Here we are again, students returning to class rooms and summertime behind us.
As we all adjust to the changing season and our weekly rhythms flipped upside down, we wanted to suggest a few ways to save your sanity. Getting ourselves out the door, kids to the bus stop, or everyone in gear for learning at home can be a challenge.
Plan & Prep
Instead of scrambling around your house in the morning, consider the tasks that can be handled the night before. Packing lunches, laying out clothes for the next day, setting your coffee maker, doing a quick car clean out, communicating about the family schedule with your partner, and double checking the calendar (consider syncing a shared calendar on your phone for events involving more than 1 person in the family) for any appointments. This may feel like more “work” in the evening, but if it allows you and the people in your house to have a smoother morning - it might pay off!
Slow Down
The clock is ticking, interruptions happen, and we just simply cannot control everything. Practice taking a deep breath and pausing even in the midst of what feels chaotic. Adding in some routine “quiet” or calm time can help bring everyone’s emotion and energy level down as the day begins. Choose an audiobook the whole family enjoys for the car ride to school. Late drop offs, forgotten lunches, missing school supplies - they are bound to happen. Instead of beating yourself up, consider all the other things you’ve handled successfully and remember none of this is the end of the world. Chances are, the folks you encounter throughout the day are experiencing their own challenges - we’re all just doing the best we can.
Simplify
Spending some time thoughtfully considering the clothing and accessories in your own (and your children’s) closets can save so much time and energy for our morning routines. Clear the excess, be honest about what items are no longer serving you well, streamline your closet and drawers for ease of access. Involve your kiddos in the purging process by empowering them to consider what they can donate to those in need (toys, books, school supplies, clothes, accessories, etc.). Check out these places: KCS Clothing Center, The Compassion Closet, Bridge Refugee Services, Helping Mamas Knoxville (primarily baby-toddler items), and KCS Teacher Supply Depot.
Designate Space
Choosing where daily used items “live” can reduce the headache of daily search and rescue missions for backpacks, lunch boxes, briefcases, keys, etc. Be sure to communicate to all the people in your house about the designated spots for important items. Do what works for you - If labels are your thing, do it. Print fun name tags or photos for little ones in training (visuals can help a ton!). If you have space, a “container” for backpacks, purses, etc. can be really useful. Create a “homework station” with all necessary supplies and place in an easily accessible spot. It doesn’t have to be fancy - function is the key!
We hope these tips help you get back in the groove with a few less bumps along the way!
Our team has spent countless hours in families homes over the years, and we are sure to be able to bring a fresh perspective to your unique needs if you’re struggling with where to start. Implementing systems of order and function are our expertise!
