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Mom-Approved Back-to-School Survival Guide

Back-to-school season is here, and that means tech upgrades, smart spending, and kid-friendly snacks are on our minds as moms.

I stopped by TV stations around the country to share some mom-approved picks to help you survive the back-to-school push this year.

Watch the Segment:

Staying connected this school year

Back-to-school prep can feel like a full-time job. One of my favorite mom hacks? Sort your tech early so it’s one less thing to stress about.

This year, T-Mobile is making it easy with unbeatable deals— like the latest Samsung Galaxy S25 FREE when you add a line and trade in— plus free tablets, watches, and more.

If you’re switching, the Easy Upgrade program gives you a free phone and pays off your old one —no trade-in needed. Plus, their new plans come with a 5-year price guarantee.

With Magenta Status, you’ll get access to perks like free Apple TV+, Hulu, Netflix, DashPass by DoorDash, and T-Satellite.

And T-Mobile is also helping students stay connected through Project 10Million, offering free internet and hotspots to eligible K–12 families. Learn more at T-Mobile.com/Project10Million.

Health and wellness support for back to school

More moms, me included, are thinking beyond the basics this back-to-school season. According to consumer research from SmartyPants Vitamins, many parents now view supporting their kid’s brain health just as important as supporting their immune health.

That’s why I love SmartyPants Kids Multi & Omegas. It delivers a focused blend of six research-backed nutrients, including Iodine, Riboflavin, Biotin, and Vitamins B6, B12, and C, to help support children’s brain health. Plus, overall, it contains 16 essential nutrients designed to help fill common gaps and to support kids’ growth and development.

With purposefully selected ingredients like Omega-3s, Methylfolate, and Vitamin D3, SmartyPants goes beyond the basics, offering high-quality nutrition without synthetic colors, artificial flavors, or common allergens. Each ingredient is chosen for its research-backed benefits and bioavailable form, meaning it’s easier for the body to absorb and use.

And the best part? Kids actually love the taste, making it one of the simplest, most stress-free ways to help support their wellness and brain health all school year long.

Snack smarter for back to school season and beyond

Getting kids out the door in the morning can feel like a mini adventure all on its own. Between lost shoes, forgotten permission slips, and getting lunches packed, I’m always looking for snacks that are quick, reliable, and something they’ll actually eat!

That’s why I love Zbar energy snack bars. This back-to-school season, they’ve teamed up with Moana to help parents get their little explorers ready to bravely take on all the unknowns and adventures of the new school year.

Zbar energy snack bars are non-GMO and USDA Organic certified, with 11 to 13 grams of whole grains per bar— so I feel good about handing them over. 

And the kids love the flavors— especially the Iced Oatmeal Cookie, Chocolate Chip, and Chocolate Brownie flavors.

There’s even a new limited-edition flavor, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Zbar, available exclusively at Walmart.

And here’s something fun— families can enter the Zbar back-to-school sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to explore a Hawaiian island and give your child the chance to chart their own adventure!

Managing costs for back to school shopping doesn’t have to be a burden

As a mom, I know how important it is to stick to a budget while still checking off all those must-haves.

That’s why I love Affirm— it lets you pay over time, responsibly, with no late or hidden fees.

Whether you’re stocking up on school supplies, dorm gear, or those pricey athletic shoes, Affirm gives you the flexibility to pay in a way that works for your family.

You can shop with Affirm at top retailers like Amazon, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Newegg, and more.

Just download the Affirm app to shop almost anywhere, or select Affirm at checkout.

It’s a great way to stay on top of spending— and keep everyone happy, from grade school to college!

Boosting confidence on campus with self-care

A fresh mindset starts with feeling your best— and Olay Super Serum Body Wash helps you do just that.

It’s infused with a concentrated serum of 5+ skincare ingredients and uses advanced skin-delivery technology to transform skin— whether it’s normal, extra dry, or rough and bumpy.

You’ll see five visible benefits: it hydrates, firms, smooths, brightens, and evens skin tone.

In just 14 days, skin goes from dry and dull to radiant and glowing—just in time to hit campus with confidence. For busy college students, it’s the easiest way to feel fresh, clean, and ready to make your mark.

Shop the Segment:

TMobile

Affirm

For more of my top picks for Back-to-School, check out my Amazon storefront.

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