All year we look forward to summer break where we can relax from the soccer mom role for a couple short months and spend quality time reconnecting with each other as a family. Our summer has been filled with our usual DIY projects, days at the pool and even a little camping break. Now that school break is just about half over, back to school prep is creeping it’s way back up my list of priorities.
 
I have never thought getting ready for the back to school routine was easy but having three school aged kids has taught me to be organized and start preparing early. School supplies and new school clothes can be expensive, especially when you have more than one child in school; the biggest way to alleviate strain on my wallet is to watch for sales and have my list ready to go when I see a decent savings. If I can get away with it, I prefer to shop for everything at once to avoid over buying or duplicates.
 
It’s not all about the long list of school supplies and new school clothes; a good portion of the prep is getting your kids back into their school day routines and bedtime rituals. When my kids were younger I could just tell them when the sun went down it was bedtime. That worked well in the winter but come summer, I had some explaining to do. Take it from me, be careful how you word things; it could come back to haunt you.
 
Some children are nervous about the new school year; the first year of school is a big change for both your little one and for you. I talked tough with the jumping up and down and party I threw each time one of my kids was starting big kid school. Cough. When it came down to it I was teary-eyed with a little ache in my heart each time I watched my kids disappear into the school for the first time. This year I had the proud mama moment of seeing my son graduate grade 8; it took everything I had not to bawl like a baby at his ceremony and completely embarrass the kid. He is eagerly awaiting the start of his high school experience this fall but my tune has changed; I’m not ready for my boy to grow up or experience the more adult-like things that come along with high school.
 
Preparing for back to school isn’t as easy as it sounds but with a little organization and budgeting you can manage to save yourself some time and money; those are the things you can control. Your feelings and your child’s nervousness take a little more care. Just as you prep your child mentally for the new school year and get them excited for the new experiences they will earn like badges, remember you are not alone; all moms go through the moments of not wanting to let go. It does get easier each year that passes but there are those moments that bring back the flood of feelings on occasion. Preparing yourself to expect this to affect you on an emotional level will help alleviate the intensity. By preparing yourself and your kids emotionally and mentally and organizing school supplies ahead of time, you will find a much smoother transition into the new school year and instead each milestone will be one to celebrate.