Then I realized there’s still time left. Whether you’re like me and want to squeeze in a last-minute memory, or you’ve had an epic summer and want to close it out in a special way, these 10 end-of-summer activities will help your whole family savor the season’s final hurrahs.

1. Feast on quintessential summer foods.

End summer on a delicious note! Plan and prepare a meal that embodies the flavors of the season. Think seafood boil or burgers on the grill, juicy watermelon salad, and ice cream sundaes. Assign everyone to a course, and let them pick foods that scream “summer.”

2. Splash around.

It’s impossible not to smile when you’re playing at a water park (or when you’re watching kids at one!). Take the family to the nearest one and pack plenty of popsicles to keep everyone cool. No water park nearby? Crank up the sprinklers and let the kids leap in the grass. Think your kids are too big for this one? They might surprise you once the water is flowing.

3. Have a Yes Day (with boundaries).

Declare a Yes Day (or a No Rules Night) with a few ground rules—no expensive purchases and nothing dangerous, of course. Let your kids take the lead, choosing activities and meals for the day. This is a chance for them to feel empowered and create some unforgettable, last-minute summer fun.

4. Take in a sunset.

There’s something magical about watching the sun dip below the horizon. Grab a blanket and some snacks, and head to the nearest beach, park, or even your own back yard. Reflect on the summer’s highlights, share your favorite memories, and express your gratitude for your kids and the time you spent together.

5. Walk the runway in a first-day fashion show.

Pick out a tune with a beat and have your kids model the outfit they plan to wear on the first day of school. Are they still debating? Have them show off three different looks. Keep the fun going by modeling outfits they’d never wear to school. Do your kids wear uniforms? Make that look number one, and then challenge them to give it some flair! (This is a sneaky way to make sure everything fits.)

6. Make freeze-ahead lunches.

Some kids might run from this idea, but if you have a kid who loves to cook, this is a great way to bond in the kitchen and get some meal prep done. Brainstorm some lunches that can be frozen and enjoyed throughout the first few weeks of school. Bonus points for creative names like “Beach Bum Bento Box” or “Cool Calzones.”

7. Make a fall bucket list.

Some kids thrive on looking forward to what’s next. Get the family excited for the upcoming season by talking about your must-do activities: apple picking, pumpkin carving, nature walks to see the changing leaves, or cozy nights sipping hot chocolate by a bonfire. Need some ideas? Download our free Fall Family Bucket List printable.

8. Have a family sleepover.

Sure, your family sleeps in the same house every night, but have you had a sleepover? Pull out the sleeping bags or lay out blankets on the living room floor. Ditch the TV and electronics in favor of board games, storytelling, and late-night laughs.

9. Make a top 10 list.

Scroll back through your phone and look at photos from the past two months. What was everyone’s favorite memory? What do you want to be sure to do again next summer? Use a printing service to create a book that you can look back on for years to come.

10. Do nothing.

Sometimes, the best end-of-summer activities are no activities at all. Declare a “do-nothing day” so everyone can relax and recharge before the school year begins. Read books, nap in a hammock, or cuddle up for a movie marathon.

What are some end-of-summer activities that make you feel like the season is complete?

The post 10 Things to Do On the Last Days of Summer Break appeared first on iMOM.

Back-to-school shopping is a necessity, but it can be a real budget-buster. Last year, the National Retail Federation estimated families with children in elementary through high school would spend, on average, $890 per household. Oof. Want your total to come in waaaay lower than that? Here’s how to save on back-to-school shopping with 10 of my favorite ideas.

1. Shop at home first.

Check junk drawers and random boxes in your home office space. Chances are you have leftover supplies from last year or a used folder or notebook that has another year left in it.

2. Reuse last year’s backpack or lunchbox.

This might not be an opinion if your child’s backpack is threadbare and his lunchbox has a tinge of “What’s that smell?” But a washing machine cycle might bring new life into these pricey line items. Try stretching last year’s bags to January to lessen the blow of back-to-school spending. I mean, what kid doesn’t want to get a new backpack for Christmas?

3. Use DIY locker decorations.

If your child has locker privileges, don’t buy a pre-made locker kit. Hit the dollar store for colorful paper, magnets, and stickers. Let your child unleash her creativity and personalize her locker space for a fraction of the cost.

4. Shop secondhand for electronics.

If your child needs a calculator or other electronic device, consider buying a gently used one from online marketplaces. You can find solid deals on perfectly functional electronics. Just be sure to check the condition carefully before buying.

5. Agree with your child on one splurge item.

My son and I both held pencil cases in our hands. Mine was solid green canvas. His was covered in Pop-Its. I said, “That one is four dollars more. Do you really want it?” Surprise! He really wanted it. Shopping with kids who love school supplies can be a lot of fun, but agree before you go that they get one and only one “splurge” item. This can help teach a valuable lesson in self-control and prioritizing.

6. Team up to buy in bulk.

My mom texted from Costco, “Great price on a 150 pack of pencils!” While my kids do lose pencils as if there are holes in their backpacks, I don’t need quite that many. But you can reap the cost benefits of buying in bulk by shopping with other families. Ask the moms of your child’s classmates if anyone wants to go in on supplies. You can research price breaks through online retailers, purchase for the group, and divvy up the cost.

7. Take advantage of discounts through digital resources.

Follow your favorite brands and retailers on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to their email and text alerts. You’ll get word of flash sales, and most retailers offer a discount for joining their loyalty program.

And practice patience. Sign in when you add stuff to your shopping cart, then wait a couple of days before purchasing. Many retailers will automatically send you an extra discount to get you to purchase!

How to Save on Back-to-School Shopping for the Closet

8. Host a hand-me-down party.

Say your daughter’s unicorn backpack is in mint condition, but her love of unicorns has tarnished. You could donate it, or you could bring it and a stack of outgrown clothes to a hand-me-down party. Gather friends, neighbors, and school families with kids of a variety of ages. Everyone brings gently used clothes (or backpacks) and swaps for treasures. It’s recycling, reusing, and saving money, all wrapped up in a fun afternoon.

9. Try consignment before shopping for new clothes.

Consignment should be your next stop if you come up short at the hand-me-down party. Thanks to cost and sustainability concerns, the resale industry is growing, so your town probably has a store or two, or you can shop at an online resale store like thredUP.

10. Make a deal with your kids.

“Mom, what was the Stanley of your day?” my son asked. I responded bluntly, “There were cool shoes or scrunchies we all wanted, but we didn’t consume as much as everyone does now.” It’s true. Kids are always asking for the latest water bottle, jeans, or moisturizer. So, make a deal with them. Agree on the dollar amount you’ll put toward an item. Anything over that, they cover.

What’s your favorite school supply from when you were a kid?

The post Back to School on a Budget: 10 Ideas for Smart Shopping appeared first on iMOM.

The lunchbox note is a powerful thing. You have your kids’ undivided attention for the six seconds it takes them to read what you’ve written. So what’s a mom to say? I think there are 9 types of lunchbox notes that match different parenting styles. Which one sounds like the one you’d write?

1. The “Here’s My Chance to Remind You” Note

If you find yourself writing “Don’t forget to bring home your jacket!” on a lunchbox note, you’re the mom who faces the challenge of managing her little people head-on. You also know the occasional reminder works wonders. Never lose hope. Today might finally be the day he remembers his jacket, his lunchbox, and his notebook…

2. The Apology Note

“Can we put this morning’s fight behind us?” If you’ve ever included an apology or waved a white flag via a lunchbox note, give yourself a hug. You’re setting a great example for your kids that no grudge is worth holding when you love someone.

3. The “Make ‘Em Laugh” Note

“What’s brown and sticky?” The mom who slides jokes or riddles into her kids’ lunches knows that a good chuckle might be all they need to make it ’til the bell rings. Never give up on making your kids smile. Our kids need to see our silly sides. It’s a stick, by the way.

4. The Frazzled Note

“Ask your teacher for another copy of the permission slip! And tell her I’m sorry!” This mom might have to use a lunchbox note written on a napkin to get the job done, but she gets it done! This category also includes the mom who’s sent a grocery list with her kid and took the lunchbox note to the store.

5. The Plans Note

“4 p.m. practice, 6 p.m. dinner (burgers). Want to go for a walk at 7?” If you’ve ever put a schedule in a lunchbox note, you probably love a solid plan. Your parenting style is predictable and reliable, and that makes your kids feel safe.

6. The “Focus on Food” Note

“Eat your apple first!” The mom who uses a lunchbox note to talk to her kids about lunch is practical. She reminds her kids to focus on what’s in front of them and not worry about what’s to come. Carpe diem, kids! And carpe your apple because Mom’s tired of spending money on food that’s not getting eaten.

7. The Encouragement Note

“You’ve got this, kiddo! Show that math test who’s boss!” This is one of my favorite types of lunchbox notes. If you could include a little pom pom in your child’s lunchbox you probably would. Kids need to know someone believes in them, so keep cheering.

8. The Artsy Note

For an entire school year, I didn’t send a written note. Instead, I drew stick figure pictures on my kids’ brown snack bags. In hindsight, I think I may have been going through something… Anyway… The mom who chooses drawings over writing leaves her message open to interpretation. She has a go-with-the-flow type of parenting style. She lets her kids express their emotions, and she probably gives warm hugs.

9. The K.I.S.S. Note

If your typical note just says “i love u” or “muah!” you like to Keep It Simple, Sweetie. You have no agenda except love and affection. Or you’re just exhausted and have no words left. The good news is, a mom’s message of love is usually exactly what her kids need to hear.

Then there’s the non-existent note.

Many days, I think, “I should’ve written a note today. It would’ve taken 10 seconds.” Then I feel crummy. If this sounds familiar, and you beat yourself up for not being a “better mom,” stop right there.

You probably hugged your kids, fed them breakfast, checked to see that they were wearing mostly clean clothes, and made sure they got to school on time. You showed more love than you can fit on a piece of paper, so this self-criticism—cut it out. But also, literally cut it out. Our pre-written printable lunchbox notes are free. We have some for tweens and teens, boys, girls, holidays, end of the year, and even husbands!

What’s your typical lunchbox note message, and does it fit your parenting style?

The post Which Lunchbox Note Fits Your Parenting Style? appeared first on iMOM.

I thought I was doing the right thing by letting him sleep as long as possible, but he felt left out. Once I started waking him up early enough to join his sister in watching cartoons, his morning tantrums stopped. If you have a little one struggling to adjust to an older sibling’s schedule and back-to-school activities, making him feel included could be a simple fix. Here are 4 ways to include your non-school-age kids in back-to-school.

1. Update his routine.

When back-to-school activities ramp up, most non-school-age kids don’t understand why they can’t participate. If you want your little one to feel included, a change in routine is a simple fix. Nap schedules can be adapted so toddlers can greet their siblings at the afternoon bus stop. Snack time can be bumped back so everyone can eat an after-school snack together. A toddler may want to pack his lunch in the morning with his sibling and eat it out of a lunchbox. A new routine is tricky at first, but little tweaks can lead to a better schedule for the whole family.

2. Set up an at-home learning station.

When making space in your home for your school-aged kids to do homework, set up a learning station for your toddlers too. A small table and chair, a toddler desk, or a special rug can be ideal for coloring, drawing, or practicing writing letters and numbers. Ask your toddler, “What do you think your sister is doing at school right now?” and then do an at-home version of your own. The bonus benefit of this is that it can help build skills that will prepare your child for preschool.

3. Let him pick out a back-to-school supply.

My kids and I love shopping for school supplies. We enjoy perusing the aisles of glue sticks, gel pens, crayons, binders, and number 2 pencils. It’s fun to go down the teacher’s list of required supplies, checking off items as they land in our cart. My daughter enjoys choosing the perfect first-day-of-school outfit and new shoes. The most exciting part of the trip for my son is choosing the design for a new backpack and lunch box set!

Your toddler can get in on that excitement, too. Let him pick out some new crayons or a folder with a favorite cartoon character on it. A cute new t-shirt will help him match the big kids. You don’t have to spend a lot for your little one to feel like he’s part of the back-to-school buzz.

4. Take photos on the first day of school.

I love scrolling through social media photos on the first day of school. Some kids have huge smiles. Others have a look that says, “My mom is making me do this.” I especially love the milestone boards kids hold in the photos with their grade level, favorite school subject, and what they want to be when they grow up.

Why not take those pictures of your toddler, too? She’s not heading off to her first day of school, but a cute outfit, a smile, and her toddler thoughts on a milestone board are great ways to track their growth each fall and include her in the first day of school fun.

How does your toddler handle watching an older sibling go off to school? What back-to-school activities could you include her in?

The post 4 Ways to Include Toddlers in Back-to-School Fun appeared first on iMOM.

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?

The post 10 New (School) Year’s Resolutions appeared first on iMOM.

Though some kids with more serious anxiety may benefit from talking to a counselor, keeping the back-to-school nerves at bay for most kids is manageable. Here are 7 ways to ward off kids’ back-to-school anxiety.

1. Stay in the present.

For a child who has back-to-school anxiety, keeping his thoughts in the present will help. Avoid statements like “We need to start getting to bed earlier because school’s around the corner!” or “Let’s save that outfit for the first week of school.” I realized I made statements like these all the time, contributing to my son’s worries. So, I’m resolving to be more aware of my words to help my child enjoy his summer.

Keep your child’s back-to-school anxiety low by taking one day at a time. Notice the sights and sounds around you—like that woodpecker on the telephone pole or the neighbor’s lawnmower. And don’t remind them of what’s around the corner or the struggles that lie ahead.

2. Help your child curb negative thinking.

Does your child have self-doubt? Does she worry about who’ll be in her class or who she’ll sit with at lunch? Maybe she has back-to-school anxiety about her academic work?

When you catch your child saying negative things, step in to show her how to be more realistic. (“You struggled in math last year, but that doesn’t mean this year will be the same.”) And help her to replace negative statements like “I’m not going to have anyone to sit with in class” with positive ones to rewrite the narrative. (“I’m a friendly kid.”) With a little effort and a bit of hope, kids can push negative thinking aside.

3. Teach coping strategies.

As a teacher, I too got back-to-school anxiety at the end of every summer. What helps for kids and grownups alike is learning coping strategies. If I’m feeling stressed, I like to get outside. I try to encourage my kids to do the same. It’s a quick way to decrease stress and improve mood. Being active can also provide needed stress relief and improve mental health.

So have your child head outdoors. Shooting hoops, walking the dog, and riding a bike will all help to decrease stress and provide a needed distraction too.

4. Don’t go supply shopping too early.

Do you ever notice how some stores start their “Back-to-School” sales around the Fourth of July? Boxes of pencils get stacked next to beach towels and barbecue supplies. Because it always triggered my nerves as a kid to see such displays, I wait until the last minute to go school shopping.

To reduce unnecessary back-to-school anxiety, leave your kids at home or order what you need online. A friend of mine hits sales throughout the year and usually has a stack of classroom supplies along with new shorts and T-shirts at the ready each fall. What would work best for your child?

5. Put a fun activity on the calendar the weekend before school starts.

This year, our family’s going to head to the big amusement park a couple hours away. I know my daughter will look forward to that and maybe forget about the first day of school. What would your child look forward to? Maybe you’ll head to that beach you never go to but always say you will. Or maybe you’ll try canoeing for the first time. It could just be something your family enjoys but doesn’t do very often, like bowling, going to a roller rink, or visiting the zoo.

6. Keep the summer going as long as possible.

Repeat after me: “I will not hang a ‘Welcome Fall’ sign until September 21.” And “I will not buy a pumpkin until the calendar says October.” Enjoy the summer as long as you can to help your child forget about going back to school. Light some sparklers on a random weekday and fire up the grill even if the evenings have gotten nippy. I’m going to let my kids run barefoot in the yard and track grass into my kitchen. Yep. It’s a summer thing, and once they’re in school each day, they’ll have shoes on. So, I want them to relish the remaining days of summer.

7. Plan a celebration for the first week of school.

Our local ice cream shop is always packed Friday afternoon of the first week of school. It’s time to celebrate! Usually, by then, the nerves have disappeared and going to school has already become just a thing we do. Make the end of the first week special. Ice cream’s great, but maybe your kids want to go fishing or order pizza for dinner!

Do you get back-to-school anxiety as a mom even though you’re not going back to school? If so, why do you think that is?

The post 7 Ways to Ward Off Kids’ Back-to-School Nerves appeared first on iMOM.

Later, my mom reminded me kids don’t need to enter preschool knowing their numbers and letters. But there are things they should do before starting school that will help them adjust both socially and physically. You don’t need to cram, but definitely take some time for these 7 summer activities for toddlers to prepare them for preschool.

Summer Activities for Toddlers to Help With Emotional Readiness

1. Play quick-to-obey games.

If you’ve ever sat in on a preschool classroom, you know that obedience and following instructions are two of the biggies that teachers work on. Without order, some kids would be crying, others would be licking glue sticks, and that one kid would definitely be letting the class bunny out of its cage.

A child ready for preschool should be able to hear instruction and respond in a reasonable amount of time, so practice over the summer by saying things like, “Let’s see how quickly you can sit criss-crossed on the rug. Can you do it before I count to five?”

2. Let her use her backpack.

Buy a backpack before summer’s over and help your child build positive associations with it. Let her put books and a snack in it for trips to the park. When you get home, practice unpacking it and hanging it on its hook. You can even talk to it saying, “Thanks for helping us today, backpack! See ya tomorrow!”

3. Play pretend preschool.

I watched my son line up his stuffed animals and play school. It was adorable but also educational—for me. I heard him say, “You don’t have to worry about your mom being late, Mr. Bear. She won’t forget to pick you up.” Playing pretend school with your child or listening in while he plays with a sibling or stuffed toys is a fun way to teach what school is like and work out any jitters.

4. Practice goodbyes.

If you’re with your kiddo 24/7 and the first time you have to wave goodbye is on the day she starts preschool, expect tears from both of you. Ask a friend to watch your child for an hour while you run an errand. Treat it like it’s a school drop-off day. Walk your child into the house and give hugs and kisses, but don’t hang out and chat with your friend while the kids start playing. Your child needs to know you actually leave.

You could even come up with a secret handshake or a fun exchange that becomes a reminder that she’s let you go before, and you’ve always come back. “Later little gator!” “Later big gator!”

Summer Activities for Toddlers to Help With Physical Readiness

5. Play lunch leader.

“Please stop sending the yellow container. Graham cannot open it.” I got that note in my son’s folder one Friday and cringed. Oops. I should’ve had him practice flipping that little lid off. In the weeks leading up to preschool, have your child take the lead at home during lunchtime. Let him open Ziploc bags, poke a straw into a juice box, and pry open a bag of chips.

Expect him to struggle. Those straws are tricky! He doesn’t have to be perfect, but rehearsing these tasks will give him more confidence when he’s at school where the teacher can only help one or two kids at a time.

6. Connect the dots.

It’s a simple task that reaps huge benefits. Twinkl, a leader in educational resources, explains dot-to-dot activities help with concentration, pre-reading, and motor skills. It’s a three-in-one activity. As your child connects the dots and creates a complete picture, he’ll gain a sense of achievement. “You turned those dots into a penguin! Way to go!”

7. Make time for tongs!

Adults take for granted that they can pinch and grip, but it’s a skill our kids have to develop. There’s a lot of crayon and glue stick gripping in preschool, so practice with tongs over the summer. Put a pile of items in a basket, hand your child a pair of tongs, and say, “Pick up something green.” He’ll build dexterity and muscle control and learn his colors.

What other fun activities have you done to help your child get prepped for preschool?

The post 7 Summer Activities to Get Your Kiddo Preschool Ready appeared first on iMOM.

As a kid, I always put the moms who chaperoned field trips or were always at school on a pedestal. It felt like they were these superheroes who were always there to help. Now that I’m not that mom, it’s left me feeling like I’m letting my kids down. I know how important it is for me to know my kids’ friends and their teachers, so I’m always looking for other ways to get involved. If you can’t chaperone or be the homeroom mom, here are 7 other ways to be involved at your kids’ school.

1. Join a short-lived committee.

A yearlong commitment to the PTA comes with nine months of meetings, emails, and probably a few events. Look for quick commitments instead, like the book fair, field day, or Christmas pageant. You get to lend a hand, meet other parents, and be in your child’s world, but with less tax on your schedule.

2. Be the mom who helps others stay informed.

My friend Jennifer has three kids in school and is super involved. She always knows what’s going on. Jennifer is quick to pop on our kids’ unofficial class Facebook page and say, “Remember! Tomorrow is a half-day!” or “Fundraiser forms have to be turned in by Friday.” On more than one occasion, I’ve seen other moms comment, “I don’t know what I’d do without you!” Not all parent involvement in school has to physically be in school. If you are good about staying on top of the school calendar and announcements, share that information and support a mom who has a hard time keeping it all straight.

3. Be a silent partner with the homeroom mom.

At my kids’ school, these moms are called “Homeroom Angels.” It’s a title they truly deserve, especially in kindergarten through third grade. There are so many parties and special occasions. I swear they can make a Sign-Up Genius page in their sleep. If you can’t be that mom, email her and say, “I can help behind the scenes. Just tell me what you need.”

4. Get creative with your skills.

Are you good with numbers? Email the principal and offer to help with the budget. Have a green thumb? Get permission to organize a weekend meetup of students to plant a flower bed on campus. Using your gifts and interests to point you in the direction of volunteerism sets a great example for your kids to model.

5. Organize the class teacher appreciation gift.

This might be the homeroom mom’s job, but offer to take it off her plate. She’ll have enough to do that week.

6. Be a guest speaker.

Some workplaces will give you paid time off to go speak at your child’s school. One of my sons has a classmate whose mom is a biologist and another whose dad is an umpire for Major League Baseball. How cool is that? These parents have come to share their professions and gotten to connect with the teacher while getting a peek at all the students their kids talk about.

7. Organize a quarterly brunch for the moms.

One mom in my older son’s grade takes it upon herself to organize a moms’ get-together every few months. These are priceless, and it makes me think I need to be the one who puts this in place for my younger son’s class. Knowing the moms of other students gives me a sense of community and safety that I wouldn’t have if they were all strangers.

Want to get your husband involved at school?

What would it mean to your kids if once a month, their dad joined them in the morning before school to engage in a meaningful conversation and an activity centered around a character trait? That’s what happens at an All Pro Dad chapter meeting. They’re super simple to join or start. Find out more here.

What other ideas do you have for parent involvement in school when you have to work? 

The post 7 Ways to Be Involved at School Even When You Work appeared first on iMOM.

I can’t say our family is perfect in how we manage school, and I still wonder if my kids will try to pull one over on us as they get older. “No, Mom. Dad signed the progress report. I swear.” But one thing we have learned about combining co-parenting and school is that it takes initiative and creativity. The nice thing about school is it’s pretty predictable. Unless a kid finally finds a magic genie in a bottle, you can bet on there being teachers, tests, and homework. So go into this school year with a game plan and these 5 ways to co-parent well.

1. Have a “parenting folder.”

A few years ago, one of my sons had a teacher who gave him a week to do a homework packet. The teacher’s assistant would collect the folders each day and pull out any turned-in work. I always had to attach a note saying “Not turning in. Just taking to Dad’s,” so she wouldn’t pull his papers out and mark them as incomplete. Assign a folder as your “parenting folder” and use it to send important paperwork between houses. You can send a heads-up text saying “Birthday party invitation and progress report coming in folder,” so he knows to check it.

2. Communicate in every way possible.

My sons like when they’ve studied with Dad and I send him a text with a test score. I like that it reinforces the fact that we’re a single parenting unit despite being in two separate houses.

I don’t think it’s possible to overcommunicate about co-parenting and school. If your child comes to you about bullying or issues with friends, don’t assume she’s telling her dad. If you send an email to the teacher, copy him. Use that shiny new parenting folder to send notes back and forth.

3. Be there together.

My ex-husband is great about coming to parent-teacher conferences, so while many dads leave that job to moms, our sons’ teachers get to chat with both of us. If yours is willing to be there for orientations, meetings, and events, don’t keep him away. The year will go more smoothly if he knows what the school’s expectations and policies are.

You might not want to walk your kids to class with your ex-husband or sit in the row behind him at your daughter’s chorus performance, but unless things are contentious, doing things together shows your kids you love them and can set differences aside for their well-being.

4. Create a shared calendar.

Especially if you have kids at more than one school with different dismissal times and days off, having a shared calendar (There’s an app for that!) is a must. You can use the calendar to share information like a study and test schedule and plans to sign the kids out for dentist appointments.

We use it for holidays, half-days, and scout meetings. My sons are always with their dad on scout nights, but since I can see that a meeting is coming up, I can encourage them to get one extra sheet of homework done so they aren’t stuck doing it in a rush the night of a meeting. More info is better!

5. Be flexible.

Do you ever look at married parents and think they’ve got it so easy? All the school supplies, homework, and shoes are in one house. Meanwhile, you have to think three days ahead at all times. One of the best bits of advice for maintaining some level of sanity while you’re juggling co-parenting and school is to be flexible.

If a project is due and the poster board got left at the other house, it might be necessary to put dinner on the back burner (literally) and make the drive for a meetup. Even the most responsible child can’t be expected to keep track of everything between two houses. Your mission is to give your child a smooth school experience and your extra effort will pay dividends.

What are your best practices for co-parenting during the school year?

The post 5 Ways to Co-Parent Well This School Year appeared first on iMOM.

I get it. Parents are stressed after a long day. They’re tired and ready to get home, but it’s still disappointing to see some of the not-so-great interactions between kids and parents and some of the less than A+ behavior of the moms and dads. So, here are some after-school pickup tips to make the most of this time with your kids. And if your kids carpool, ride the bus, or walk home from school, these 5 tips still work.

Disconnect.

Many times I have to walk up to a car to get a parent’s attention so he or she will pull forward. The distraction culprit is usually a phone. It makes me sad to see a child get into his car when his parent is on a call, scrolling, or texting. Show your child he has your attention and you’re glad he’s coming home. After backpacks are down and belts are buckled, try these free printable after-school conversation starters instead of the typical, “How was your day?”

Dial it up.

This might be the most important of all the after-school pickup tips: Turn on the charm! Dial up an extra boost of sunshine when you see your child. Lots of kids go all day without anyone really looking at them and smiling at them. Share your most special smile of the day with your son or daughter. You can even come up with a unique greeting or saying to use.

Destress.

One day, a dad lowered the passenger side window and started yelling at his son to “put your violin in the car! Put your violin in the car!” I understand that parents are carrying a lot of stress, but kids are, too. Remember that this moment of reconnection sets the tone for the remainder of your day with your kids. Before your child gets in the car, observe your stress level and take a deep breath.

Decide to be a good example.

I once had a student who was confrontational. When I reached out to her mother to make sure all was well with the student, her mother defended her daughter in a defensive tone. And, sure enough, at pickup, this mom entered the line at the exit, blocked the flow of the line, and made other parents wait as she did a three-point turn to drive off. It made me think that my student had learned some of her discourteous behavior from her mom. Our children are always watching us. Doing the right thing, even when it’s inconvenient, will teach our kids to do the same.

Drive device free.

Kids are wiped out after school. They want to get in the car and chill with their devices. But, consider a device-free drive home. Yes, your kids might get bored, but that boredom could lead them to talk with you or to sit quietly and process their feelings. And moms aren’t Uber drivers, solely there to transport and be politely ignored. Believe me, car time is priceless. As I tell my students: Phones sap human connection, especially in the car.

How do you reconnect with your kids after school?

The post 5 Ways to Mentally Prepare For After-School Pickup appeared first on iMOM.