Back to School: A Complete Parent Survival Guide 

A lot can change about your daily schedule once school starts again for your girls. Finding the right balance between work, school, and extracurriculars is ongoing. Be patient with yourself and your children as you navigate the school year and celebrate the journey together. Here’s a back-to-school survival guide for parents to help you settle into the new routine. 

Set a Family Calendar

Create a shared calendar that includes all family members’ schedules, including school events, extracurricular activities, work commitments, and other important dates. Use digital tools like Google Calendar to keep everyone updated and on track.

Establish Morning and Evening Routines

Develop consistent morning and evening routines to make school days smoother. This includes setting regular wake-up and bedtime hours, packing school bags the night before, and laying out clothes and lunches.

Prioritize Communication

Keep open lines of communication with your children’s teachers and coaches. Stay informed about schoolwork, projects, and upcoming events. Regularly check emails or school communication platforms for updates.

Encourage Independence

Help your girls develop a sense of responsibility by encouraging them to take ownership of their schoolwork and extracurricular commitments. Teach them to plan and manage their time effectively. You can adjust for their age and stage of development. 

Share Responsibilities

Delegate household chores and tasks among family members to lighten the load for everyone. This way, the burden doesn’t fall solely on one person; each family member learns to contribute to the household.

Plan Family Meals

Plan and prepare meals in advance to save time and reduce stress during busy weekdays. Involve your girls in meal planning and preparation to teach them valuable life skills. Use things you’ve learned about healthy eating to build each week’s plan. 

Encourage Physical Activity

Physical activity is crucial for both children and adults. Encourage your girls to participate in sports or other physical activities that interest them. Consider family outings or exercise sessions together to stay active as a family. 

Set Realistic Goals

Help your girls set realistic academic and extracurricular goals. Avoid overloading them with too many activities, and teach them the importance of balancing school, hobbies, and leisure time.

Make Time for Bonding

Amidst the hustle and bustle, don’t forget to spend quality time with your girls. Engage in family activities or even short bonding moments to create lasting memories.

Practice Self-Care

As a parent, it’s vital to take care of yourself too. Find time for hobbies, exercise, or relaxation activities to rejuvenate and reduce stress.

Flexibility is Key

Despite all the planning, life can throw unexpected challenges. Be flexible and adaptable to cope with unforeseen circumstances while maintaining a positive outlook.

Reach Out for Support

Don’t hesitate to seek help from friends, family, or support groups. Sharing experiences and tips with other parents can be invaluable.

Celebrate Achievements

Celebrate your girls’ achievements, both big and small. Acknowledging their efforts will motivate them to continue working hard and staying dedicated to their goals.

What are your favorite tips for back to school?