By Vicki Little
It is always so much fun to read my friends’ social media posts this time of year. Half of them are counting down the days to freedom, when school starts. They look forward to some peace and quiet, clean counters, and toilet seats that actually stay down during the day. Others are feeling more bittersweet while they sentimentally go through every first-day-of-school picture their child has ever taken. Whichever type of parent you are, there are 3 rules to make the back-to-school changes go more smoothly.
1) RE-SET
- Review and adjust chore lists so they are feasible with the school schedule.
- Have your kids go to bed a bit earlier each night until they are used to the school bedtime.
- Purge the schoolwork and snack buckets so they are ready for new stuff!
- Clear off homework spots and re-stock the homework supply container.
- Go through closets and dressers to clear out old or too-small clothing and shoes.
- Buy new toothbrushes and floss to start the year off with great smiles!
2) PREPARE
- Prepare and freeze some meals ahead of the busy month of September to help you save time.
- Determine clothing needs and shop the ads and consignment sales when possible. Don’t forget sneakers!
- Get back-to-school haircuts.
- Set up necessary “central spots” such as places for backpacks, lunches, and shoes that will be used in the morning.
- Clean the bedrooms and change the sheets — with your child’s help of course!
- Do a trial run of the first day. This is especially important if you will be going to a new school, new time, or a new route.
3) PLAN AHEAD
- Update your calendar. Put all events from the school calendar on the family calendar, as well as other future events you know about.
- Determine if and how much time you can volunteer.
- Plan the first-day wardrobe and hairstyles. If it is a new style, try it out a day or two before!
- Plan your weekly or monthly menu.
And don’t forget to plan something special for yourself after you have dropped the kids off that first day. You have earned it!
Vicki Little is a work-at-home mom with two young kids. A Colorado native, she is the Publisher and Editor of Macaroni Kid Aurora and Downtown Denver. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, reading, camping, or enjoying a bottle of wine with friends.
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