Tips for Tackling Back-to-School Season
As summer draws to a close and the back-to-school season approaches, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of new routines, school supplies, and packed schedules. As moms, we often take on too much in our effort to provide the best care for our children, especially when it comes to something as important as their education. With some thoughtful planning, however, you can keep your family happy while also ensuring that you’re not stretching yourself too thin. Here are some tips to help you save time, reduce stress, and bring joy to the back-to-school season.
Prepare Ahead of Time
One of the best ways to save time and avoid stress is by planning ahead, particularly when it comes to cooking. Precut fruit for breakfast, premade frozen lunches, and crock pot meals are a few ways to reduce your stress surrounding meals. Sit down with your family or by yourself each weekend and plan out each meal for the following week. Prepare anything you can on the weekend so that meals during the week can be as smooth as possible.
Create a Family Schedule
Establishing a clear and consistent schedule helps everyone in the family know what to expect each day. Use a family calendar to keep track of school events, extracurricular activities, and other commitments. Involve your children in the planning process, so they feel more in control and understand the importance of sticking to the routine. This can help reduce stress for everyone and keep things running smoothly.
Establish a Morning Routine
Mornings can be hectic, but having a well-organized routine can make them much more manageable. Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and set up backpacks the night before, or if your children are old enough, have them complete these tasks as a part of their homework time. In the morning, try to get up a little earlier than your kids to enjoy a few moments of quiet and get a head start on the day. Encourage your children to take responsibility for simple tasks like making their beds to foster independence and keep the morning chaos to a minimum.
Take Time to Recharge
As a parent, it’s easy to focus solely on your children’s needs and forget about your own well-being. However, taking care of yourself allows you to better serve those around you with a joyful attitude. Set aside time each day for simple activities that fill your cup mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. This can be as simple as taking 10 minutes of your day to pray, going on a walk, or sipping a cup of coffee.
Involve Your Kids
Encouraging your children to participate in age-appropriate tasks not only lightens your load but also teaches them responsibility. Have them help with packing lunches, setting the table, or tidying up after themselves. Making these activities fun, such as turning them into a game, can make them more enjoyable for your kids and less of a chore for you.
Stay Flexible and Positive
Even with the best planning, unexpected challenges can arise during the back-to-school season. When things don’t go as planned, try to stay flexible and maintain a positive attitude. Children often mirror our emotions, so staying calm and composed can help them feel more secure and less stressed. Remember that it’s okay to let go of perfection—what matters most is creating a happy, supportive, nurturing environment for your family.
Make Time for Family Connection
Amid the hustle and bustle of back-to-school, it’s important to carve out time for family bonding. Whether it’s sharing a meal together, playing a game, or having a movie night, these moments of connection are essential for keeping your family close and happy. Prioritizing quality time together helps everyone feel valued and supported, making the transition back to school smoother for all.
By implementing these tips, you can reduce stress and create a more peaceful, organized, and joyful back-to-school season for your family. Taking the time to set yourself up for success will allow you to better handle the challenges that come your way and ensure that your family starts the school year off on the right foot.
The Art of Living for Girls
If you are looking for a way to teach your daughter the importance of learning practical skills, serving others, and being a true friend, Art of Living for Girls might be the group for you!
The Art of Living for Girls is a hands-on skills building program designed to give young women classes in the culinary arts, home health, interior design, and fashion. Through brief theoretical presentations, skill-building practices, coaching sessions, philosophical reflection, competition, and projects, they develop an eye for the needs of others and discover the beauty and meaning of service.
AOLG is currently active in both Illinois and Wisconsin. Here are the opportunities available this fall:
Kickstart! Wisconsin for 7th and 8th Grade Girls
Fall 2024 Classes: September 28, October 26, November 23
Kickstart! Illinois for 5th, 6th, and 7th Grade Girls
Fall 2024 Classes: October 5, November 2, December 7
Super-Natural Health Seminar in Illinois
At Home Unlimited, we understand that human beings are composed of both body and soul, matter and spirit.
At the Super-Natural Health Seminar on September 14th in Park Ridge, IL, attendees will take a deeper look at this topic by discussing health, nutritious eating, and overall wellness from licensed naturopathic doctor and chiropractor, Dr. Amelia Kurkowski, ND, RC. Come discover how to address the health of the whole person, with an emphasis on the importance and beauty of physical health.
This seminar will be held on September 14th in Park Ridge, IL. For details and to register, click here!
