It is finally here, #backtoschooltime! Are you jumping for joy thinking of being kid free or stressing over getting everything prepared?
I am just going to say it...I hate the month of August but not for the reasons you'd think. See, I am a teacher by day and I truly miss teaching during the summer. I love the deep and meaningful relationships I get to build with my students during the year. Yet, I still hate the month of August. Why you ask? Because it is the most expensive month ever!! Back to school supplies, clothes, shoes, backpacks, lunch boxes, the list is never ending! Not to mention the fact that the kids have to adjust to a new routine. It can all be so overwhelming at times! But not anymore! Here are some tips to make adjusting back to school easy and a few free printables! :) Freebies, score!!
1. Break up the costs! Seriously, create a back to school budget. You'll thank me for this. List out all the expenses and put an approximate cost beside them. You can really save money here if you are realistic. Then ask yourself some questions: Does your child really need a new backpack? Do they need $200 shoes? By creating a budget you can fine tune what is a necessity and a want. Yours could look like this:
Registration Fee-$200
Clothes-$100
Shoes-$50
Backpack+Lunch Box $50
Supplies-$45
2. Start a back to school routine the end of July. No, I am not joking. The last week in July I start our back to school routine. I create a calendar that the kids can see (don't worry I have included a free download of it) and hang it on the fridge. This is how back to school time looks for us.
2a. I adjust bedtime. Instead of staying up until 9 or 10 they are in bed by 8! Sounds early, but it takes them at least half an hour to fall asleep. There are several studies out there that can tell you how many hours your child needs per night. Look them up and make sure they get the proper sleep so their minds can focus during school!
2b. I wake them up at 8:00 a.m. at first. Yes, I know usually school starts at 8 but I am not going to cold turkey wake them up at 6:45! Day one I start at 8 a.m then decrease it in fifteen minute increments until it is the time I would normally wake them up for school.
2c. Start getting into the groove of normal morning routine. For example, big red loves to shower in the mornings so I allow extra time for her to hop in and hop out. Then they need to eat breakfast, pack their lunch, brush teeth, get dressed, grab backpacks.
***Make your kids pack their own lunch***
**Yes, it is an inconvenience and can be a battle however put your patient pants on and help them learn some responsibilities. I already have lunches made up for the week all they do is grab them from the fridge and place into their lunch boxes along with one pantry item. You children's future spouse will thank you!*****
I really love focusing on step number three because by the time school rolls around there is no morning madhouse! If you kids complain about getting into the morning routine take them somewhere special after they are ready. The park, children's museum, zoo, whatever works for you. Give them purpose and you will have zero resistance during this step!
Drum roll please!!! For your free downloads subscribe and you will get an email with the free printable and editable Budget Sheet and Calendar! #freeprintable #routine
That's it y'all! A simple intentional plan goes a long way. Happy back to school time!!
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