Are your kids back in school or preparing to go back? Whether you have kids going back to school this fall or not, this time of year can feel like an opportunity to reset. Danielle shares 9 tips to help you make the most of this season.
Snippet from the Show
The back to school season is a great time to pause and assess where we’re at and what we’re hoping for in the coming months.
Shownotes
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9 Back-to-School Tips
Change sleep routines gradually.
You might be getting up earlier and going to bed earlier. You can ease the transition by beginning the change gradually, not doing it cold turkey on the first day of school.
Establish a calendar system.
You need to find something that works for you and your family. Perhaps, you might like a digital calendar or an app. You may appreciate a gigantic calendar on your wall or refrigerator. You might like the Mother’s Planner from Ascension. Find what works for you and get organized!
Keep lunches simple.
Don’t kill yourself with fancy snacks unless you love that kind of thing. Focus on simplicity and nutrition.
Do your homework.
Moms have homework too! Find out about bus routines ahead of time. Make contact with your kids’ teachers and find out how they like to communicate.
Talk with your kids.
What are they worried about? What are they looking forward to? Find out how you can help prepare them and support them this school year.
Plan extra time to connect.
Whether it’s relaxed family time after school or on the weekend, make sure you have moments where you can have fun together during this stressful, busy time.
Think about meals.
Even if you don’t usually meal plan like a champ, consider doing it a bit more deliberately during this busy time of year while you are all adjusting to new schedules and routines. A plan for dinner can make all the difference!
Adjust chores.
As your family schedule changes, you may need to adjust who is doing what and at what times. No one is off the hook, though!
Don’t forget yourself.
As you make plans to support your kids this school year, make sure you plan downtime for you too. You need grace and space to adjust to new schedules and expectations.
Listener Question (31:52)
At the end of today’s show, Danielle shares a question from listener Denise who is wondering about supporting her daughter as she plans to get married.
Danielle’s new book, Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday, is available to order!
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Danielle Bean
Danielle Bean is the author of many books on Catholic marriage, motherhood, and women’s spirituality, and a well-known Catholic podcaster and media figure. In all of her efforts, Danielle encourages and celebrates all women on their unique vocational paths. She is the host of the Girlfriends podcast as well as the author of Momnipotent: The Not-So-Perfect Woman’s Guide to Catholic Motherhood, Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday, and You Are Enough.
Danielle is a dynamic retreat leader and an engaging speaker on a variety of subjects related to Catholic family life, education, marriage, and motherhood. She has been married to her husband, Dan, for 26 years and together they have 8 children.
