Making Back-to-School Fun and Stress-Free :: A Mom’s Guide with Tips and Tricks
As a mom, the chaos of the past school year left me anxious and stressed. I’ve spent this summer determined to change things up, hoping to make the upcoming school year smoother and more fun for everyone. By implementing new habits and systems, it’s sure to be better than before.
Here are some tips to prepare, focusing on visual cues and realistic time management strategies.
Embrace Visual Cues and Fun Reminders
We’ve discovered that our family thrives on visual cues. Here’s how we make them work:
– Laminated Checklists: Our amazing teacher created a laminated checklist with pictures for my 3rd grader, listing the necessary items to bring to school. This was a game-changer! Consider making lists for everyone.
– Strategic Placements: Those reminders are everywhere! We stick checklists around the house and even on the car’s rear view mirror. It’s hard to forget your backpack when there’s a bright reminder staring at you.
– Whiteboards and Sticky Notes: A giant whiteboard in the kitchen is our command center. It’s where we plan the breakfast and lunch menu, schedule changes, and important reminders. Sticky notes scattered throughout the house serve as additional reminders, keeping us all on track. Side note: If you have little ones, keep the whiteboard out of their reach to avoid accidental or not-so-accidental erasing.
Timers and Alarms
Time management is crucial, especially with a family of ADHD, where some move quickly while others take their time. Here’s how we stay on track:
– Timers Galore: Make timers your best friend. Use timers for different tasks and transitions. Set a timer for getting ready in the morning, doing homework, or any other time-sensitive activity. This helps everyone stay on schedule. Time Timers are the best, and they are our favorite.
– Alarms on Devices: For tech-savvy kids, set alarms on phones or tablets to remind them of essential tasks or transitions. This can be especially helpful for older children who have their own devices.
– Use Alexa: Take advantage of Alexa for both timers and alarms.
Weekly Routines Made Easy
Planning and organizing weekly tasks can alleviate stress and ensure consistency. Here are some tips:
– Grocery Delivery: We schedule grocery deliveries or pickups for Sundays and Fridays. It’s a lifesaver! This minimizes overspending and saves time. The cost is minimal compared to the time and stress saved. No more dragging kids through the store or dealing with impulse buys. Plus, it frees up our weekends for fun family activities.
– Cleaning Help: Asking for help with cleaning was a tough decision, but it’s been worth it. Twice a month, we have a cleaning service come in. The house stays tidy, and I stay sane. To offset the cost, I bring my lunch to work, which balances the budget.
Fun Consequences: WiFi Management
Instead of yelling when tasks aren’t completed, there is an effective and fun solution: controlling WiFi access.
Using the Cox Panoramic or AT&T Secure Family app, we can turn off WiFi or Data for certain devices until tasks are done. It’s a simple, non-confrontational way to enforce rules, and works wonders!
By incorporating these strategies, we are aiming for a smooth, less stressful school year. It’s all about making small changes and having fun along the way. Remember, change takes time, so be patient with yourself and your family.
