Back to school, usually greets me with all the emotions. It’s a tall drink of summer nostalgia, friends, family and adventure, followed by a sigh of exhausted relief that structure and routines are just around the corner.
As the popsicle stained faces and unruly summer shaggy locks are replaced by fresh hair cuts and new backpacks, I am quickly reminded of the onslaught of paperwork, sports, and schedules that need to be mastered to set up for a successful year. After a few valiant attempts, I have finally run the gauntlet enough to emerge victorious in a few areas and am ready to share a few nuggets of truth to help you pull it all together for the school year.
Start at “Home”
One of the challenges of back to school
is getting everyone where they need to be, on time, with everything they need. One of the most helpful techniques I have found is “homing”.
Homing is the ability of (usually) an animal to return to a place after it has left. However, if you apply this concept to things/objects/supplies in your home, you will find yourself in a happy place. How many mornings are complicated by a lost shoe, a missing lunch box, library book, lacrosse stick? If all these objects have a home and are returned to it then the search is rradically simplified and a little of that morning rush simply melts away. As part of our preparation to head back to school we establish ‘homes’ for our stuff and quickly get in the habit of homing things right after school.
Process the Paperwork
It is tempting to set all paperwork aside because ‘you will always have time for it later.’ Don’t do it. This year challenge yourself to have a “One Touch Rule”. Think of it this way, put it immediately in the calendar, send it back in, sign-up or opt out, read it and respond. The system that works best for us is the in-bin. All of the paperwork that needs an adult action is put in the in bin nightly after school. We honestly try to touch it once, hang it up, throw it out, send it back. Now that is what we are talking about. Once, it gets piled high, that is when you things start to unravel.
Get a Family Calendar
We use both a electronic and a physical calendar. It prevents us from forgetting things, but our kids also have more buy in with the family calendar. It helps us prepare for upcoming events and gives them an opportunity to contribute to the calendar because they are more aware of upcoming activities.
Store Seasonal Items
Put it away. The inflatable donut swim ring, the beach towels, and bocce set. Pack it away, nicely ready to go for next year. Once school starts a lot of these things just add extra chaos to the mix. If you don’t have plans for it in the near future, store it and start the new year with less.
Take the Mass Approach
Lastly, volunteer for the same activities across classes, or build out treats in bulk. If there is anything you can do to to help manage your budget, time, and stress it will be a win in the long run. Often, by buying multiples you can break down bulk into individual snacks which will help drive down your cost.
Hopefully, these tips will help you start off the year with a little less stress. What is your favorite back to school advice?
