New Tips for Getting Back in the Groove!

It's that time of year again! School starts NEXT WEEK! Last year, Mrs. Tigges shared her tips for getting back into the school groove. This year, Mrs. Dulaney is sharing her favorite tips!

 Here are some more tips to prepare for the new school year to avoid stress and last minute panic:

• Start the day off right with pre-planned or pre-made breakfasts! You can go super-simple with this and put some dry cereal into a Ziploc baggie (even preschoolers can open a Ziploc!) or make up breakfast sandwiches or burritos and freeze for a few weeks' meals! Even breakfast breads, like cinnamon rolls, will keep in the freezer. I suggest investing in some nice, small glass containers with vented lids that can be placed in the microwave to warm up your sandwich. This week, I made up a set of 12 faux Egg McMuffins for about $7 and it'll last me more than two weeks!
• Routine, routine, routine! Children, especially young ones, thrive on routine! Set up a routine of what will be your morning schedule and stick to it! Our family uses a magnetic schedule system called Easy Daysies. My kids wake up and do their two simple chores (make the bed, feed or let out the dogs into the back yard) and check the schedule for the day. (A $1 dry erase board from Dollar Tree will also do the trick, though!) Establishing your routine for the school year and beginning it early will help make the transition a smooth one!
• Finish (or start!) your back to school shopping! Our school supply lists are available on our website but you might need to go shopping for new backpacks, lunch boxes, or uniform items! We invite you to stop by the Swap Shop before purchasing new uniforms - some items are new with tags! Avoid meltdowns by purchasing or making labels for your student's items - We have a set of Name Bubbles labels for both boys and they go on each lunch box, water bottle, pencil box, etc.
• Implement some simple First Day of School traditions to celebrate the start of a new year! Making memories with your family can be so fun and meaningful! Don't stress yourself out with this, but there are some fun back to school traditions you can start with your family that you and your kids will look forward to each year! Check out our Back To School Pinterest board for inspiration.

What is your family doing to prepare for the start of the new school year?

 

We're looking forward to partnering with your family for the 2014-15 school year. We are praying for all of you as we begin the new school year!

Krista Dulaney is our Director of School Relations and mom to two boys.