While I realize there are parts of the country that have already started school, out here in the Pac NW, we don't normally start until after Labor Day. With this being my first official "back to school" year - TJ will be starting Kindergarten this year - I thought I would generate some ideas that will help make the transition from lazy summer to hectic school days a little easier. While doing some research for this blog, I found many resources for getting the kids back in gear for the school year. This article is aimed at the parents and caretakers of those kids. Since you are the ones driving the bus so to speak - I thought you could use some tips as well.
This blog post was brought to you be the letter "P".
1. Plan ahead and beat the crowds.
I was very impressed with the availability of resources that our school district offers online. One of these resources was the school supply list that I found in late July. It might have even been listed sooner, that was when I found it. Because they offer the list so early, it is easy both on time and your budget to start buying those supplies early and take advantage of good selections and the weekly sales. Keep track of the circulars for the various stores to take full benefit of the savings they offer. Stock up now for things that will need replacing and refilling later in the year. Start early to avoid the rush the week or even the night before.
Take an inventory of what you need before heading out the door. This goes for school supplies and school clothes. Have your children give you a fashion show by trying on all their current clothing to see what fits, what looks like it is on its way out and what is out. Make a list of what is needed, then hit the stores. This too will save you time and money.
If you are lucky to live in a state that offers "tax free days" for back to school shopping; create your lists early and stick a little money aside each week or month. When heading out, create a plan of attack, listing which items to be bought at each store.
Like doing your back to school shopping early, you can also avoid the crowds by getting your child's vaccinations and annual physicals done early. And no one says they have to have a haircut the night before school starts. A haircut still looks good when it is a couple weeks old.
2. Plan for the future.
Another item I was able to find on my school's website was the school calendar. Take a look at this, print it out and make note on your calendar what days are early release, parent/teacher conferences and days off. Do you need to make plans with your job to cover these days? My friend Rachel and I are hoping to create a "day off - child care switch". Instead of every parent taking each day off, set up a system with other parents to share the days off. In our set up, I will take her son one day off and she will take mine the next. This helps to eliminate the constant need for days off from your job too.
3. Practice
Summer means no routine, sleeping in and staying up late. A week or two before school starts, start adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times by 10 minutes each day. Do a dry run to the bus stop to see how long it takes your child to walk it. Or drive the route and have your child get in and out of the car at school to see how that takes. Add ten minutes to the time and you have the time you should be heading out the door each morning. (We all know the time warp that happens as we are heading out the door, allow for extra time for lost shoes, forgotten lunches and skipped teeth brushing.) Get into the habit of picking up toys each night, setting clothes out the night before and research quick and easy and filling breakfasts. Since TJ has never had to carry a lunch box, we are practicing some lunches with him. This is showing me what packaging he can and can't open. I am also "training" him to repack it so that everything that should come home - does.
So there you go - Plan Ahead, Plan for the Future and Practice. Three simple solutions to help back to school less stressful. Please feel free to share these ideas with friends and family. If you would like a hard copy of these steps, (for a small printing fee) send me an email, I will be happy to send one to you.
Until next time,
Amy
Providing smart solutions for everyday challenges. Specializing in time management, goal setting, prioritizing tasks for small business, busy professionals and active families.
Become a Fan on Facebook- Amy Munns Consulting
Follow me on Twitter - amymunns
amy@amymunns.com
www.amymunns.com
Monday, August 24, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
