The time is upon us: back to school!
Some moms are elated. A schedule and a hint of freedom. Less fighting with siblings and more time to get that “To Do list” done.
There is also the flip side of things where we have to set the alarm clocks. Pack a lunch and become a uber driver for our kids.
I have been stressed during these same ‘back to school” weeks in the past. Not this year. I am determined to be excited and have a peaceful home. I know my kids pick up on my anxiety and I want them to start school with anticipation and peace. Not stress that they are picking up from me.
There is no real forumula, but I have compiled some tips that have helped me feel organized and less stressed.
Order Online What You Can
You know they need notebooks and pencils. Backpacks or new shoes. If you look online now you will find out many shops have free shipping and returns. My boys tried on 5 Paris of shoes from Zappos to find the perfect fit, and we are returning the rest… all from the comfort of my living room!
Get In A Good Routine You Can Stick With
Don’t think you are getting up at 5am to workout before you make the kids breakfast if you aren’t a morning person. Be realistic with yourself. My husband Doug helps in the morning and we each have our “tasks” and split the work to get the kids out the door on time. When he is out of town, I pack a lunch the night before because I know I can’t do it all. Be realistic with yourself and your routine. This makes it easier to keep it up and not get “mom guilt”.
Don’t Over Schedule Your Kid- Resist The Urge
Busyness doesn’t always equal a happy child. I have stopped rushing from place to place and allow my boys (and myself) to be present. If that means he is 3 mins late to his piano lesson, fine. He will get there when we get there. Our family rhythm is that each kid can have 2 things a week. Stirling does soccer and piano in the fall. He had to choose his top two activities and Friday night football had to wait for another time. We just knew for us, with three kids, we wanted it to be fair and busy, but room for fun and freedom. There is a balance and every family has their own flow.
Love Love Love
We can never pour out enough love to our kids. “Love covers a multitude of errors.” I know for me and parenting, I make a lot of errors. But I love on my kids. I tell them, I kiss them, I show them how much I love them. Give yourself grace and enjoy these moments. Let’s not loose sight in the blessing and gift and privilege it is to be a mother, even when it is ti,e to sweep the sand from our floor and sharpen those pencils
Xoxo
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