Back-to-School Systems That Make the School Year Less Stressful
Somehow the summer has flown by, and some students are already headed back to school. For busy families, there are always challenges that come with new routines. Creating back-to-school systems that keep you organized and are built to last the whole year is a gamechanger for you and your family, and will help keep everyone on track for the year ahead.
Get to Know Your Kids’ Style
Every kid approaches the school year in a different way, and how they do so can be dependent on age, environment, and personality. It’s important to understand how your children approach school routines so you can create back-to-school systems that actually work for them as well as you. Think about what your child typically wants to accomplish in the morning. do they wake up early to do a full face of makeup, or are they sleeping in as long as possible? If you have younger kids, think about how they typically handle mornings and the pace that they will need to get them off on the right foot. Young kids might need more time to transition between tasks, so build in that time when you plan your routines. This is also when you can keep an eye out for after-school activities and plan for what your kids want to be involved in.
Give Yourself Time (and Then More Time)
It’s easy to forget just how busy school days can be. You think you only need a certain amount of time to get out the door, and you only remember you made the same mistake last year when you’re rushing to get to school on time. It’s important when planning your routines and systems to give yourself more time than you think you need. Think about when the school day starts (and when you need to go to work) and backtrack from there. What do you need to get done in the morning? What does your child typically want to accomplish, and how long does it take? How long does it take to get to the school, and how are they getting there? Thinking through all these questions will help you plan out the day and ensure that everyone is ready to roll when it’s time to head out the door. Set up schedules for your kids so they know when they need to wake up to get ready and set rules like you must be dressed and have your teeth brushed before you can turn on the TV. Giving everyone involved more time than seems necessary will help you avoid rushing, stress, and give you a buffer on those days when there are unexpected delays.
Back-to-School Systems for Extracurriculars
Preparing for school doesn’t just happen in the morning; after school also requires its own back-to-school systems, both for navigating extra-curriculars and preparing for the next day. Again, the systems you set will depend on your child’s interests, their age, and your family circumstances. Understanding all this before the school year starts will set you up for success. Does your kid plan on doing any extracurriculars? When do they start and how long do they go? Are you carpooling with other parents? Do you have to bring snacks on certain days?
After-school activities have a huge impact on your whole family, and the more you can plan ahead for how they will impact dinner, weekends, and the rest of your schedule can help keep the stress levels low. It’s also a great opportunity to teach your children about balancing their schedules and staying organized themselves; learning to not only maintain their obligations, but how to prioritize them and avoid taking on too much.
Organizing Your Home with Back-to-School Systems
Do your kids need space alone to do their homework, or will they want to do it in shared spaces? Do you have a space you can set up for your children to store backpacks, do homework? Having hooks in the entryway where they can place shoes, backpacks, and coats makes it easier the next morning.
Another way to organize for the next morning is to spend a little time in the evening prepping for the next day. Have the kids lay out their outfits, double-check that their homework and any other papers are in their backpacks, and pack their lunches. The time you have after school is an opportunity to check in with the family and prepare for the next day.
Creating back-to-school systems can seem daunting, but it’s best way to stay organized and reduce the stress of the school year before it even starts. The more you practice these systems, the easier they’ll become. As you get into the rhythm of the school year, you’ll be happy to avoid the chaos that comes with a disorganized school plan. Creating back-to-school systems now will help you and your children in the years to come. Future you will appreciate it!