{"id":16357,"date":"2024-04-01T23:31:51","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T21:31:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/zaparents-blog\/?p=16357"},"modified":"2024-04-02T07:07:09","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T05:07:09","slug":"back-to-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jozikids.co.za\/blog\/parenting\/moms-mothers-single-mothers-being-a-mom\/back-to-school\/","title":{"rendered":"The back to school balancing act"},"content":{"rendered":"

Back to school can be overwhelming if you have too much on your plate. And even more-so if you’re a single parent trying to keep on top of it all.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no universal formula for work-life balance, the relationship between your work and the other important things in your life, such as your family, social life, household chores, etc. It\u2019s different for everyone, because every family\u2019s situation is unique.<\/p>\n

What most parents of school-age children can agree on, however, is that once the school holidays end, there simply aren\u2019t enough hours in the day.<\/p>\n

10 Back to School Tips for Parents<\/h2>\n

Here are ten tips to help you find (some) balance if your life turns into a juggling act when the children head back to school.<\/p>\n

1. Stick to a routine<\/h4>\n

Children thrive when they know what to expect and getting them into a routine for waking up, doing homework, taking a bath and getting to bed can relieve much frustration.<\/p>\n

Of course, not all the pieces of your life will fall into a routine, but if you get some day-to-day aspects to run like clockwork (most days), it\u2019ll be easier to schedule other responsibilities around it. In fact most parents look forward to the back to school routine as everything falls in to place.<\/p>\n

2. Plan ahead<\/h4>\n

School projects. Extra-curriculars<\/a>. Dentist<\/a> appointments. Work deadlines. Seeing what\u2019s coming can help you make the most of your time \u2013 both at work and with your family. A colour-coded family calendar outlining everyone\u2019s schedule for the month can help eliminate a lot of stress.<\/p>\n

3. Establish anchor times<\/h4>\n

Family moments scheduled into the day, such as having dinner together, allows everyone to connect despite whatever else may be going on.<\/p>\n

4. Manage your meals<\/h4>\n

Creating a weekly meal plan will prevent you from picking up takeaways on the way home. When planning your weekly menu<\/a>, pick simple recipes the whole family enjoys and prepare double batches whenever possible, so you can cook once and eat twice. If your children are old enough, let them pack their own lunches.<\/p>\n

5. Bond over homework<\/h4>\n

When your children sit down to do their homework, join them. Homework can provide an unexpected and even meaningful setting for sharing, exploring and learning together \u2013 if you offer your undivided attention.<\/p>\n

6. Trade time with a friend<\/h4>\n

Many parents face similar scheduling challenges, so talk to friends or other parents at school and see if you can take turns driving children to shared afterschool activities and other appointments. A community of trusted friends can really help take some of the back to school pressure off.<\/p>\n

7. Pay for help<\/h4>\n

Help is everywhere, especially if you have disposable income to pay for it. Shuttle services<\/a> can take your children to and from school, sporting events and other activities, while hiring a tutor or au pair could solve any homework and extra-curricular issues.<\/p>\n

8. Commit to one thing, not everything<\/h4>\n

While parent involvement and participation are valued, especially during the primary school years, you don\u2019t have to volunteer for everything. And yes, you may buy bake sale items instead of spending hours in the kitchen \u2013 they taste just as good.<\/p>\n

9. Quit your job<\/h4>\n

It may sound drastic, but if you feel that your role as parent has been diminished and that you only see your children when they are tired, grumpy and hungry at the end of a long day, you could consider home education.<\/p>\n

The home environment is less pressured, you can follow your own programme rather than the prescribed school schedule, and you can restore some balance by spending the best hours of your day together. Home education providers<\/a> help make the switch seamless and offer all the support you may need.<\/p>\n

10. Give yourself a break<\/h4>\n

When you\u2019re in the middle of the madness of managing work, family, and everything in-between, it\u2019s easy to feel overwhelmed. But remember, no parent is perfect, so don\u2019t hold yourself to some unattainable standard. Instead, pat yourself on the back \u2013 you\u2019re doing great!<\/p>\n

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