5 Tips for getting back into routine this Fall

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Routine…most of us have a “love/hate” relationship when it comes to getting back into a routine, particularly after a long Summer break. Our carefree days of not having a schedule have come to an end and we ask ourselves: how do we mentally jump start our minds, bodies and children back into a routine again? With these 5 helpful tips, your routine should be back on track and flowing smoothly in no time.

1. Have your weekly meals planned with a fully stocked fridge.

Prepare a grocery list and go shopping for the week ahead. Having healthy lunches, dinners and snacks on hand will save you time (and money) in the long run. Being organized with your food will clear the unnecessary clutter in your mind that happens throughout the day and there will be no need to scurry to the market to pick up any missed food items. Your family will not only eat healthier but feel more energized and you will have a little more time to spend with your children or on yourself. Winning!

2. Now that you have food in your fridge, it is time to prepare your weekly meals.

Gather your family members and spend a few hours every week prepping food together. Involving your children in the meal preparation will certainly speed up the prep time and ensure everyone is excited and “on board” about the meals. This opens a discussion about healthy food choices and why we eat certain foods. It also teaches our children about pitching in and helping as part of a family unit. Teamwork is the key to everyone’s success.

3. Regular bedtimes are for children AND adults.

We all know how tired or sleepy we feel if we don’t get a good night’s rest. Start your day off feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your day by having a regular bedtime for the whole family. If you have a young child, this may start half hour before their regular bed time with a bath followed by story time and cuddles. If you have a teenager perhaps you have a regular “shut down time” for all electronics, including cell phones and laptops. After some resistance, your teenager should eventually comply with your guidelines ?.

4. Set regular wake up times.

If you have younger children, set an earlier wake up time for yourself to get ready before assisting your youngster with getting dressed and any other morning chores or checklists. Giving a few warnings as to how much time they have left will also help keep things on track. Lastly, since there is more traffic on the roads give yourself a little more time to get to school and work.

5. Enjoy a weekly outdoor activity with your family.

As we transition into Fall, we need to ensure that we spend time with each other, breathing in the crisp air and enjoying what nature brings. Let your family choose the activity on a fair rotating bases to ensure everyone is satisfied and happy. Some suggestions may be: a leisurely walk, a hike, a ride to the beach to explore the sea life, a bike ride, a fun game of soccer or road hockey, etc. The idea is to reconnect with your children after a long week of responsibilities and accomplishments.

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5 Tips for getting back into routine this Fall

Crisp Autumn days are just around the corner and the kids will be going back to school. Great news for some parents (and not so much for others), as this means going back to routines and schedules. To help ease you into the upcoming change we gathered some back to school “must haves” to get you and the kids ready for September!

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5 Tips for getting back into routine this Fall

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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.