Top 5 Apps I Recommend For Making Back-to-School Easier

woman on laptop with small child laying on couch next to her

With summer break coming to a close and the world seeming to re-open, getting organized for back-to-school season can be stressful. Luckily I’ve found several apps that have really helped me and my family with remote learning, project management, and staying focused and positive. 

Check out these five apps for making this school year  a little easier, and feel free to share your own favorites in the comments.

[Related: All About Pepper’s Personal Assistants — and How We Can Help]

GoPeer Tutoring

I discovered this app during the pandemic while my family was adjusting to remote learning. I was struggling with helping my son with his virtual school work and it was really taking a toll on our relationship, so I searched for help and found GoPeer

This app connects you with college-student tutors in a variety of fields for personalized learning — and the process was very simple to set up. The tutor I ended up picking was amazing. Her and my son instantly connected virtually over video and I got to see him fully engaged and learning more effectively than ever before with this one-on-one remote option. 

Our family will definitely continue to use GoPeer once he is back in school this fall.

GreenLight Family Money App

We’ve been using this family-friendly money app and debit card program for a few years now. My kids have their own debit card that I can manage easily from the app. Their allowance gets deposited automatically each week, and they can even request reimbursement for some purchases (as long as they provide an accurate description in the “notes” field!). 

They have the independence of how their money is spent or saved — but I am kept in the loop via notifications that tell me where they’re spending it, and how much. 

GreenLight has really opened up some great conversations on money management, which I think will be very beneficial as they grow up and begin handling more adult finances.

[Related: Our Advice to Parents Managing Remote Learning]

Calm Wellness App

Parenting can be overwhelming and stressful, especially during the unprecedented events of the last year or so. We have to remember we are the only ones in control of our emotions and how we handle them. The Calm app not only helps me by providing daily meditation prompts, but it also helps me get to sleep quickly. Let’s face it — quality sleep is a top priority for a happy and functioning parent — and we rarely get enough of it. 

Calm also offers soothing stories that can lull you to sleep quickly, allowing your mind to slow down and set aside worries and anxieties. My favorite bedtime story is “The Grand Plan to Rise and Shine,” a simple and relaxing tale of a woman and her evening routine that helps her get ready for the next day.

[Related: How Hiring a Personal Assistant Can Support Your Family While Remote Learning and Working From Home]

Trello Task Management

Here at Pepper’s Personal Assistants we use Trello to stay on top of project management and the day-to-day tasks of running a small business. Trello is a collaborative task  management app that streamlines the seemingly endless online tools, software, and programs we’ve had to use while remote learning and working during the pandemic. 

While dealing with remote schooling with my kids, it was impossible to stay on top of 12 classes, due dates and deadlines, use Google Classroom and Canvas, and keep track of schedules and asynchronous days (a term I had never heard of pre-2020). Trello has helped me stay on top of everything and teach my boys important lessons on accountability and project management. 

We plan on continuing to use Trello even when we are back to school in-person, and currently are using it over the summer for chores and trip-packing lists as well. During the start of the pandemic, I shared the Trello board that I created, and recorded a tutorial video. Check it out if you think it may help your family,

Google Calendar

Being a busy small business-owner and mom with two households, I’ve come to realize Google Calendar is the glue that holds everything together. I have six separate calendars for business, personal life, employees, and shared calendars with my boys, my sister, and my partner. 

My assistant is able to make sure I’m not double-booked; my newly-employed son has just learned how to add his work schedule; I can see when my sister isn’t working so I can go spend precious time with her and my nieces; I can add all my youngest son’s sports practices and games each season; and for trips I can input all of our travel information so that I can easily pull  up that Airbnb door code when needed. 

I love that with Google Calendar, everyone in my life can connect to it using their laptop or phone — it is definitely one of my favorite organizational apps. 

[Related: Six Virtual Tools to Keep You and Your Family Organized in 2021]

While apps are extremely helpful for staying organized, sometimes we can all use a little in-person help when it comes to staying on top of household tasks and errands. That’s where Pepper’s Personal Assistants can step in. Learn more about our services on our website or contact us today to set up a consultation!

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Pepper’s Personal Assistant Reviews

See what it’s really like to work with a Pepper’s personal assistant!

A True Game-Changer

“Having Mary as my personal assistant has been a game-changer. I don’t have to think about laundry or the cat litter—she handles all those daily tasks I’d rather not do. She’s proactive, assertive in all the right ways, and totally in control of every detail. I’d rate her a 5 out of 5, no question!”

Brian T.

Proactive, Reliable, Caring Support

“Sarah has been such a reliable support—always proactive, spotting things that need to be done before I even ask, and taking care of them. She has such a positive attitude and is constantly looking for ways to add value and make things easier. And I love how much happier and more spoiled my dogs are thanks to her care. I barely have to think about her day-to-day, and I mean that in the best way possible!”

K.W.

Exceptional Home Management

“Bernice is simply amazing—I just can’t say enough good things about her. She excels at physical tasks and knows my habits so well that she can anticipate my needs without me even saying anything. As a house manager, she’s exceptional; she takes care of all those little things that I wouldn’t even think of. Over time, we’ve developed a wonderful rhythm, and it’s such a relief to have someone who just knows what needs to be done and does it effortlessly.”

J.H.

Exceeding Expectations Every Day

“My PA has truly exceeded my expectations. I really enjoy coming home now because everything in my home is something I know and love. She’s helped me with tasks I didn’t even know where to begin, and her ability to do the background work and present options has been invaluable. She has made it possible for me to manage things without feeling overwhelmed, and it’s been a game changer for me!”

W.W.

Bringing Joy and Efficiency

“My PA Tess is proactive and handles everything beautifully, from small tasks that bring joy to big projects like planning trips. She balances recurring tasks with high-priority work, and everything gets done perfectly. I didn’t realize how much joy small things like making the bed could bring until Tess started doing them. She has truly made a difference in our home, bringing both efficiency and a level of organization and joy we didn’t realize we needed.”

K.H.

Support That Makes a Difference

“Having Missa as a PA has taken me from daily treading water to swimming to the shore. I’ve gone from never quite keeping up with things to actually having extra energy to do more. She has been a tremendous help, reducing my stress and allowing me to rest and recover. The support I receive is perfect; Missa is a 5 out of 5 in meeting all my needs. I’ve already recommended Pepper’s to a few friends because having extra help makes all the difference.”

Kathy M.

Back-to-School Unmatched Support

“Having Jay as my personal assistant has been fantastic. She helps me tackle projects that were just looming over my head and has built a great rapport with my teenage son. She’s helped my son pick out his back-to-school wardrobe and coached him through decisions — I couldn’t ask for better support. I sometimes think about when I could handle everything on my own, but now I can’t imagine doing it without Jay’s help.”

R.B.

PA to the Rescue

“I am very satisfied with my personal assistant. The biggest relief is knowing that when things get hectic with work my PA is there to help us from lighting on fire, especially when one of us is traveling.”

Ana V.

Dream PA Experience

“I am very satisfied; My PA has everything dialed in and the schedule works really well and is flexible when needed. Honestly: My PA and I click very well, I love it, it’s a dream!”

Jodi K.

Stress-Free Travel

“One of the massive benefits of having a PA is during travel disruptions. When flights are delayed, the kids are upset, and you’re stuck in customs, coming home to a stocked fridge and a prepared meal eliminates the need for a late-night milk run. You don’t realize the stress these tasks add until you have someone to handle them for you.”

A.S.

11/10!

“My PA is incredible—an 11 out of 10—really thoughtful, thorough, intuitive. She is professional but friendly; she has just been great. A couple of times because of things going on with her calendar, Kandis has been flexible—coming 15 minutes later to drop the dog off at puppy play. She has been really great.”

Libby

Thoughtful and Detail-Oriented

“My PA is a thoughtful and discerning assistant. She pays attention to details in our home and makes great suggestions for how to improve and optimize our lives. We trust her judgment, and she communicates proactively and frequently. She is always on-site on time and patient with my unpredictable schedule. We communicate frequently, but she’s also very efficient in how we communicate. Great work!”

Client

Super Happy!

“[I] really do think Kandis is setting the bar! Having a new person come into your house can go either way. [I’m] very grateful for the time and energy and people that Pepper’s has. It’s a big step; no suggestions around onboarding. [I’m] really happy that we were able to board Kandis quickly; super happy for the West Seattle support.”

Libby

Organizing Superhero

“My PA is really good at organizing; it’s one of her superpowers. Some of the simple reorganizing things that she has done have made a big impact. She organized all the cat stuff in the garage and took the initiative on her own. She’s bright and cheery—no moaning, whining. Very great.”

Emma

One of the Best Decisions I’ve Made

“I just wanted to take a few minutes to tell you how much I have appreciated working with all of the Pepper’s staff. My assistant is so generous and thoughtful — she brings value to every interaction. I can’t remember a time when I’ve hired anyone with such a professional and high standard of customer service. Working with you all has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in a very long time!”

Libby

10/10 for Sure!

“Missa is a 10/10 for sure! She has been wonderful, and we check in regularly. I’m comfortable communicating with her about questions or requests, and she’s always been very responsive and also seems comfortable checking in if she has any questions for me. [The] biggest help remains pet care and household chores support, plus the help with one-off projects that come up. Missa has all kinds of skills she brings, (e.g., she’s currently putting together a ‘cat highway’ for the living room rafters).”

Homeowner

My Quality of Life Has Improved

“I used to spend every weekend and every evening doing chores and running errands. Now, I’m able to spend the time that I need to on my business, and then I get to enjoy my home and my life and the precious unstructured time that I have. The truth is, my quality of life has improved by having a Pepper’s household assistant here.”

Libby

Takes Initiative

“I want to mention what a fantastic personal assistant Billie is to me. We were on vacation last week, and she managed my household and vendors flawlessly. I even had her redecorate my office, and I gave her very little direction other than just to make it nice and functional, and, my goodness, did she ever! She takes initiative in my house in so many other ways but does not overstep or overspend. To strike that balance is really something unique and special. I feel really lucky to have her.”

Anura

I’m Blown Away

“[I’m] blown away by how much better the house looks already :)”

Graham

Kind, Caring, and Proactive

“My PA is a very caring person. I was incredibly ill last year, and my PA connected the dots that the washing machine had a lot of mold and thought the black specs on my clothes were from that. On her own time, my PA sent me an article about the impact of mold/washing machines. It was so kind of her.”

Emma

Goes Above and Beyond

“My PA has gone above and beyond. She’s organized my laundry room while keeping on top of laundry, which made it much easier to stay on top of stuff. She’s always ready to jump in and tackle items. It made this holiday season way less stressful.”

Andrea