My Back-to-School Experience
As the back-to-school season rolled in, I thought I was more prepared than ever. Two weeks ago, I hosted two webinars (one in English and one in Spanish) to share tips and recommendations on how to make this transition smoother, keep our new schedules balanced, and highlight the importance of a nutritious diet. I even included some easy and wholesome breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas. Now, here I am at the end of the second week of school—woo-hoo! But let me tell you, not everything went as planned. Oh wait a minute, isn’t this what we call life? :) I’d love to share with you how things actually went on my end.
The Wins
No tardies! – I’m not saying it was easy, but somehow, we managed to get everyone out the door and to school on time each day. Somehow my husband woke up early and he helped us keep the entire family on track.
Nailed the week’s lunches! – Every lunch was packed, healthy, and met our "nutritional above the bar" standards. Organic, balanced, and no last-minute lunchable runs. Yes, Patting myself on the back!
Bedtime was a breeze. – The kids actually went to bed on time, no major resistance. My "disciplined bedtime routine” act worked, or perhaps they were very tired from waking up so early in. comparison to the reguar “summer schedule”.
The Fails
Pick-up Times & School Comm Channels. - Pick-up times have been a bit of a chaos—trying to juggle two different school schedules at two different schools (because someone started middle school) while accidentally scheduling dentist appointments right in the middle of it all. I’ve been either way too early or fashionably late for pick-ups, all while trying to keep up with constant emails and updates from both schools. Honestly, half the challenge has been figuring out what info is actually important and where on Earth to find it!
Sick kid on week two. – We made it all the way to first week, and then boom—fever hits my middle schooler. She has to then miss the next school day and my planned work day went out of the window . My back-to-school victory lap was short-lived. My mantra all week: “It’s ok, Maylen. Just flow.”
Struggling with the new school and work schedules. – Two different school schedules, my part-time job, my coaching business, my yoga classes. My internal body clock still adjusting and still trying to figure out my regular workout schedule. My mantra all week (yes, again): “It’s ok, Maylen. Just flow.”
Moral of the Story
Nothing is perfect. We can plan, prep, and set routines, but life has a way of throwing curveballs. Sometimes, we just have to roll with it, laugh at the chaos, and let go when things don’t go exactly as we planned.
Now, for those who missed my webinar, here’s a quick summary of the key points:
Back-to-School Webinar Recap:
Preparation is Key: Make a list of essentials, attend orientations, and talk to your child about their concerns.
New Routines: Establish sleep and morning routines before the school year begins.
Mindful Scheduling: Balance schoolwork, activities, and downtime.
Screen Time: Set limits by age. For example, weekly 1 hour (or less) for preschoolers and up to 2 hours for school-aged kids with a focus on educational content.
Healthy Start to the Day: Incorporate morning mindfulness and nutritious breakfasts with whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats.
Healthy Eating: Aim for a rainbow of plant-based foods, free of toxins, with optimal nutritional balance.
Avoiding Burnout: Encourage mental well-being with mindfulness, creative play, and scheduled rest.
Remember, back-to-school is a season of adjustments for both parents and kids. Just know, it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly—sometimes, it's the unexpected moments that create the most memories, and the best opportunities for growth.
