Whether you homeschool or send your children to school, for most parents of school-aged children, this time of year is a busy season. Calendars tend to fill quickly with recitals, concerts, ceremonies, project deadlines, and all manner of end-of-the-school-year happenings.
While daydreaming about the simpler summer season on the horizon, we may suddenly become panicked recalling the party snack we forgot to prepare or the coach’s gift we need to get. Energy is low, the to-do list is long, and we just want to retreat to our vision of a hammock under a palm tree.
The key to finishing strong, encouraging and supporting your children, and maintaining a happy household along the way is to recognize the nature of this season and take a few extra steps to see it through with excellence.
Breathe Deep
Don’t let the pressure of this time of year sneak up on you. The demands on your time, energy, and patience are about to increase. Take good care to ensure healthy foods are stocked in the kitchen, sleep schedules are regular, and screen time is minimized. Be generous with your hugs and coax everyone out into the sunshine as frequently as possible. Schedule a time of rest each day. You’re all in this together and it’s going to be great.Organize
Ensure your calendar is up to date with deadlines, appointments, and events. Then, reviewing your calendar, list any actions you’ll need to take in preparation for the events, along with reasonable deadlines for each.In addition to a to-do list, a habit tracker can be a helpful and motivating tool when the going gets tough. Staying on top of habits such as home cleaning tasks, exercise, email management, nutrition goals, and nighttime routines can do wonders when life throws a lot your way.
Finish Well
Lots of things wrap up this time of year. Whatever you’re managing, envision what it looks like to finish well and get that done. The urge to procrastinate may surface frequently in this season. Resist and focus on finishing. Perfection is an illusion, so do the very best you can with the resources you have. Teach and encourage your children to finish well.Push Yourself
It isn’t uncommon to lose momentum or feel fatigued at this point in the school year. The pencils are down to the stubs, the folders are ripped, and the lunchbox has seen better days.When you’re tempted to start mailing it in rather than maintain the personal standards you normally hold for yourself, push yourself just a little. Take the extra five minutes to prepare the healthier lunch, take time to write the heartfelt thank-you note to the coach, go for your afternoon walk even when you don’t feel like it—push just a little to do well what you should do.
