We all love summer – the longer days, family time, boat rides, barbecues, and {ahem} sun tans! The only draw back about summer is that it always comes with an expiration date. Well, for our family that date was August 23rd.
That’s right, it’s come time to get back to school.
This transition is always a little bittersweet for us. In just one week we went from a relaxed beach vibe to full on panic mode. School shopping, meal planning, figuring out bus schedules, and that summer homework the kids had months to do?! It all had to get done. And, quick.
It was no easy feat, but we got there. The kids even looked pretty cute walking into school on day one. Don’t you think?

Now that the mad dash is over, the goal is to get everyone settled into a regular routine. This year we’re even going to try some new strategies to keep the whole family healthy, happy, and {ahem} sane. When it comes to tackling the 2017/2018 school year, here’s what we currently have in place …
Keep Everyone Accountable
While Kevin has always been an amazing Mr. Mom, and I’ve done my best to fill in the gaps, this year we’re all going to share the workload. Kids, included. We’ll keep everyone accountable by assigning specific chores, and giving regular allowances. It will be an adjustment, for all of us, but it’s time. Since this will be the first year that the girls don’t have to wear a uniform, I have already introduced them to the idea of a clothing budget. It’s funny; when mom was buying I never saw them eyeing the sales rack {wink}. We’ll get there!

Meal Delivery
I am a lot of things, but I am not one of those women who adores spending time in the kitchen. Rather than faking it until I make it, this year I’ve decided to rely on a meal delivery service to keep my family healthy {and full}. We started with Sun Basket and are going to give Hello Fresh a try next. If you have any recommendations, we’re all ears! The primary goal is that what someone asks me, “what’s for dinner?” I’ll be able to answer with 100% confidence.
Work Through Transitions
All of our kids have some transitions on the horizon. First of all they’ll all be at the same school, under one roof! On top of that, Taylor is entering eighth grade and will soon have to decide where she wants to go to high school. Avery is still very committed to volleyball but is having a tough time deciding which team she wants to be on. As for Andrew, as a fifth grader, he’s tasked with figuring out how to use a locker and also having to stay on top of his homework without as much guidance. For all of these transitions, big and small, Kevin and I are here every step of the way. For us, as parents, the most important thing will be perspective. After all, it’s been a few years since we were in middle school.

Make Time
As working parents, with three kids that want to participate in everything, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle. This year we’re really going to have to work to maintain a good balance and allocate time for each other. You know, that thing we seem to be so good at during the summer months! As the kids get older I know that their social agendas are going to become a larger priority, but I’m confident that we can still find a way to make family time fun. We’ve already been brainstorming exciting activities and mini getaways that we can do throughout the year.
To all of the parents and kids out there, I hope that your transition back to school has been a smooth one so far! Do you have any additional tips to achieve health, happiness, and sanity during the 2017/2018 school year? If so send them my way! On the bright side, I’m at least glad that I’m not the only one that has to go to bed early anymore. I was starting to feel like I was missing out.