Now that the kids are going back to school in-person, for some, for the first time in a long time, it’s natural that your schedules are going to be upset and perhaps chaotic. Here are some tips to bring some order to their, and your, schedules and reduce the stress on the whole family.
#1. Build Family Routines to Reduce Back to School Stress
Back to School can be chaotic and stressful for the whole family. Create routines to make spending time together or relaxing easy
Make time for Movement
Make time every week to move with your family. You can go on after school walks, do yoga after dinner or play a sport once a week. But either way, this will keep you and your kids moving and making memories.
Plan Fun Family Theme Meals to Look Forward To
Cooking together, or taking food adventures can be fun for families. Work new recipes or takeout ideas into your weekly menus! Feeling super adventurous? Plan a cook off!
Make Time for Playtime
School and work can be very stressful and at times, make us shut down emotionally. Make time to play with your kids so you can all relax and laugh together. Go out for a game of bowling or mini golf or plan a family game night!
Schedule Adventures for the Weekends
Fall on Long Island is so fun! You can go to the farms to pick some fruit or see animals, you can go for a nature walk or check out an outdoor market. If you’re pressed for ideas, head over to our website or check our events calendar
#2. Get the Family Involved in Meal Planning and Prep
Make your week easier by prepping ahead. Come up with a week’s meal schedule on Saturday or Sunday. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for the week ahead. When you have your meals for the week, make your shopping list and get all your ingrediencies over the weekend. This will avoid having to stop at the store during the week because you just realized you were out of something.
Tips to Consider When Planning Your Meals
Plan your meals according how much time you have each day. For example, on a day the kids must be at school early for special activities, that could be a cereal morning and a regular day could be pancakes. Pack the kids lunches the night before, pick easy to assemble items such as sandwiches, snack packs and whole pieces of fruit. Depending on the ages of your kids and if they get home before you, they can help with dinner prep. By keeping the dinners simpler such as a meatloaf with carrots and potatoes, the kids can wash and cut the vegetables before you come home
#3. Maintain a Family Schedule to Stay on Track
This is our last tip, but it may be the most important one. Before you head back to school, post a Family Schedule where everyone can see it. Grab some colored markers and colored pencils and get everyone’s schedule up on a board or calendar where the whole family can see it. Not only will this help you remember everything but it will help with scheduling fun as well. Maintaining a schedule is important for your whole family’s mental health. So make a day out of getting it up and filled out!
Using these Back to School Tips Can Help Keep Your Family on Track
Remember, whatever you do is what’s right for your family. Back to school is not a one size fits all scenario. Remember to make time for socializing, fun and family memories. And try to remember to breath. Enjoy the journey, and maybe even the quiet as the bus pulls away!
