Back to School at Cindy's Porch

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school." - Albert Einstein

Back to School Challenge
Day 11: How's it going so far?

It has been a busy 11 days in our Back to school Challenge. Don't worry if you have missed a day or two. They are all posted on www.cindysporch.net. I will leave them on the home page for another couple of weeks, and then I will move them into the Table of Contents.

Today we are going to make a quick check of what has been accomplished, plus a few reminders of extra things that may need to be done before your kids start school. Are you ready?

1. Take a quick peek in the kid's rooms. Are their beds still made? The desk clutter free? Are their clothes still contained within the dresser drawers or the closet shelves? If yes, smile and pat yourself on the back. If no, don't make a big deal of it. If you can pull the room together in a couple of minutes, just do it. If it has been completed trashed again (been there, done that) call your kid and explain that you can't see the floor again. Ask them to take about 10 or 20 minutes to put away as much stuff as they can. Chances are, they will get it done in less than 10 minutes.
   
   
2. Did you figure out what new clothes your kids are going to need? I have another hint to share with you about buying kid clothes. I procrastinate as much as possible. I try to make the clothes they already own last as long as possible. That new shirt they just "had to have" this week, may not be the "in-thing" next week. They will have forgotten about it next month. They will also be a size larger next month.
   
   
3. Did you figure out what back to school supplies you are going to have to buy? Again, procrastinate as long as possible. The stuff always goes on sale.
   
   
4. Did you build a list with the kids to help them get ready for morning the night before? Have you and your kids been practicing the list?
   
   
5. Is there one spot in your home where your kids can find their coats, toques, mitts, backpacks, etc? Is the spot cleared out and ready for the new school year?
   
   
6. Schedule a shopping day and buy only the stuff that actually made it to the shopping list.
   
   
7. Do your children need any immunizations or checkups (including eye appointments) before school? You have to check with your local school board because it varies.
   
   
8. Do your kids need a haircut before school starts? Schedule the appointment.
   
   
9. Have you marked important dates on the calendar?
   
   
10. Do you need to register your kids for any fall activities? Find out when the registration dates are and mark them on the calendar. Here's a hint: don't overbook your children in activities. They spend too much time away from home, and you spend too much time driving around. Consider keeping those after school activities down to just a couple (maybe even one) and everyone will be happier and less stressed.
    
    
11. If your little ones are just starting kindergarten or grade 1, look for some back to school books at the library. These stories may help ease some of the nervousness your little ones (and you LOL) may be feeling. Ask the librarian to recommend some titles.
    
    
12. Begin planning a "back to school" party for the day before. Nothing fancy, just something that tells your kids that the first day of school is special (hmmmm save the happy puppy dance for AFTER the first day of school LOL). We have a special barbeque and I usually bake a cake. You have to know how rarely I bake a cake to understand how special a day I try to make this! Going back to school is a celebration. Your attitude will reflect this.
    
    

Take care of you!
Cindy

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