Settling in to a School Routine

Here we are again, at the start of another school year! I love how we have moms in this community who are watching their kids drive off to high school and also moms packing a school lunch for the very first time! Here is my best advice for settling into a new school routine no matter what age your child is:

1. Look at your upcoming week on Sunday and get a game plan together.

   All weeks are NOT the same! Take into account your work schedule or your spouse’s travel schedule, tests for your children, extracurriculars, etc. and plan accordingly. If it’s a crazy week, give yourself some grace and plan to order pizza or eat breakfast for dinner one night. Make a meal ahead of time that can be quickly served on a busy night. Call a friend and set up carpool for that practice that goes late so you can put the toddler to bed on time. Do not be a martyr, we all need a helping hand sometimes!

2. Get organized- pack lunches and backpacks the night before.

   This is easier said than done, but if your kids are 2nd grade or beyond, get them involved. They are old enough to take this responsibility on themselves. And don’t forget that school lunch is a great option!

3. Early to bed- for your children and yourself.

   Especially until everyone gets adjusted to the new routine, roll that bedtime back. Start about a week before school gets going. And yes, that means putting your kids to bed before the sun goes down! Mornings always run more smoothly when everyone has gotten a good night’s sleep.

I hope those tips help bring some peace this week! What do you find most challenging about settling into a new school year?