Guest Author - Barbara Gibson

Back to School Tips

The new school year will begin tomorrow. Sadly, it’s back to six o’clock mornings and the mom as drill sergeant routine. You know it. It starts off hopefully enough. Goodmorning, it’s a brand new day, time to rise and shine!

Not being a morning person my son does rise, but he doesn’t shine. School mornings are tough. I’m not giving up, though. With some planning, patience and a little naiveté, I am free to approach the new school year with the hope that it will be everything I imagine.

Here are my best laid plans

Organize, organize organize….
Try grouping daily outfits, right down to underwear and socks, each weekend to start the new week off well and end those frantic morning searches.

Set up a basket or drawer for all papers, etc. that will need to be reviewed and returned to school.

Mount a bulletin board for the latest art creations, flyers and school notices.

Enter complete teacher and school information into your Blackberry, computer or PDA for worry free communication.

Make an annual calendar of appointments, including doctor and dentist appointments, assignments, teacher workdays, etc.

Arrange for back-up child care now. If you have to work late or your child is sick, you will have a plan.

Pack lunches at night and set up a breakfast routine that is nutritious and easy. Make menus and use a list to shop weekly so that you have everything you need on hand. Keep staples well stocked to save grocery store trips and serve you in a pinch.

Mentally prepare…
Talk with your children about hopes and expectations for the new school year.

Skip the late show or the news and opt for a full night's sleep instead.

Post notes or posters of encouragement to remind yourself and your child about what you hope to accomplish this year. (Even if you don’t have children, writing and referring to your hopes and plans in the next few months can help you stay focused on your goal.)

Remind yourself of everything that went well last year. Make a list of the things you would like to change. Be specific about what you want to change and how you intend to make the change happen.

Encourage yourself and your child…
Consider family meetings to tweak morning problems and improve your routine. It is very important to start the day well because in many ways the morning sets the tone for the entire day.

You can decide – will your morning routine look grumpy, frantic and unnerving, or will it be organized, pleasant and positive?

Living simply can help you identify priorities and plans that take the stress out of your school or work morning routine and start your day mindfully and deliberately.

Have a great school year!