregivers with flexible schedules to care for your children when you need it. After school caregivers can pick up your child from school, help with homework, start on dinner, etc. All of our caregivers have reliable, insured forms of transportation and have been thoroughly vetted.

2. Make a list of your top five favorite nannies. Once the school year starts, calendars start overflowing with practices, PTA meetings, and plays. When parents get this busy, it is easy to forget when you need a sitter. Plan ahead and make your requests now with for your favorite sitters. Requesting your favorite sitters in advance helps ensure one of them will be available. A familiar nanny is easier for you and your kiddos because they’ve been to your house before—you don’t have to spend time explaining all the dos and don’ts. Plus, being requested for a job lets your nanny know he/she is doing her job well.

3. Emergency Childcare. No matter how much planning we do last minute needs come up. Our kids will get sick, an extra practice is scheduled or a last minute meeting is added to the calendar. Don’t worry, the °µÍøAV for Kids Emergency Service can help with these last minute needs.

°µÍøAV Family Care is here to help as you gear up for this school year. Visit us online at or call 314-725-5660.

The professionals at °µÍøAV Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized  approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. °µÍøAV has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.

The post °µÍøAV Can Help With Your Back to School Needs appeared first on °µÍøAV Family Care.

1. Bento Boxes

Bento boxes are originally from Japan, and they are a very creative way to serve your child food. There are containers especially made for this purpose, or else you can simply use a variety of boxes in an assortment of sizes that you already have.

Bento box food is generally shaped to look like flowers, animals or cartoon characters. The sky is the limit as far as creativity. There are plenty of websites dedicated solely to this artistic endeavor. Check them out and make your child’s lunch fun each and every day.

2. Pasta

Pasta is an easy and quick lunchbox idea. Make a batch early in the week and then load it up with various vegetables and sauces to make many different options. You can pair spaghetti noodles with green peas and Parmesan, or add broccoli and a simple yet delicious tomato sauce to pasta shells.

3. Sandwiches

Sandwiches have been an old lunch standby for as long as most of us can remember, but they are not to be scoffed at. There is almost nothing you cannot add between two pieces of bread that does not automatically become delicious. From peanut butter to BLTs, sandwiches filled the lunch boxes of our own childhood and continue to do so for our children.

Keep them fresh by storing any vegetables or other moist food in a separate container, so your child can put it all together directly before consuming it. Add new tastes to expand your child’s palate and prevent boredom, such as wasabi or sriracha mayo.

4. Veggie Burritos

Why not turn an old favorite into a new lunch idea for your school-age child? Veggie burritos are easy to make and easy to store. What’s not to love about that? Simply choose a type each of beans, veggies, cheese and sauce, and then wrap it up. Your child will never get tired of all the options and combinations available.

5. Soup

Soup is another great lunchbox standby. With all the thermoses and container options out there, it is easy to find something to keep it in, even keeping it warm until being eaten. A broth filled with numerous kinds of vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, zucchini and onions is healthy and lasts well in a lunchbox. Simply add a piece of bread and a few cheese sticks for a healthy, well-rounded meal.

6. Salads

Salad is a great lunch option, and it does not have to be boring. Load it up with chickpeas, nuts, seeds, and top it off with a healthy dressing for a lunch your child will thank you for. There are now salad storage containers sold even at the big box stores that have special compartments to fit all the components of the salad – even tiny squeeze bottles for the dressing.

With all the options available, there is no reason for your child to get bored with their school lunches. Thanks to a variety of storage options, your child’s lunch can safely wait for lunch break and not even go bad. Fill up your child’s lunchbox with healthy meals to keep your child fueled all day long.

The professionals at °µÍøAV Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized  approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. °µÍøAV has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.

The post Six Back-to-School Lunchbox Ideas appeared first on °µÍøAV Family Care.

1. Start readjusting to a school-year bedtime now.

2. Hang a family calendar and color-code everyone’s activities.

3. Gather all school forms as they arrive.

4. Book babysitters now for your school’s parents’ night and other dates when they’ll be in-demand.  Call °µÍøAV for Kids to help with all your babysitting needs.

5. Create a family station where you can find what you need as you head out the door.

6. Set up an in/out box for school forms.

7. Look at online organizational websites.

8. Discuss goals for the year.

9. Institute a night quiet hour.

10. Reach out to your child’s teacher.

Good luck on the first day.

The professionals at °µÍøAV Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized  approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. °µÍøAV has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at tlc@tlcforkids.com or Call 314-725-5660.

The post Back to School Checklist appeared first on °µÍøAV Family Care.