Fall sneaks up on you and suddenly it's time to go back to school. This is one of the most difficult times of the year to balance everything—from career and family time to preparing for school and new activities. And, there are major holidays coming up!
Here are some of my tips for saving time (and your sanity) to achieve balance during such a busy season:
Back-to-school shopping. Let some of the tried-and-true clothing web sites help you. Online retailers such as Lands' End, L.L. Bean and The Children’s Place all boast excellent customer service through their web site and by phone. They're one-stop shops for clothes, gear, backpacks, coats, and shoes. Let the kids help select colors and styles. Then, wait for the big box of school “stuff” to arrive in the mail. For buying school supplies, make a scavenger hunt out of it! Make a list of items with the kids, divvy it up, and then go to the store together. It’s a challenge to find everything. You can also do a "speed-shop" challenge. Armed with your list, announce that everything must be in the shopping cart in 20 minutes or less (and a prize will follow—ice cream, praise, whatever works for your family). Be warned, this can be a little too much fun!
Giving Back. The end of summer is an excellent time to sort out old clothes and toys. Even if you already did a "spring cleaning", do it again. Donate old or unused items to local charitable organizations, like:
Salvation Army
Goodwill
Children's Orchard
And, if the spirit of giving really moves you, pro-actively donate newly-purchased cold-weather items to Coats for Kids.
Don't forget to check with your child's school, too—they might need something you have (and wouldn’t mind giving away), such as shoe boxes.
After-School Activities. Get a jump start on enrollment in music lessons, dance classes, and sports programs before school starts, whether private or town-sponsored. Most cities and towns have their own web sites, with links to recreation services. And, if you’re going to need a sitter or nanny, get on to Care.com right now. This is the perfect time of year to find a new part-time nanny, babysitter, or dog walker (while you're running the activities shuttle)!
Savoring Summer. Finally, make it a tradition to plan one last family outing, BBQ, or special dinner before school starts. Take a family snapshot and ask the kids what they wish for this year to be like. Chat about the upcoming holidays and how your family might like to celebrate them—the fun doesn't stop when summer is over.
I hope the suggestions above help you squeeze as much family time out of this busy season as possible. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!
Cheers,
Sheila
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