The first day of school – when you begin the countdown to the last day of school. Unknown

The new school year is always a new start.

It's been a while since I enjoyed back to school shopping. I loved the crisp, new notebooks, perfectly clean sneakers, and coordinated outfit for the first day of school

But more than anything each new school year is a fresh start for kids.

They need to hear that each year they begin as A+ students, and can stay that way or fall back. It’s up to them, and becomes a life lesson on consequences.

Parents on the other hand, are graded on how well we juggle; trying to balance school, sports, activities, and the lost art of the family dinner.

A few helpful tips:

• Keep a big family calendar where everyone can see it
• Use a different color marker for each person in the family to quickly see who needs to do what, when, and where
• Limit after school activities

Prepare:

• Make and freeze meals ahead of time. If you get push back on the menu, have everyone contribute meal suggestions
• A place for everything means things don’t get lost; search for back to school organizing hacks
• Getting ready the night before guarantees a smooth morning routine
  • Have kids layout clothes the night before, or the weekend before
  • Sign all papers, and put them back in backpacks Get lunch or lunch money ready

No matter how much they resist, take the 1^st day of school picture. YOU deserve it!

Tina Nocera, Founder

Parental Wisdom®