A shorter week always throws me off! But here we are ready to tackle a full week. We have first days of university, travelling out of town, last days of work, and meetings in the evenings. Here’s what we’re having. I’ve added a link to a blank version of this menu if you want to download it and fill inyour own meals 😊
Change
How do you handle change?
How does your child handle change?
With September’s arrival, you are undoubtedly on the verge of some kind of change in your life. Perhaps you have a child beginning a new school. Or maybe a young adult heading off to college for the first time. Maybe your 4 year old is starting dance class for the first time.
As I reflect back on the days of when my children were beginning new grades and schools there are a few things that helped me (and them!) through these transition times. Maybe they will help you too.
1. Have everything planned out the night before. Lay out outfits, shoes, lunches, books, school supplies etc. Doing this helps not only you, but also your children. They will feel secure in knowing that you have this all under control and there won’t be last minute rushing and added stress in the morning.
2. Set your alarm for half an hour before your children get up. Give yourself time to get dressed, enjoy your coffee, journal any feelings and emotions you may be experiencing and pray for your children.
3. Plan to leave 10 minutes early. School traffic and hard to find parking spots will undoubtably add to the stress and emotions of first day jitters.
4. As you drop them off at school, create a bridge for them. A bridge is something you tell your child (or anyone) when they are anxious about a new situation that will help them focus and look forward to the future. For example, telling your child you will pick them up from school and then go for a treat after will give them the security they need to make it through the day.
5. Stay strong. I’ve failed at this so many times, but eventually learned that if I can stay strong as I’m saying my goodbyes, that strength is passed along to my children. When they see me fall apart as they are entering a new situation, they feel it even more. So my advice would be, take a deep breath, create that bridge, tell them you love them and wave goodbye. Once you are safely out of sight, then you can open the floodgates!
Back to school