Back to school and a new routine
There’s just something about back to school, isn’t there? Freshly sharpened pencils and crisp crayons are tucked into backpacks. Shiny new haircuts and sneakers are entering schools all around. Parents’ hearts are feeling bittersweet…perhaps the joy of a bit more freedom and sadness that our babies are actually growing up.
When we return home after the whirlwind of the first-day-of-school drop-off, we look around. We know full well that stacks of forms are coming home in backpacks later that afternoon. Lunch schedules, class lists, schedules telling us which days kids have gym class or when library books need to be returned. We know the kids are eager for new routines and the excitement of it all…but are you ready?
Whether we like it or not, kids thrive on routine. We’re the same way, aren’t we? We like to know what’s coming up next. Here are 5 steps to create some routine in your home as life rhythms change this fall.
Have a spot for all things paper. Some people love the Sunday basket idea. This is when all mail goes into a basket. On Sunday, you need to decide what to do with it. Some people prefer having hanging files labeled: file, pay bills, coupons, sentimental, or take action. Each person in the family can have a file as well. I recommend, however, that before you even enter your home from the mailbox, put all junk mail in the recycle bin.
Post a calendar. This doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy. It can be a basic white dry-erase board with a simple calendar template. Write any important dates on this calendar. This can include spelling tests, library checkout days, P.E. days, dance, basketball practice, family dinners, dentist and hair appointments, field trips, parent-teacher conferences, vacations, weddings, and birthdays. Color-coding by person is helpful as well. Check out digital options for calendars such as the Skylight Calendar.
Meal Plan. Yep, I said it. Again, you don’t need roasted duck and grilled peaches (although I do love this recipe)…keep it simple! Especially on busy nights when kids will be in and out and you may not have margin for that sit-down family dinner, have something in the Crock-pot/Insta-pot that morning. BBQ chicken sliders, pot roast with veggies, chicken with Verde salsa, red chicken curry, French Dip subs, or a baked potato bar. Try to meal plan over the weekend, grocery shop (or have items delivered), and post the meals for the week. My kids love knowing what’s for dinner ahead of time (except for when it's tilapia night).
Returns. Yep, we all have them. That shirt from Target that was “too scratchy” for your toddler. Your neighbor’s long lost sweatshirt. A water bottle that was left at baseball practice. Those random Amazon picture frames that didn’t look the way you hoped. Have a pretty basket just for returns. This will help decrease clutter around the home as well.
Drop Zone. Have a designated spot to hang backpacks and jackets, drop keys, store shoes, and put lunchboxes. Again, this does not have to be an elaborate space. I’ve seen families remove closet doors and create an “open” drop zone with a small bench and a few hooks. If space allows, have a basket for each family member (including your fur babies). This will help avoid the drop-everything-on-the-floor-and-then-raid-the-fridge event at 4 p.m.
Remember, you don’t need a complete overhaul on your home to start the school year. Having a few systems in place, however, can help mornings run much more smoothly. When your kid enters school ready to learn, it’ll make a world of difference.
