Get Ready For Back To School, The Anxiety-Free Way

How often do you find yourself running like crazy the last few weeks before school starts not knowing where to begin, anxiety is at an all-time-high and you think...how will we get all of this done?.  Bus schedules, lunches, supplies, sports schedules,  ahhhh!
There's a better way!
Here are tips and tricks to enjoy the last bit of summer, keeping the "summer-is-over" blues away and getting ready for school stress-free.
It's all in the pre-planning- get your planner ready and let's get to it

4 Weeks out-
Go through backpacks- pull them all out and dig in! Is there anything that needs to be addressed from last year? Math packets complete? Summer reading reports done? 
If not, here's the chance to break it up in bite-size sittings so the kiddo's don't get overwhelmed (or you:)) 

• Set 2-3 hours a day (depending on the workload) to get caught up
• Consider setting a reward to keep the littles engaged and focused, its still summer after all! maybe a bike ride after each work session, perhaps a popsicle would do, how about that board game they've been begging you to play?

Supplies-

• Grab your list rom the school BUT first, shop in your own home! Many of us have been working remotely, perhaps there are office supplies we bought in bulk? Big potential savings here!
• Get out and shop early, it gives you the crowd-free and full display advantage- make it a "date" with your kiddo, fun memories to be made!
•  Prep backpack now- go ahead and loaded up now, off your list it goes!

3 Weeks Out-
Kids Closet Clean Up

• Assess fall clothing- what will still fit this year if the growth spurt was minimal. Anything that needs to be donated/tossed? Add this run to your weekly errand list.
• Status of basics- need undies and socks? some big sales can be found on basics this time of year.
• Next summer plan- (yes! you can stay ahead of the game for next summer) create containers to place in or by the closet to toss in all summer clothing that should fit next year, think bathing suit cover ups, flowy dresses, bigger t-shirts) and one for donations/toss. At the end of summer, place items accordingly. Donations get dropped off, keeps are ready for next year. As you perform this task, you open up the much needed room for your fall shop.
• Shoes- Don't forget to try on boots and all winter shoes. Any to toss/donate? Shopping early for winter footwear pays off! I can not tell you how many times I was caught off guard by impending snow with zero snow boots to be found!

Once you complete this, you can create an accurate shopping list!

2 Weeks Out-
Pantry set up

• Lunch plan- Limit the choices, decide on a set of 2 (or 3) planned lunches and rotate for the week- for example: PBS&J with a banana and sliced red peppers on Mondays and Wednesdays and Fridays. Ham and cheese sammy with apples and carrot sticks on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Easy!
• Snacks- Place on lower shelves in the pantry for easy access- same with drinks/yogurts in fridge. Self service!
• Pre- cut veggies- make baggies of pre-cut veggies (think peppers, celery, carrots) for easy grab & pack
• Choose "portable" fruit- make easier and stock up on clementines, apples, ETC. 
• Dinners- Consider batching a few freezer meals for the first few weeks, we all know how crazy getting back into routines in can be, this way you can enjoy your kiddos telling you all about their day...while dinner is in the oven!
• Pack lunch the night before- trust me, this alone will make a HUGE difference in your mornings

 1 Week Out-
Take a pause and make memories...a summer of no regrets
Time to slow down, notice the good things you've enjoyed this summer. Realize the changes approaching quickly and chose to make the most of this coming week with some special quality time activities:

• A picnic outside (or if too hot, chose a spot inside the house to lay out a blanket) Kiddos can help plan and make the picnic meal
• Hike, bike, walk, just get outside for an outdoor adventure. 
• Sleepovers! I have the best memories from when I was little and my mom laid out blankets for us in the family room to have a "sleepover" and watch movies.
• Water games, it's almost over! get those water balloons out one more time!
• Strawberry shortcake for dinner! this one comes from my mother in law- my husband and his siblings got to pick a night in the summer when they would make and eat a strawberry shortcake for dinner, yum!

Go ahead and blow some bubbles with them, they say it goes fast...hope it isn't so