| So it's back to school time, which for most of us | | | | to ask the school for a classroom supply list before |
| Moms that means back to reality. I don't know about | | | | shopping for school supplies. Again with the |
| you, but this summer has been quite an adventure for | | | | back-to-school sales beginning in mid-July, last minute |
| my family and I. Vacationing was very limited for us | | | | shoppers may have a tough time locating needed |
| this year due to the state of our economy and it's | | | | supplies for their children so shop early. |
| effect on our pocket book. It made vacation planning | | | | #2. Create a Calendar Board: The school year is filled |
| pretty tough and I spent alot of time searching for the | | | | with a large variety of activities and it's easy to |
| best deals everywhere we wanted to go. Fortunately, | | | | become overwhelmed if all of these activities are not |
| even with a super tight budget we were able to enjoy | | | | listed in one central location for the entire family to |
| some really great places this summer like New York, | | | | review.Nothing will calm the school year chaos down |
| Miami, San Diego, as well as numerous days spent at | | | | more than creating a calendar board. This board |
| good ol' Zuma Beach. Oh how nice were the days of | | | | should be for all family calendars, schedules, |
| relaxing on the beach and reading all the latest gossip | | | | after-school activity flyer's, school programs, and |
| magazines. Now that back to school is here it's time to | | | | whatever else you feel pertains. Buy just a basic cork |
| get not only the kids, but yourself focused on the new | | | | board, add a pre-printed white board calendar to it, |
| school year ahead and off of the vacation schedule. | | | | place in a central location in the house and you are on |
| Here are some helpful tips to make this the smoothest | | | | your way. This is the biggest step in creating organized |
| transition possible. | | | | family time management and a stress-free school |
| #1. Check before "Back-to-School" shopping: August is | | | | year. Remember form is less important than function |
| known for being the second largest sales month for | | | | so choose a calendar format that works best for your |
| retailers everywhere and most retailers begin their | | | | family. |
| back to school sales in July. So needless-to-say it's | | | | #3. Ease into the "Back to School" schedule: During the |
| smart to shop during that time, but are you truly ready | | | | summer vacation we all tend to fall off of our typical |
| then? A little word of advice I live by: | | | | school year schedule. We tend to stay up late and |
| "An informed shopper is a savvy shopper"so always | | | | wake up even later. To help everyone in the family |
| be prepared before you shop. | | | | start off the school year with a bang, 2 weeks prior to |
| -Start by assessing each child's back-to-school clothing | | | | the first day of school start going to bed at the time |
| needs. | | | | you would on a "typical" school night and wake up |
| -Empty drawers and closets of outgrown or worn-out | | | | each morning as if you were waking up for school. |
| clothing, and either store or donate the discards. | | | | This will help get the entire family back on routine so |
| -Clean and organize clothing storage before adding | | | | that first day isn't so stressful and the kids are well |
| any new garments. | | | | rested for their first day back. |
| -Create a "back-to-school wardrobe needs" list for | | | | The new school year definitely quickens the tempo of |
| each child. | | | | family life so I hope that some of these tips will help |
| -Discuss the "needs list" and your budget with your | | | | bring a new focus and pleasant harmony to your |
| children before you shop and you will avoid any | | | | home. Remember less stress leads to better health |
| in-the-store tantrums that may occur. | | | | and happiness for all. |
| The same goes for back-to-school supplies. Be sure | | | | |