The first week of school is done and you made it! Congrats, mama. Now it’s time to settle into a new routine and find some ways to make the next few months a little easier. Here are five tips that will help you survive (and maybe even enjoy) the school year.
1. Get Organized
This is definitely step one for surviving (and thriving) during the school year. Invest in a good planner—one that you actually like using—and get into the habit of writing everything down. This includes your kids’ activities, deadlines, doctor’s appointments, etc. Having everything in one place will help you stay on top of things and avoid last-minute scrambling.
2. Set routines—and stick to them
Routines are key for busy families and the school year is no exception. Sit down with your family at the beginning of the year and talk about what everyone’s schedule looks like. Then, come up with some routines that will help everyone stay on track. For example, have a designated spot for homework supplies and backpacks so that they’re always ready to go in the morning. And speaking of mornings, establish a breakfast routine that works for your family and try to stick to it as much as possible. Routines may not be exciting, but they can make your life much easier.
3. Don’t forget about self-care
This one is important, mamas! It’s easy to get so caught up in taking care of everyone else that you forget to take care of yourself. But if you’re not taking care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of anyone else effectively. So, make sure to schedule some time each week—even if it’s just 30 minutes—to do something that makes you happy. This could be reading a book, going for a run, or getting a manicure. Just do whatever makes you feel relaxed and recharged so that you can Tackle the rest of the week with ease.
4. Keep communication open
Whenever there’s a change in routine (which there inevitably is during the school year), it’s important to keep the lines of communication open with your kids, your partner, and your extended family/support system. If someone’s schedule changes or there’s a last-minute event, make sure everyone knows about it as soon as possible so that there aren’t any surprises. This will help reduce stress for everyone involved.
5. Make time for fun
Remember why you wanted kids in the first place? Because they’re fun! So don’t forget to have fun with your kids this year amidst all the craziness. Schedule some weekly or monthly family outings—whether it’s going out to eat, going to the park, or attending a sporting event—and just enjoy each other’s company. These moments will be cherished long after homework is forgotten and tests are taken. The school year can be hectic, but following these tips can help you survive—and maybe even thrive! From getting organized to set routines to making time for fun, these tips will help make this school year a success. What tips would you add to this list? Share them in the comments below!
