I was just talking to Melinda about how hard I am afraid it will be to adjust to somebody else’s schedule besides our own. Since our youngest was born, we’ve been quarantined for roughly two years; which means we didn’t have many activities outside doctor visits and family. Now, that my eldest will be starting Pre-K this fall we will have some adjusting to do.

Do you find yourself in a similar situation coming from a summer of relaxation, coming and going as you please to now having to buckle down? Making sure your kids have a bedtime, wake up at a certain time, make sure they are fed, have a packed lunch, make sure they have clean clothes, etc?  I LOVED Mollie’s recent post on back to school! Did you check out her freebie?! If you haven’t read her post yet, be sure to check it out. It has 5 great tips for getting ready for School.

Flexible Routines

Today, I want to talk about some things that help me remember what I am supposed to be doing, where and when I am supposed to do it. Along with, tips on how I try to be the most efficient with my time: making meals & visuals for children in the morning, a tip I got from www.simplefamilies.com.

Let me first say, I am not a routine gal. I prefer to change things up. I do not eat the same thing every morning nor do I have the same routine (except maybe coffee).  So, I hope these tips and tricks give the ones who are similar, helpful and efficient ideas.  Then, those who are good with strict routines, hopefully I don’t make you go crazy and start yelling at the computer to just stick to one routine. 

Looking Ahead

For planning meals and my grocery list for the week, I look at what I have already and what needs to be used up quickly. I then look at the list of our “Top 10 Favorite Meals” and fill in each day, trying to pay attention to what activities we have going on that week.

I keep track of activities on my phone calendar and a wall calendar in our kitchen. This has helped me keep track of where I need to be and when.  I set alarms for reminders of deadlines and for birthdays I make sure they repeat every year so I can remember to tell family members and friends, “Happy Birthday”. 

Meals

But I do have a few of my “simple staple” meals with a little bit of prep that help make meal time easier. I try to always have ingredients for these meals on hand. 

For breakfast we choose from a few of our favorites: banana, oatmeal, cereal, eggs, sandwich, casserole or granola bar.  

Lunch we usually throw a protein on the plate with some fruit and veggies or just have leftovers.

For dinners I cook a whole chicken in the beginning of the week and use the bones for bone broth.   Throughout the week you can make: quesadilla’s, taco’s, chicken pot pie, chicken noodle soup, chicken salad, shredded BBQ chicken sandwiches, or a simple throw veggies and rice in with the chicken.

I also cook up ground beef to make: taco’s, noodles and meat sauce, shepherd’s pie, or sloppy joe’s.  If I think even further ahead I can shape up some burgers, season and freeze them. 

Another little trick I will to be implementing this school year is a visual for things for my daughter to accomplish before we leave for school. I saw this on www.simplefamilies.com.  

Schedule 

(visual with pictures)

1. Wake up

2. Pray/Read Bible

3. Eat breakfast

4. Brush your teeth

5. Brush your hair

6. Get dressed

7. Pack your bag

8. Play until it’s time to go

Outfits

Recently, we also took pictures of her 15 item of clothes in different outfit options.

In the mornings, she’ll be able to look at the picture and make a decision.  I personally struggle with making decisions quickly so this will help her practice and achieve confidence in that skill.  All these clothes were second hand or on sale at a retail store and the best part is they can transition from end of summer to fall and winter. 

Freebies

We here at OneBlessedMomma will be praying for you and your babies as you enter into this new and upcoming season. We pray these posts provide inspiration and encouragement to strive to be more like Jesus in your motherhood journey.

Below are two free printables. One is a preschool lesson plan if you are wanting to plan activities for your preschooler or even adjust it to make a visual for your child in the activities they will be doing that day.

The next one is a weekly checklist to help you visualize what you will be accomplishing that week all in one place.

Have a blessed week!