July is still lingering, like a child who does not want to leave the beach after a long and sandy water-logged day.
August is dragging its heels – doing her part to extend summer as long as possible. Thankfully, our old friend Labor Day is but a distant concept.
And yet, we are already being quietly threatened by “Back to School” – that annual event that looms large and is trying to stage a sit-in, in the pits of our stomachs.
“Back to School” wants our attention.
It needs school supplies and clothes. It has forms for us to fill out and new teachers to meet. It is hoping we will attend the first day of school coffee and relying us to (*gasp*) volunteer for something!
“Back to School” knows how to push our buttons, dip into our wallets and help us to feel overwhelmed EVEN as we enjoy the lazy days of summer.
But this year will be different. “Back to School” is going to be easy and peaceful.
We will simply roll into the school year just as we have been rolling over to get a few more minutes of sleep during the summer months.
How is this going to happen, you might ask? It’s simply a decision we will make right now – you and me.
We are going to decide that the first day of school is simply another day. Yes, it involves waking up at a certain time, making lunches, helping our children with new experiences and homework. But what else do we pile on that we could alleviate?
When we make a soufflé (ok, I’ve never made a soufflé, but stick with me here) we have to fold in the egg whites (this is why I have never made a soufflé) one by one. We don’t try to throw everything in one bowl and expect it to turn out light and delicious.
We patiently do what we can, when we can and then we savor the result.
This year, I’m making a “Back to School” Souffle. Won’t you join me? Let’s take the time to ease into the school year so we can truly enjoy the end of summer and even steal a few extra days as the school year starts.
Coach Me Quick Tips for Riding the Lazy Days of Summer Into the School Year:
1. Don’t try to start any new “good habits” during the first week of school. This is not the time to go on a diet, get your kids to take vitamins, get up at 4am to start your exercise program or have the kids help more around the house.
2. The week before school starts, gently push the bedtimes earlier for you and your kids, so that when the last day of summer does come along, it’s easy to get to sleep on time.
3. Make your lunches the night before. I’m telling you – I’ve been doing this for years and the morning stress reduction that results from this is probably buying me another decade at the end of my life.
4. Resist the temptation to schedule all of those appointments you have been putting off (because the kids are home from school) during the first two weeks of school. If you’ve waited all summer to clean out your garage or hire a handyman, another couple of weeks is not going to change anything.
5. Take a few minutes in the next week or so to stop by Staples, Office Depot or Target and gather up any absolutely necessary school supplies. Avoid these places the week before school starts and only go back after your children have been to school and have brought home the list of things they need. There will always be more things to get at Staples!
6. Do ” Back to School” clothes shopping in October. It’s much more exciting to wait and by that time your children will have a much better sense of what they want.
7. Create one simple First Day of School Tradition. Maybe it’s taking a picture of the kids, or going for ice cream after school. Make it easy and enjoy it.
Enjoying the summer sizzle in L.A.,
Jamee
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