The Fall Sanity Calendar

Let’s face it, making the switch from Summer to Fall can be quite a jolt. Every year the calendar has the same months, the same change in seasons…and yet, we still seem to get overwhelmed year after year (after year). We get so used to the relaxed atmosphere and more casual agenda of summer, that gearing up for the routines of Fall can cause any good parent to wonder just how in the world they’ll pull off the week.
It all boils down to planning and organizing, along with knowing your limits and when you simply need to say no to Art lessons and Yes to the carpool family.
Here are a few tips to help keep you afloat:
• Calendars and Daytimers (even on your phone) are your best friend…..own one and USE it.
• As soon as an event/activity is scheduled WRITE IT DOWN.
• Make appointments while looking at the calendar.
• Meal plan….yes, meal plan…..it not only makes the decision of what to have for supper now a non-issue but literally saves on trips to the grocery store as well as saving you money when you know in advance what you will need.
• Be ready for the next day, the night before. No more searching in a frenzy for lost keys, fighting over wardrobe or signing permission slips in the car.
• Help your child make their own list of things they are accountable for such as backpack, agenda, lunch, shoes, glasses, etc.
• Learn to say no to some things, and yes to offers of help.
Being as prepared and organized as possible will keep at least some of the chaos of life in check. Find a system that works for your family and stick with it. And the most important part of that schedule should be some family time….Make a family date night for some popcorn and a movie or a good old fashioned board game. Your family, and your inner peace, will thank you for it.