Keeping Home Sane While Adjusting: Back to School With The Palmetto Queen

Besides the hassle of getting out the door and staying organized, there are other adjustments that must be made with a change in routine such as starting a new school year. One of those is how to handle the house. Our homes continue to grow clutter, get dirty, and get all out of sorts when we are running. Unfortunately, they have no sympathy.

This is something in particular that I have noticed with trying to get into the habit of starting school. Because I am homeschooling, I'm trying to use "school time" to plan- so that I will be in the habit of using that time. I have noticed that I get behind on my chores and struggle to catch up.

Mine is a little young to help with regular chores, but I have found ways he can help keep the house sane. Since my husband injured his foot about a month and a half ago, Mac has started helping me help daddy. He will go ask daddy if he needs anything and carry things over to him. He also is really good about taking things to his room, even if he doesn't quite get the hang of putting things away yet. We're working on that though.

My advice on keeping home sane is to make a list of things that have to be done every day, every week, every month, seasonally, and just every once in a while. Then schedule those things along with everything else. You don't have to schedule a time, just a day. Actually put it in your planner. I hate it when I do not finish something in my planner, so that keeps me more accountable.

If you have older kids, consider chores and a simple chore chart. Like I said, we are working on teaching Mac to put his own toys away- he loves to "help clean," so maybe it won't be too hard.

You can also consider a program like the Fly Lady. I'll be trying her out soon!

5 Ways to Celebrate Back to School: Back to School With The Palmetto Queen

Even though my little guy is only 2 (3 next month!) we are starting homeschool in a couple of weeks. As I'm sharing these posts about how to make the school year start more smoothly, I wanted to share some ideas for making it a special transition as well. We have decided to start a few traditions that we will stick to for the rest of his school years. Although we are homeschooling, we do not want him to miss out on the special milestones that being in a formal school brings.

Here goes- 5 Ways to Celebrate Back to School:

1. Start with a breakfast tradition. This can be anything from icecream, a breakfast casserole, a waffle bar, or even breakfast at a special restaurant (be sure to take extra time for breakfast).

2. Don't forget that first day picture! There are tons of printables for free online. There are even Etsy shops that make custom signs. My favorite idea is decorating a large empty picture frame for use over and over. A simple chalkboard with the grade written on it works as well.

3. Take your child's measurements the first day every year. This is one I'm particularly excited about. You can do it old school and mark on a door, get a special sign just for measuring your child, or simply measure and record in a journal.

4. Trace your child's hand print and cut out. Do this every year for an awesome memory- what better way to think about your child growing up than in the form of hand prints.

5. Start a school scrapbook. Include a first day interview, photo, measurements, handprint, and any other items from the first day of school. You can even ask at the end of the day what they had for breakfast/ lunch/ snack and what their favorite part of the day is. You can also throw in things from throughout the year that are special. On graduation day, this will be a very special gift.

Here is some great clip art for creating your perfect back to school memories:

5 Tips for Getting Out of The Door On Time: Back to School With The Palmetto Queen

Today I have some tips for you on how to make mornings run more smoothly. These are actually things I use in my own family. I don't know what it is about getting a 2 year old out the door, but it can get quite stressful. I have had to find processes to make it run more smoothly. Today, I'm tacking on some PINSPIRATION as well- enjoy!

1. Prepare the night before- I know this isn't always possible, but when it is- it really does help. I also create a list of things that I need to grab in the morning. Some things I do the night before if I know I will venture out into the wild wild world include laying out clothes, checking the monster's backpack to make sure he has a snack and toys, pouring the monster's drink, getting my travel mug out, and making a list of things to do. I also go ahead and gather any returns, books, or anything else that is in my "out box."



2. Keep a list of things you need for a long day of errands (or specific trips like to the beach) For instance, if I have a long day out and my little guy is going to be in the car for a while, we have an activity bag that is used only then. I have that, snacks, drinks, naptime lovey, and book on my list for things I need on long errand days. My list of things for the beach just simplifies and I don't have to think about every little thing. I just grab that list and make sure I have everything.




3. Create a picture chart of all the things that need to be done before you leave so the kids can help out. My 2 year old isn't ready for this, but he soon will be and I am jumping on the band wagon.




4. Create a command central. This can be as simple or fancy as you like, but having everything that needs to go in one place helps. I also keep a reusable (foldable) shopping bag as my "out box" specifically for running errands- this stays out at command central, so I can pop things in as I realize they need to go out. This way after mail is dropped, returns are made, and books are returned, I can throw the bag in my purse and its out of the way- it also gives me a place to put anything I may pick up when out and about- that keeps it out of my purse..




5. Simplify mornings- have easy breakfasts for crazy mornings. We keep pop-tarts for these days and I even let him eat them in the car if it is going to be one of those breakfasts (he gets excited about eating in the car). I also keep a few ready to go juices in the fridge that I can just grab. My best tip to destress getting out the door is to once a week take inventory of what has to be done (so it doesn't sneak up on me) and clean out my purse, the monster's bookbag, our activity bag, errand bag, and even my laptop bag. I usually do this on Sunday nights because that's when I'm already in the organizing mode from planning our week.




Bonus tip: Slow down and take it easy. Its not the end of the world if you forget something. However, it may seem like the end of the world if you let stress set the mood for the day.

10 Tips For Preparing for a New School Year: Back to School With The Palmetto Queen

While I do not have a child in the public school system and he is only 2, I have some great tips for preparing for the return for school. I think these tips will help with returning to a formal school setting, home school, changing jobs, and even other major life changes.

1. Set Goals Together- sit down with each other and discuss everyone's goals and expectations. Set goals and stick to them. Also, be sure to let your children know your expectations for them this year.

2. Create a plan for success- whether this is finding a tutor, spending certain times studying, utilizing new/ proven tools for study, or just knowing that this year you will help your child find what works. Having a plan will help insure that your child has a successful year.

3. Get organized- this includes a calendar system, routine (bed time, rise time, dinner time, times set aside for school work, etc), supplies being organized, and coordinating with all family members.

4. Get into a routine before the school year actually begins. About a week before school starts, be sure to get into the habit of going to be/ getting up on time. Try to work in some "school" things too, such as using that homework time to get organized and read.

5. Create a family command center- this will help everyone stay organized and help keep schedules coordinated.

6. Make lists- this includes what to accomplish before the school year starts, what to remember the first day, any official tasks (school district paperwork, permission slips, requests from teachers), and even shopping lists. Lists always make life smoother.

7. Have a home plan in place- figure out what needs to be done to keep home in order and create a routine/ schedule for doing these things- your home will be happier.

8. Create a morning routine, as well as a night routine (later in the week)

9. Talk about it- remember that your child is just as anxious (if not more anxious) than you are. They have fears and expectations too. Remind them of the fun school brings, of how bright they are, and of all the other great things school involves. While you are talking, be sure to address fears and anxieties. They could be fearing something that you can wipe away with a few simple words.

10. Make it fun and celebrate the milestone of another school year. This doesn't have to be anything big like a party (like my mom always did), just something that is fun that your children will remember. It can be as simple as a first day photo, icecream for breakfast, or something like a party, or special dinner. (More ideas later)

Produce: Local Matters!

Disclaimer: I was not asked to write this post nor have I been compensated in anyway. I found this site and feel in love- so I want to share it. I'm so nice! (giggle)

I will admit that sometimes I am suckered into grocery store produce. There are a few reasons for this. Sometimes what I want is not grown locally. Sometimes I simply don't have the time to go to the market, and sometimes I'm just too lazy. 

However, if I plan things right, I can make it to the market (our good ones are only open certain days). I have always loved going to the fruit stands and markets. I love talking to the farmers and knowing what I am eating. I love knowing that I am feeding my family safe produce- because the growers feed the same to their families. 

Local Harvest is a one stop resource for all things farmers markets. Find them, find events, and learn about the importance of buying local! What an amazing site- I just love it! 

I'm Getting an Office!

As many of you know, I live in a small house. I do not have an office, so work is scattered. I use a mobile office, command center, and bookcase. I work at the kitchen table or wherever Mac has decided to play at that moment. It tends to get a little hectic without a central place to work. The hubby and I are doing some rearranging, so he promised me a desk (which really means office in my eyes!) I am so excited and although I will be working allover the house chasing the kid, I get a central place to keep everything.

What did I do when he told me the good news? I went to Pinterest of course and started pinning ideas. Here are some of my favorites! 

I will keep updating as I decide more of what I want and we make progress! I cannot wait to start this project!