The Zen Mom

Are you feeling a little anxious that summer’s almost over?  Where did the time go?  My kids only go to preschool a few days a week, but there’s still the back to school prep. Part of me is excited to get back to our routine and get more things done with work and around the house, but yet I’m still trying to cherish the last few weeks of summer.

So if getting ready for back to school is stressing you out here are few           Zen Tips to make the transition easier for you and your kids.

1. Get Back On Schedule.

Usually a week before is a good time to reintroduce school bedtime and consistent meal times.

Zen Tip: Wake late sleepers or set an alarm clock, that way it won’t be such a shock on the first day of school.

2. Clear Out and Gear Up.

It’s a good time to clear out the drawers.  Get rid of clothes that don’t fit, this will save time when getting dressed in the morning.

Zen Tip: Make it fun and have a fashion show.  This is a easy afternoon activity before school starts.

Also, by clearing out some of the clutter, there may be things you find without having to buy new supplies.

Zen Tip: Don’t overbuy.  Have a list in mind before shopping.  Teachers will often have a list of suggested supplies.

Don’t know what to do with all the art and projects the kids bring home from school? I love this tip from Professional Organizer-Kristin Borostyan.

Zen Tip: “Get a large memory box where kids can save projects they really love.  They can decorate and personalize the box and if it gets too full you child can pick what to donate, throw out or keep.  Clears clutter and teaches them how to prioritize what is really meaningful to them.”

3.  Proper Gear

Kids always like having a new backpack or lunchbox to start off the year.  It also helps ease the transition for younger kids.   But did you know that heavy backpacks can cause serious back and posture problems.

Zen Tip:  A backpack should never weigh more than 10-15% of the child’s weight.  Here are more backpack safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

(Lands End has some great selections for every size.  I love the My First collection perfect for my preschoolers.)

4. Reduce The Morning Madness - Lay out things the night before, have your kids help with packing their backpacks and lunches.

Zen Tip: Have a designated area (Zen Zone) for each child so you’re not scrambling to find things in the morning.

 4.  Have Lunchbox Options

Things you can make in bulk and then freeze are perfect for the lunch box.

Zen Tip: Things like Pumpkin pancakes, spinach blueberry muffins.  I just take them out of the freezer and right into the lunch box.  They will thaw by lunchtime.

It’s hard to find healthy snacks with protein that are nut-free.  I love these-they are organic, non-gmo, nut-free and super tasty and come in individual pouches.  Somersaults- Pacific Sea Salt and Cinnamon Crunch
are my favorites!

 5. Give Yourself A Break

The 1st week of school can often be bit hectic and unexpected things always come up. You may feel like you want to do all the things you put off because the kids were home in the summer.

Zen Tip: Make sure you don’t over schedule yourself or maybe just take it easy and do something nice for yourself. (Did someone say massage?)

Happy Back To School!