It's August! School starts in ten days. Did I say TEN days? I am hyperventilating, just a little. The annual summer vacation is long! Very, very long. So I really can't blame kids for finding it difficult to get back into the routine of school. Even I find it difficult getting back into the chaos, that is called school. As Benjamin Franklin said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." So this year, I've decided to prepare for battle. The only thing I can hope for is to come out of it with as little battle scars earned, for me, and as little tears shed, for my girls, as possible.
1. Weekly Clothing Schedule
Let's face it. This only gets more complicated as kids get older. I have always emphasized to my girls that school is not a fashion parade. It is a place for education, friendship and school fun. To make it easier for all of us, I came up with this weekly schedule.
Monday - Jeans/Skirt with a nice t-shirt or top (We want to start the week with a good feel!)
Tuesday - T-shirts with leggings or track pants (since this is P.E. day!)
Wednesday - T-shirts with leggings or track pants (since this is P.E. day!)
Thursday - Jeans/Skirt with a nice t-shirt or top
Friday - Dress Day (To celebrate the weekend ahead)
2. Weekly Home-Packed Lunches Schedule
Last year, I found myself frantically packing lunch every morning with the usual "sandwich AGAIN?" song. So this year, I am making it simple so that my girls will get a variety and know what to expect. I will send fruits and a snack like a muffin, a bar or crackers every day and I will be using the Bento Box idea.
Monday - Simple sandwich like Peanut Butter & Jelly, with a muffin (baked on Sunday)
Tuesday - Burrito
Wednesday - Leftovers from dinner, the night before (A warm lunch of pasta, fried rice, etc)
Thursday - The "fancy" sandwich (filled with meat and vegetables)
Friday - Home-made pizza slices
3. After School Activities
This year, both my girls will be in full day school for the first time. Yes! My baby is going to kindergarten. I have decided that I do not want to over schedule their time after school on a regular basis. I would prefer to get them involved in extra-curricular activities that do not require a regular commitment and do not burn a hole in my pocket. Macaroni Kid is a great resource for free and low-priced activities in hundreds of cities across the country. You just have to subscribe to your local edition which is free to do!
Bavani is the editor and publisher of Macaroni Kid Meridian. Follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.