Today is the kids' first day of school for the 2015-2016 school year. First day of school photos will be appearing on the blog over the next couple of days. "First Day" is a bit of a misnomer because while Sam jumps in with both feet today, Rachel only has a forty minute visit, her first full day tomorrow, she has the day off on Thursday, and then regular school days starting on Fridays. This is known as "staggered entry" for kids starting Junior Kindergarten and "a royal pain in the butt" for the parents. But that is not the topic of this post.
Because a) I am addicted to making resolutions and b) everyone else is doing it, I thought I would add my own Back To School resolutions. However, what with my actual New Year's resolutions, and my "25 Things To Do Before My Birthday" list, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with resolutions. And when I was thinking about it, I realized that all my resolutions came down to a motto, "Be Prepared."
Make both kids' lunches the night before, instead of in the morning (which is already one of my New Year's resolutions, and with two kids to make lunches for becomes even more important). Be Prepared.
Potentially menu-plan for lunches as well, and make sure we have the food on hand. Be Prepared.
Pick out the kids' clothes the night before. In fact, possibly pick out outfits for two-three days ahead of time. Be Prepared.
Empty the kids' backpacks as soon as they get home from school so I can see what needs to be done for the next day. Be Prepared.
Get the kids on a solid (early!) bedtime schedule. Be Prepared.
Wake up before the kids and prepare breakfast ahead of time. Be Prepared.
See it all comes doing to being prepared. Especially with my working full-time this year, I won't have time during the day to do laundry, wash dishes, and grocery shop during the day. It will all need to happen at night and on the weekends. I think if I can manage that, then this school year should be just fine.
Parents, what tips do you have for making the back to school run smoothly?
I love having my kiddos in school, but man, having 2 in school can be a lot of work! Props to all you working moms who have to worry about getting them ready for school each day on top of having yourself ready for work!
ReplyDeleteMenu plan for lunch too....what a great idea. I always regret not doing that when I am actually trying to make lunches out of what we have on hand....which can be interesting! Get up before the kids....good luck with that! I have yet to beat Lincoln up!!! haha!!!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think most of my list can be summarized the same way - be prepared. Hope you all have a great school year!
ReplyDeleteBack-to-school resolutions--I like that idea!
ReplyDelete