“We should have a countdown to bedtime!” Try saying that the night before school starts and watch for the faces you get from your kids. The day before school starts doesn’t quite have the same vibe as New Year’s Eve. It does signify a fresh start, though—new teachers, a clean slate, maybe even a new school—so why not set some resolutions or goals for the new school year?
If you appreciate a good resolution, don’t miss out on the chance to enter the new school year with some smart ones. They’ll help make the year smoother for you and the kids. Pick your three favorites from these 10 ideas, and have a great school year!
1. I will keep school supply refills on hand in a predetermined spot.
Dry erase markers come in five packs, but your kiddo only needs three? Grab a shoebox or bin to store the extras and other supplies. You’ll have fewer “Mom! I’m out of ___!” moments. A great goal for the new school year that will benefit your budget is to make the best use of your resources.
2. I will make the kids pack their own lunches (or part of them). 
I watched my son pour a cup of peanuts into a baggie, hold it up, and say, “This counts as protein!” Yes. I suppose it does. When your kids pack lunch, you’ll have to release control just a tad. Set parameters—a protein, something sweet, a dairy, and a fruit or veg. Then step back as they pack away. Use our Healthy Meal Planning printable as a helpful visual tool.
3. The kids will set their clothes out the night before.
Are the clothes sometimes in a pile on the floor? They sure are. But not having to dig through drawers or make decisions with sleep in your eyes is a better way for the kids (and you) to start the day.
4. I commit to fostering calm mornings.
You know that thing that sends you over the edge in the morning. Maybe it’s missing shoes, unfinished homework, or not getting your own hair done because someone else’s is “sticking up all weird.” Name it and troubleshoot with the kids. How can we make this better?
5. I will greet my kids after school with a pleasant attitude.
Whether your kids hop in your minivan right after the bell rings or you grab them from after-care at 6 p.m., let the first moment they see their mom be one of warmth and calmness. You never know what they faced in the hours away from you, but you’re the safe place they get to come home to.
6. I will let my child experience natural consequences.
School is a ripe environment for learning natural consequences. You just might have to sit on your hands or hide the car keys from yourself. If you see the bright red folder on the counter and you’ve already warned your daughter twice about not forgetting it, bite your tongue. School is about more than learning ABCs. Responsibility and accountability are valuable lessons, too.
7. I will push my child to advocate for herself.
You might need to help her rehearse the conversation, but allowing your child to handle issues with teachers, coaches, and friends without your intervention is worth it. When you get the scoop after school, resist correcting or coaching. Just say, “I’m proud of you for handling that on your own.”
8. We’ll make the most of our weekends.
Are you rushing around every weekend and exhausted by Sunday evening? Then make putting downtime on the calendar one of your goals for the new school year. Or do you veg so much that you’re forced to run on all cylinders on weekdays to get everything done? Then pick one thing to accomplish on Saturday. Whatever your goal is, make it a family affair.
9. I’ll recognize my whole child, not just his grades.
When grades get posted each week, it’s easy to scroll through and point out the good, the bad, and the confusing (I’m looking at you, new math!). This year, before you talk scores, ask your child a few character-based questions, like, “Who were you kind to this week?” “What struggles did you have to overcome?” and “In what area do you feel like you grew?”
10. We’ll be a “growth mindset” family.
Create a new vocabulary for your family. Swap “This is too hard!” for “With practice, this will get easier.” Instead of “I’m not good at this,” say, “What am I missing?” Replace, “I can’t” with “I can’t yet.”
Which goals for the new school year do you want to adopt as resolutions?
