momAgenda Blog
5 Tips for Keeping it Together This Fall
August 26, 2010 1:26 PM
Do you feel like back to school season just might get the best of you this year? I know I do. Between trying to get all the paperwork completed, to squeezing in all the necessary doctor and dentist appointments, not to mention dealing with the haircuts and school clothes and shoes and sneakers and sports equipment... I could go on and on. This is easily one of the most overwhelming times of year for parents of school-aged children.
Here are a few things I like to do when I feel like I just can't take it anymore.
1. Prioritize
I can't stress enough the importance of knowing what's really important and letting everything else go, especially at this time of year. Go ahead and let certain things slide in September (for me it's stuff like getting the kids to do their chores). You just don't need the added stress.
2. Write everything down
We have so much to keep track of, especially now, that writing everything down takes on greater importance than ever. I write everything in my day planner, because I like having everything in one place, but you can also use a notebook or a mobile device with a note-taking feature.
3. Take care of yourself
You will feel happier with everyone in your life, from your kids to your partner to your friends, if you take care of yourself. Give yourself a little love, whatever that means to you. Light a candle, take a bath, go for a jog, take a yoga class, get a mani/pedi... do what works for you.
4. Set up a routine
As soon as possible after school starts, try to settle into a daily routine. It will benefit both your and your kids.
5. Designate a "launch pad"
Set up an area in your house for backpacks, shoes, coats, etc. Make sure the kids understand the concept that those items "live" in that spot, not on the kitchen floor or anywhere else. This makes it easier to find everything on chaotic mornings before school.
Those are some of my favorite tips for keeping it together during back to school season. What about you? Do you have any tips that have helped you in your life?
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Comments (5)
Good points, especially finding time for a little self-care!
I find that with me working and the kids (big kids) home alone, chores kind of seem to go out the window during the summer. As soon as everyone is back in school (next Tuesday for the last of them) we'll be making the schedule and reassigning chores.
Needless to say--I'm looking forward to it!
Posted by: christinayak - August 26, 2010 3:55 PM
We're getting ready for our baby's birth in October, and this kind of thing provides a helpful reminder to me.
Posted by: Kelly O - August 26, 2010 4:00 PM
We pack backpacks the night before and hang them on the boys chairs at the dinner table. We also pack as much of a lunch the night before so it's easier to put it together in the morning. But the thing that helps me the most is setting out my youngest clothes for the week...right down to the underware and socks. You can only do it for the little tykes, but what a stress reliever cuz if you send them to dress themselves.....well, lets just say the teachers know what days the boys did that! :)
Posted by: Denise Dykstra - August 26, 2010 4:43 PM
This is pretty timely for me because I have been wondering how I was going to keep it together this year with working full time and both kids in school. Thanks for the tips!
Posted by: Laura - August 26, 2010 8:21 PM
I am so glad I found this site. Every mom needs one of these. As I have 3 kids, with 2 in school this year I have wondered how I am going to keep track of their activities, appts, etc...not to even mention my own! The little sticky's on the fridge aren't cutting it any longer LOL.
Posted by: Sharina Johnson - August 28, 2010 5:04 PM
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