Ahhhhh back to school….that time of year when I get emails about paperwork being due, followed by more emails asking if I received the previous emails about the paperwork being due. Hey, I don’t want to trick anyone into thinking I have my shit together, cause I definitely DO NOT. I’m not the mom anyone is texting to find out when conferences are, or what this spirit week’s theme is. Nope. BUT, I AM the mom everyone comes to for the best ideas, strategies, and resources for supporting our kids, and simultaneously make OUR lives a little simpler, sweeter, and more managable. It’s a role I take very seriously.
My son was diagnosed with ADHD eight years ago. My daughter was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD four years ago. In that time period, I have made it my mission to research, access, and test tons of resources and products that could potentially make life easier, more joyful, productive, and meaningful for parents and our kids. I’ve been blessed with a platform that has allowed me to speak to some of the world’s greatest pediatric experts, teachers, therapists, authors, and REAL parents like you and me, who admit that this shit is hard, and we could all use more support, strategies and reinforcements. I love sharing what I’ve learned, and what has worked for me and my neurodiverse, flawed but awesome family. I'm not an influencer, but here are some of my favorite resources and products that have helped me and my kids through the years, and I hope they will help yours, too:
CURRENTLY ON SALE from $349 down to $199
I’m not usually someone who spends a lot of money on name brands. However, when Mia was getting ready to head to college, there were some items I knew I needed to splurge on. Mia is easily distracted. In high school, we arranged it so that she could use noise-canceling headphones during certain times of the day, and it was such a great modification for her. However, because (bless her heart) she broke two pairs of cheaper headphones since she never puts them back in the case, I knew I really need to get a pair that:
a) are very comfortable
b) truly cancel out noise but also have transparency mode when she did need to be able to hear background noise
c) can withstand some “tough love,”
d) have a great battery life
e) has strong bluetooth that actually works.
After extensive research, I bought her beats. Without a doubt, this was one of the best, most worthwhile purchases I have ever made for her. It’s been over a year, and they still look and work like new, and she absolutely loves them.
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As a former high school teacher, mom to three kids, parenting podcaster, and writer, I truly have accumulated a treasure trove of insights and methods when it comes to navigating how to positively and organically instill successful study habits, social media boundaries, and uphold household expectations. This resource I created shares some of the “best of” tactics I have used, prompts for productive parent/conversations, helpful ways to strengthen your network of support, and so much more. Plus, it’s totally affordable and kind of a no-brainer, since we all could use some added support, encouragement, and reinforcements.
I’m not sure why it took me so long to use a charging station in my kitchen. It really helps when you need your kids to get work done and not have it as a distraction, or want to have a family meal without phones. It also just helps store all electronics in the same place, and no one will constantly steal your chargers!! Genius. Even if your kid is kinda freaking out that they can’t have their phone for a bit, you can say “it’s charging, so when you get it back it’ll be at full battery.” Somehow that makes it a little easier to digest.
Usually, kids use compact, bluetooth printers to print pics from their phone to decorate or give to friends. That's all fun and good! But what I love so much about Pooooliprint (besides the fact that it uses INKLESS technology!!) is that they've created their accessories with students/studying in mind. Clear, sticky paper to print notes, diagrams, drawings, and anything else a student might need, then stick them straight into their notebook. It's awesome for projects, labeling, extracurricular activities, and of course, when hanging out with friends. The app is easy to use and gives ideas for uses that otherwise may not have been discovered. It also just makes homework and studying more fun.
I LOVE this app. My family uses it for everything, and I love that it’s so simple. I especially love that the second I add something to it, a notification pops up on everyone’s phone, so no one can say, “you never told us that!” I find it to be so much simpler and more effective than google calendar, and it has so many great features that allow you to just store all your family’s necessary info and to-do lists in one place.
Apple Air Tags (four pack)
Currently $79.99 Regularly $99.99
This may seem like a no-brainer, but Apple tags have been amazing for my family. Yes, they aren’t cheap, but they sure as hell are cheaper than the 562 items my kids lost BEFORE we started using them. When I tell you I now put them in everything, I am not kidding. Sweatshirts, jackets, binders, backpacks, boots, sports equipment, airpods. Below are links to holders that are also great:
AirTag Fabric Holder: For backpacks, luggage, sports bags, etc.
TagVault Strap: Backpacks, bags
Currently $149.99 Regularly $159.99
So many schools are cracking down on phones this year. Whatever our thoughts are about that, we’ve become so used to being able to access our kids in an emergency (or vice versa) that it can feel unnerving to not be able to. These watches are really cool, even if your kid is allowed to have a phone at school. Not only does it have tracking and allow phone calls, “focus mode” that helps kids during study time, health and wellness features, long-lasting battery life, is set up and activated in minutes, with no activation or cancellation fees.
If you don’t know about the Cooluli refrigerators, you’re going to be very excited that I am sharing. Not only are they stylish and functional, but they’re amazing for the car, your kid’s study space (no more getting up to get another snack or drink after working for only 4 minutes), or anywhere you need to keep snacks and drinks cold. Also great for storing medication that needs to be refrigerated. There are so many different sizes and styles. Best part? They're USB chargable, so you really can take them anywhere you want!
Currently $55.10 Regularly $79.99
And the award for the strangest thing to have on a BTS list goes to (and also, ew, exercise). But, hear me out....my middle son cannot sit still. Like, at all. It was always such an issue when I was getting him to study or do anything in one place. His ADHD coach recommended I get him a trampoline, for several reasons. But, what it helped the most with, was that when I would study with him and test him. He could bounce on the trampoline while I asked him vocab, math problems, or whatever it was he needed to practice and learn. We even played a game in which we would throw a ball back and forth whenver we asked/answered. It solved so many issues, and wore him out at the same time (double score). There are so many ways to incorporate the trampoline into study sessions (if you google or check pinterest you will see plenty of ideas), and what makes a trampoline so much more effective than other forms of exercise is that they are forced to stay in one place, making it easier for them to focus on the task at hand. I bought a regular size one rather than a kids size, and I'm so happy I did, cause my son and his friends still use it to "dunk" when playing basketball in the basement.
If you've already purchased our Back To School kit (or the Date Night Questions or Couples' Challenge), you know I am obsessed with teaching lifelong skills through simple implementations in daily life. I LOVE these post-it notes that take color-coding and reading comprehension to a whole new level! I wish these had been around back in my teaching days, but I'm glad that I found them at least in time for my kids to benefit from them.
I've had the pleasure of getting to have a few amazing conversations with Lisa Damour, and she has been a guest on the Marriage and Martinis Podcast. I absolutely love her incredible insights into how we connect with teenagers, and the ways she uses real-life examples to which parents can relate. If you're going through a tough time with tweens and/or teens (or just want to be bet equipped for when the time comes to deal with teen angst), I highly recommend this book.
For more of our favorites, check out our Amazon storefront.
Haven't listened to our awesome parenting episodes yet? They will definitely make you feel less alone, and give great insights into how to navigate tough situations, have conversations that matter, and instill even more fun, joy, bonding, and honest communication into your household. Follow and subscribe on whatever platform you listen to podcasts!
In our most recent episode, our daughter, Mia, shares all about her first year away at college, detailing how she dealt with social and academic issues, learned how to best balance her newfound independence, and what incredible tips and strategies from which she thinks every kid, regardless of age, can benefit. Also, what tips do we have for parents who are preparing for their kids to leave the nest.
Stay connected with your partner through the chaos of Back To School with our bestselling Date Night Questions book, now with FREE SHIPPING AND 15% off using code "Reconnect"or purchase the ebook and download it to start your dynamic conversations right away! Find out why over 25,000 couples from around the world have loved this incredible resource. Also makes an incredible shower and wedding gift! CHECK IT OUT!