September—the transition between summer and autumn. Though cooler temps seem to be evading us in Valley of the Sun, I’ve implemented what I’ve dubbed my “Phoenician Fall Trick.” I head to Starbucks and order a pumpkin-spiced hot chocolate, accompanied by a tall, ice water. I sip my hot drink, followed by a big gulp of my agua. If outside, I stand under a mister. If indoors, I stand under a vent. Or, if in my car, I crank my AC on full blast, pretending as if the cool crispness in the air is autumn in all her glory. These are my encouragement and transition tips for a smoother ride into autumn.
This is also the time of year when I encourage families to color code a master calendar, assigning each family member a particular color. Look at the school calendar and arrange the early releases, days off, and any practices, appointments, or after-school activities so that everyone is on the same page. Making carpooling schedules, creating weekly meal plans, involving kiddos in deciding what to pack in school lunches, and laying out school clothes for the week can help them create accountability and responsibility to ensure each morning runs more efficiently. Is there a “drop zone” for backpacks, keys, shoes, jackets, and mail? Having an organizer near the front door with hooks, shelves, bins, and individual slots can help keep a cohesive and functional look instead of free-for-all chaos trailing down the stairs.
Though necessary to keep things running productively, it is also imperative to implement time for fun and rest. Getting back into the regimen of routines can take its toll on kids, so make room for meltdowns, irritability, some frustration, and tears. Have grace for one another, nutritious snacks on the ready, a multitude of hugs, ample understanding, maybe some favorite calming music, and some unscheduled downtime for creativity and peace. In the meantime, we will try to help with a few transition tips.
Please take a deep breath, my friend. 👊 Solidarity with the back-to-school and work grind, mamas. 👊 We are in the trenches with you and got your back! Have a great school year; as always, we are here to offer encouragement along your journey.
