"If your daughter wants to go to school looking like Rainbow Brite; let her. You used to love Rainbow Brite, remember?"
-Stephanie
Hey! Hey! A new school year is upon us! I don’t know about you, but I am as excited as I have ever been. It’s not that my children aren’t magnificent. They are! I’m just ready to get back to it. I like the structure the school year provides. It also signals growth, movement and new beginnings— three of my favorite things! And let’s just tell the truth. I am truly excited to have these kids out of my groceries 24/7. I won’t have to yell, “You’re not hungry. You’re bored. Get outta my pantry and go read a book!”, until Christmas break. Yaaaay!
While I am amped about the new school year I also recognize that it can also be a stressful time. There are so many players and moving pieces. It can be a challenge to keep it all together without flying off the rails. Let me help.
What Am I Supposed to Be Doing Today? Keep a calendar. In fact, keep calendars. I don’t know of any smart phone that doesn’t have a calendar. Your girl here has the best intentions, but my memory will not let me be great. I forget things, but because I use my calendar it doesn’t matter. I can clean out the clutter of my mind about which activities are on what day for who or when we have dentist appointments. I can save the space in my memory for significant dates or other memories that bring me joy.
We often create or perpetuate stress in our lives by trying to remember everything. Why? Help yourself by using resources that are already available to you at your fingertips. Whenever I try to get fancy and remember stuff; I forget. Then, I end up running around like a headless chicken. No good.
Input all information into the calendar on your phone. My calendar will even tell me when to leave home in order to arrive at my destination on time. It also allows me to invite other folks to the event. So I don't have to remember to tell my husband to remember an event.
Who needs help remembering Beyoncé??? I didn't!!!
I also maintain a dry erase calendar in a visible place in our home. You can find them at Target, Walmart, Meijer, HomeGoods or Hobby Lobby. In my humble opinion, HomeGoods and Hobby Lobby have a better, more design forward selection. Dry erase calendars are for the entire family. At your discretion you can decide if the children can write on it. In my house, I am the sole holder of the dry erase markers. My babies were treating it like a coloring book. No.
Having a calendar for children teaches them responsibility and time management. If you get off the bus at 4 o'clock and dance begins at 5 o'clock, you know you have less than one hour to get a snack and start your homework or decompress. If it's time to go and they didn't get a snack that’s on them. They will quickly learn how to consider the calendar and their available time.
Why Do The People Who Run Schools Hate Us? Ok fine! They don’t hate us. My intermittent flair for the dramatics is acting up. The beginning of the school year especially, brings a ton of paper. Try not to be overwhelmed by the paper or by your children who want you to complete all the paperwork immediately. Get your attitude and strategies together now because you know it’s coming.
First of all, you know they are only doing what the teacher has asked. Also, they are excited. Instead of being annoyed with them—develop a plan. Choose a designated space for all incoming and outgoing paperwork. You don't need a fancy receptacle, unless you want one. You could literally write "Incoming School Papers” on one sticky note and “Outgoing School Papers” on another. When they come in the house waiving that paper in your face and they will come… Point them to the designated space. When they ask you did you sign the paper they left you… Point to the designated space. You will be so pleased with yourself.
This is super simple! Do It! You will never have to look for missing papers again!
Play Dress Up With Your Own Self. Listen to me. Stop fighting this fight. If your daughter wants to go to school looking like Rainbow Brite; let her. You used to love Rainbow Brite, remember? And if that will boy wants to look like Summer, Winter and the month of April… Girl! Let him! If they're old enough to independently put on tops and bottoms they're old enough to choose their clothes. Don't make arguing about clothes a thing. Save that energy for broccoli and screen time. Ha! Just set guidelines. Little Person: You must have at least one pair of socks, a long sleeve shirt and pants. The end. Let them be.
I'm here for letting the children dress themselves, but I am honest enough to admit there are few things more frustrating than indecisive miniature versions of yourself. Don't worry, I have solutions. On Sunday afternoon, look at the weather and select an outfit for every day, complete with accessories… even the socks… especially the socks.
I purchased a five drawer storage thingy on wheels from Walmart and it has been a game changer. Have them place one outfit for every day in each drawer. If you think it will help, you can even label the drawers with the days of the week. The storage unit is less than $20, but it is priceless. Really. They wake up, make their bed, brush their teeth and grab their clothes.You wanna know what they don't do? Argue with you about their outfit. You are not even involved. You will be sitting at the kitchen table sipping your coffee or tea when they saunter into the kitchen already dressed in an outfit of their choice with pride. It’s magnificent!!! You’re welcome.
I purchased something very similar to this. They come in a two pack. Stack them if possible. Saturday and Sunday can go in the sixth drawer.
Back to school comes with some stress. It’s just a part of the deal. Still, there are things you can do to help ease the transition for your whole family. Also… Relax. Work on being more flexible. Everything isn’t an emergency. Take things as they come. Laugh more than you fuss. Above all remember that you are doing your best… what ever that is at any given moment. Love you!
Happy New School Year, Y’all! It’s gonna be great!