As the new school year approaches, parents find themselves surrounded by school supplies, oversized shoes, and the ever-present challenge of keeping kids on track. With the right approach, you can (somewhat) get organized for the upcoming school year. Here are ten unconventional tips to help you navigate this chaotic time. Or, you could just relax by the pool. Your choice!
- Start Shopping Early: Many parents wait until after the school year begins, only to discover the teacher’s supply list crumpled in the depths of a disheveled backpack. Avoid the last-minute rush at the store by shopping early. While you might end up with the wrong type of paper or insufficient binders for science class, you can always rely on the convenience of online shopping.
- Train Your Child’s Strength: Not for you—this is for your child! Those hefty science binders won’t carry themselves. A little strength-training routine could go a long way!
- Conduct a “Bus Stop Drill”: The best way to prepare for the morning hustle is through practice. To simulate the chaotic morning routine, sneak into your child’s room early and rouse them with urgency. Yell about missing shoes and homework, then lead them outside to the bus stop. Repeat until you can complete the drill in under five minutes—or until they file a noise complaint.
- Sort Through Crayons: Most parents have a collection of broken crayons lying around. Before you purchase another box, sift through the bin and gather the remnants. While the idea of melting them into new crayons sounds fun, you might just prefer to toss them instead.
- Create a Homework Station: Honestly, I’m not quite sure what this entails, but Pinterest seems to think it’s a great idea, so I’ll just leave it at that.
- Establish an Accountability Folder: Keep your kids on track with checklists and chore charts. Because what every child needs is another thing to be nagged about daily!
- Prep Ahead: One time-consuming task during the school year is packing lunches. Make your life easier by preparing multiple sandwiches and freezing them—because your child likely won’t eat them anyway.
- Choose a First Day Outfit: Your child may want to wear something they feel good in, but let’s be honest—it’s really about that picture-perfect first-day snapshot. Plan accordingly!
- Prepare for the Annual Photo: Have you started hand-lettering those “First day of Kindergarten” signs? If not, it might be wise to think about delaying your child’s school start to ensure you get that perfect shot!
- Sharpen Your Pencils: This isn’t a metaphor; I mean literally sharpen those pencils. Every household has enough pencils to build a small monument, yet we still buy new boxes every year.
By following these tips, you might find yourself somewhat prepared for the school year—though perhaps not as much as you’d hope. For more insights, you can check out our other blog posts, such as this one for related topics and advice.
In summary, the return to school can be hectic, but with a little creativity, you can manage the chaos. For those interested in further resources, consider visiting March of Dimes for valuable information about pregnancy and home insemination or check out Make A Mom for expert advice on self insemination kits.