Odds are you have already witnessed plenty of the back-to-school shopping madness around town. Finding parking at the mall, grocery store, or just about anywhere that sells relevant school items is usually just the beginning of a hectic day. It may seem like it will never end, but lets not forget that it is a long year, and once the kids get back into their routine, things calm down…a bit. So, if you have managed to get the kids outfitted and set up with supplies, now it’s time to stay one step ahead of the chaos. Plan and organize ahead of each day and week with these great ideas to help you get going.

Feeding the Family

One of the most time consuming tasks that a parent faces is trying to cook three meals a day for the family—not to mention the dishes that follow! Planning ahead for meals allows you to manage your time better resulting in more “you” time, which can never be forgotten.

1. Make a List and Stick to It
   Eliminate the stress of cooking on a whim by selecting a dinner choice for each night of the week and then write down the ingredients and buy only what you need. Once you have everything, try to chop or prep as much ahead of time as you can.
2. Get Everyone Involved
   Don’t take on the burden of prepping lunches and dinners by yourself. Have the kids make their own lunches for school, as to learn some responsibility and independence. As they get older, don’t be afraid to show them how to safely cut vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare food for dinner meals. One day they will appreciate that they can make a casserole as they watch their roommate live off mac n’ cheese and fruit roll-ups. If everyone helps cook and clean up, the job gets done faster and there is more time for homework, games, or a nice bath.
3. Freezer Food for Thought
   It can be tempting to buy a stack of frozen pizzas to feed everyone for a few days, but we know that eating too much processed, pre-packaged food can lead to an unhealthy diet. Instead, occasionally make a dinner with ample leftovers in mind to package and freeze meals individually so that everyone has a quick and healthier dinner available on a busy night. A few good choices for freezing meals are: Lasagna, chili, soups, and stir-fries

Tools of the Trade

Whether it’s keeping track of class schedules, homework, chores, or sports practices, having a way to stay organized is essential. Remember, just because you are the adult doesn’t mean that keeping track of everything is your responsibility alone. Make sure the kids understand when school starts and ends, when practice starts, and when they have to help with household tasks. The better they know the schedule, the easier it will be for you to get things done when you need to. Some tools of the trade:

1. Dry-Erase Calendar
   These are great for creating large, easy to read daily or weekly calendars that can be added to or changed quickly. You can use different coloured markers for girls and boys, or label certain activities with certain colours.   The possibilities are endless and can be fun for everyone.
2. Technology
   Nowadays, our phones, computers, and other devices are well armed with countless ways to help keep us notified and organized. Take advantage of reminder options, notes, alarms, and other notification systems on your devise to help keep track of upcoming events or tasks. If your kids have access to devices in the house then you can familiarize them with these tools and help remind them when it’s time to do homework!
3. Stick-It to ‘Em
   If gadgets aren’t your thing, try sticking with an old classic way of reminding and organizing by using Sticky Notes. They can go on the fridge, calendar, laundry machine, the kids’ bedroom door, or anywhere they need to be seen. Simple and effective and they come in different colours, shapes, and sizes.

Hopefully by the time you have finished reading this you are motivated, prepared, and ready to tackle this school year one day, one field trip, and an infinite number of reminders at a time. The first week is always crazy, just Keep Calm and Parent On.