Green Child Magazine Back-to-School 2012 | Page 29
that need to stay neat. If your kids have afterschool activities, now’s the time to change into
appropriate clothing and get gear into the car.
If you like your kids to do their homework
immediately after school, establish this routine from the first day and stick to it. Set up a
homework station at a desk, or keep supplies in
a portable container if the dining table is being
called into service.
The Evening Routine
Check your calendar so school events, appointments and meetings don’t sneak up on you.
Also check your weather app, so you know if
you’ll need cold weather gear, umbrellas or
extra sunscreen.
Set up a “launch pad” area for bags, keys and
other items you’ll need for the day. Pack backpacks, musical instruments and sports equipment the night before to ensure you have
everything. Check your child’s homework and
ensure his backpack is packed before he goes
to bed, so permission slips, lunch money, gym
clothes, and school projects aren’t forgotten.
Prepare lunches the night before, and pack any
snacks children need for school or after-school
activities. Line up lunchboxes and water bottles
in the fridge to grab and go in the morning.
Choose clothing the night before and make
sure to include underclothes, shoes and accessories. Hang the outfit on the closet door knob
so your child knows exactly what she is supposed to wear.
Make sure everyone gets enough sleep. A child
(and a parent) who is well rested will have a
much easier morning that one who repeatedly hits the snooze button. Also, waking kids
gently, with kind words, hugs and kisses, helps
ease children into the day more positively than
barking “get up!” I’m not a morning person,
and neither is my oldest son, Wyatt. Going in
to his room and cuddling with him for a few
minutes helps both of us wake up in a nicer
mood.
Sandy Kreps is a writer, graphic designer/art
director, and mom to two little boys. Through
her Modern Simplicity blog, she is committed to
teaching others about choosing a greener, simpler lifestyle.
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