By Emily Carlin
I am sure like most of you, I feel the start of a new school year is filled with all new wishes, adventures, lessons, and excitement. However, when you have children, it can be stressful. Please know that I am there with you and I have come up with a few steps that make my life just a little bit easier when starting the new school year.
1. Setting aside school day outfits on Sunday night before the crazy week begins. My oldest daughter is the only child that I currently have in school, and she goes to Catholic School, so she does wear a uniform. That makes things just a bit easier for me as a mom, so I’m not complaining. 🙂 If you don’t have a uniform, I strongly suggest sitting down and picking out an outfit for each day of the school week.
2. I pack her lunch the night prior. She gets to pick what she would like to have, and we make it together before she goes to bed. That way in the morning all I have to do is put the lunchbox in the backpack, and we are set, and ready to go!
3. Mornings are hectic – I know this! There is nothing quite as stressful as getting a toddler, or even a growing child out the door, dressed, and ready for school on time. Remember to take a breath and realize that that mornings are also hectic for them. Try to remain cool, calm, and confident, and they will follow.
4. Set family goals as well as goals for your children and yourself to reach that week. We do this in our house, and it gives my little ones a sense of self and accomplishment that they have completed tasks and/or chores to add to the home outside of school.
5. Breakfast preparation! Make freezer meals that you can just pop in the microwave or the oven to give to them as they go out the door. Now, I do not always have time to do this, but when I do, it’s a game changer!
Remember that rest is also productive. Whether it be for yourself, or your children, it is essential to our lives. The school year will be filled with activities, event, and busy schedules. Take the time to say “No” here and there to recharge. Trust me, you’ll learn to enjoy it more when you have the capacity to do so.
PS: I would touch on weekday dinners, and bedtime routines, but I do not have that down to a science and should not be offering any advice. Ha!
There is no such thing as a perfect parent, but there is a patient, present, and calm parent. Try to be at least one of those a day and you are crushing the parenting game!
