BACK TO SCHOOL IS HERE

Written by: Mandy Johnson

Back to school season is here.

A lot of us have already scooped up the many supplies, or researched and compared the many curriculums out there, taken the first day of school pictures, packed the lunches and have sat in a few drivelines

At least that is what my schedule has looked like.

My husband and I have two school age kids, one who attends school at home and another attends school out of our home We also have two tiny boys, one is ready for pre-k and the other is ready to take on the world and usually colors on the walls when my back is turned.

From teacher to stay at home mom and now juggling the role of both, I have stumbled through enough week of school routine to learn a few things to set myself up for success

Food.

Hit up Costco. Buy whatever is on sale. Plan your meals ahead, all of them From breakfast to dinner, I plan it all My kids go from living the snacklife all summer to back in the classroom Pack extra snacks for the kids walking down new hallways and load up the snacktray on your kitchen table

Yes, even for the little ones that aren’t starting school because even they will be getting used to this new routine.

Snacks on the way to school, even though they just had breakfast Those nervous tummies need the extra munch If you ’ re wondering how much to pack in their lunch, a lot Fill it full, as full as it can be Include two extra snacks They might not be able to eat it all during their lunch period but they might bring it out later if their teacher allows

They just went from cannonballs all day to sitting at a desk.

Space.

I look at my routine and schedule and ask a few questions to create space in my day Gone are the summer days of sleeping in, skipping breakfast just to dive into snacks three times before lunch and getting to my bible at lunch. To set the tone in my home, and have it be one of humility and encouragement, my alarm clock needs to be set and I need to beat my early riser to the kitchen

Opening my bible and making a cup of coffee before anyone else wakes allows me to have quiet time focusing on God’s word, prayer and gratitude.

I need to create space for that or it won’t happen.

If you have spent any time in a driveline (especially two different ones), you understand the importance of leaving on time I need to create space for naptime, getting out the door on time for pick ups and, of course, remembering the snacks I need to prepare for the after school rush You know, homeworkdinner-practice-bath-bed times four tiny humans. Can any activity or commitment be eliminated for the first couple of weeks of the new school year? Sometimes we skip practices Usually we modify the “Fun Family Friday” of going out to eat with friends to a simple movie night on the couch, that starts early because everyone is going to be tired and fall asleep early

Rest.

Speaking of being tired, everyone will be tired. My little humans won’t understand why their bigger humans are away or have new school routines at home.

A new school year might mean reviewing concepts from the previous school year but it is with a new teacher, new classmates and with a new routine. These little babes went from not remembering where they left their swimsuit and towel to being responsible for their backpacks, lunch and navigating campus to find their classroom Whether it's kindergarten or the first year of highschool, their brains are working overtime! Keep your after school questions tucked in your back pocket til the third week of school, hand them a snack and turn on some tunes It is safe for me to assume that there will be car naps, someone might fall asleep at the dinner table and at least one person is not going to want to get out of bed when the alarm goes off. Stock up on books from the library, pick a couple family movies, encourage early bedtimes and prepare for a couple of lazy weekends to let everyone find their groove

Pray.

Praying for my children through these new seasons offers me a peace that I can pass onto everyone else.

I pray for their protection, teachers, friendships, and learning as well as their heart and spirit.

There is no way for me to prepare for every scenario that might happen, even though the recovering perfectionist in me wants to! I am going to hit traffic, I am going to forget the snacks, I am going to hit snooze and regret it but, God.

He has his hand over it all. I’m thankful I can invite the Holy Spirit into my day because no matter what I do in an attempt to set us up for success, someone is going to hate their favorite breakfast, have clothes that are too scratchy, get a lunchtime that is forever away, and complain their teacher is the worst.