It is day 2 of this school year and I am pretty sure it is going to take a few more weeks before the kids and I hit our before school routine strides! The biggest challenge seems to be getting the timing right for staggering showers. Beyond that, it is deciding how much the kids are responsible for and what I will do for them.
So, tell me, who does what in your household – you or the kids? (My answers in parentheses after each question)

Setting alarm and getting out of bed? (So far I seem to be the one waking …read more

It is finally here!!!

The first day of school has arrived and my kids were actually very happy to go – but not as happy as I was to see them leave!  We had a great summer, but it really was time for every one to return to their regularly scheduled programs!
Oh, happy day!

School starts in less than two weeks and not a day too soon! Don’t get me wrong, I have loved all the time I have spent with the kids this summer – cheering them on at swim meets, shuttling them to their respective sports practices (ice hockey, gymnastics and swimming), hosting sleepovers, going to the pool, doing Camp Weary Parent activities and taking a few road trips, too, but all good things must come to an end.
These past few days my daughters (almost 10 and 6.5) have really shown me they are ready to be back in school and NEED …read more

Oh that fateful day is getting closer! You know, the first day of school. Parents can’t wait for it to arrive and kids either love it or hate it.  At any rate, I have found some of the best back to school advice around – whether your child is entering Middle School, High School or College!
Middle School

How to Support Your Child’s Middle School Success
Choosing Extracurricular Activities in Middle School
How Do I Communicate With My Middle School Teen

High School

Time Management Tips for High School Students

Ten Tips to Help Prepare Students for High School
Top Nine High School Tips

College

Tips to Begin Your Semester …read more

Where do your kids do their homework? While my kids have a full-up kids office, complete with computers, kid-sized office chairs and supplies, I prefer they do the bulk of it at the kitchen table.  They are more focused there.
So what do you really need to create a home study area at your house?
Start with a well-lit, solid surface with plenty of elbow room. In my house it is the kitchen table, but a desk would work well too. Just make sure there is enough room to spread out and write. Another reason I like the kitchen table for us …read more

Even though the first day of school is still 4 weeks away, I have started to make my checklist of things we need to do to get ready for back-to-school. With three kids going to two different schools, it does take some planning and organization or else I will be a nut that last week of summer.

Check ups and doctor’s notes. My son has his annual physical tomorrow and he will get all of his required shots for entrance into middle school. While I am there I need to get a copy of both of the girls’ shot records, too. …read more

“Our daughters start stressing about going back to school weeks before they even get their school supply lists. What to wear on the first day is small compared to the other things that are spinning around in their heads. Will I get lost in my new school? Will I forget my locker combination? Worse, will I forget where my locker is? What if I get on the wrong bus? Will I make good grades? Can I stop Mom from taking my “back to school” picture in front of my friends? And the one that really keeps them up at night: …read more

You’re sitting in class and your stomach is starting to rumble. Finally, the bell rings and it’s time for lunch – woo-hoo! After all that time in class, you deserve a chance to head to the cafeteria and sit down, relax, and enjoy the company of your friends over a lunchtime meal. But wait a minute – what exactly are you eating?
That all depends on what you are packing. I found that from experience, that packing lunches the night before made it a lot easier to get creative than trying to rush around in the morning. No, I never was …read more

The kids might be stressed about going back to school, but we get stressed, because they are stressed. So, today’s suggestion is to place your towels on a warming rack and let them get toasty warm while you are relaxing in a tub later tonight.

And just to keep your mind off the stressful things that might be happening in your home, I found the most interesting book… origami for towels. Your kids might like this too! And no, I have never folded a towel into anything interesting. It neve occurred to me to try… until now!

“Brighten up that bus-stop attire with this fun and fluffy homemade scarf.”
And this will also give your daughter something to keep her occupied. Stress levels can be high at this time of year!
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