It is officially “La Rentréee” aka back to school. It’s the start of a new year – kind of. This one is more concrete in many ways. Everyone feels more with it when the weather is moderate instead of freezing. It’s easier to get on with it and get things done. The school break has been enjoyed but everyone is in need of some structure once again. Whether you have children or not these feelings are in our communal emotional bucket.
So let’s take this opportunity to re-group. Nothing extravagant and lofty – we all know that’s not sustainable. Maybe some good choices for our families that will serve everyone whether they even realize it or not.
Some examples:
Meals: do I hear you running in the other direction screaming at the thought of a meal plan? Fear not, I too cringe at inordinate amounts of prep. Instead, think of your family’s favourite, healthy enough meals. Shop for those ingredients so you have what you need to hand when life takes off and the blood sugar drops. Keep those on your regular shopping list. Home grocery delivery is another viable option to simplify your errands throughout the week.
Further thought: If your children are getting to the age where they can be guided in meal making let them prepare dinner for the family one night a month. It’s a life skill and it is more easily taught and learnt slowly but surely.
La boîte de demain/ the tomorrow box: Each member of the household can choose their outfit for the following day. In order for this to not be another dirge chore it is best done as soon as you get home from school or work – before dinner in any case. That way it’s a done deal and if you do need to do any laundry for the next day you have the time to do so. Have a designated area, space or box to put your complete affairs in so less thought is required during the frenzy of the morning rush.
Donation: Do yourself a favour and decide on a donation area in your home that is easily accessible for everyone. Although, consider putting it somewhere out of sight enough to not be part of the din of clutter. This way any clothes that are no longer useful – due to size, taste or comfort, are not clogging up the drawers or shelves. Nothing can discourage you from putting away your clothes more than an over- stuffed drawer that doesn’t close easily.
You may have other ideas that better fit your life and household which you should implement. The caveat is to take the time to mentally prepare yourself to follow through. This is usually – I speak from experience, only truly possible and long term if you don’t get carried away with yourself and instead make it manageable for you. Forget the beautiful people you see in your daily life that you imagine have it all together – they don’t!
So let’s take this opportunity to re-group. Nothing extravagant and lofty – we all know that’s not sustainable. Maybe some good choices for our families that will serve everyone whether they even realize it or not.
Some examples:
Meals: do I hear you running in the other direction screaming at the thought of a meal plan? Fear not, I too cringe at inordinate amounts of prep. Instead, think of your family’s favourite, healthy enough meals. Shop for those ingredients so you have what you need to hand when life takes off and the blood sugar drops. Keep those on your regular shopping list. Home grocery delivery is another viable option to simplify your errands throughout the week.
Further thought: If your children are getting to the age where they can be guided in meal making let them prepare dinner for the family one night a month. It’s a life skill and it is more easily taught and learnt slowly but surely.
La boîte de demain/ the tomorrow box: Each member of the household can choose their outfit for the following day. In order for this to not be another dirge chore it is best done as soon as you get home from school or work – before dinner in any case. That way it’s a done deal and if you do need to do any laundry for the next day you have the time to do so. Have a designated area, space or box to put your complete affairs in so less thought is required during the frenzy of the morning rush.
Donation: Do yourself a favour and decide on a donation area in your home that is easily accessible for everyone. Although, consider putting it somewhere out of sight enough to not be part of the din of clutter. This way any clothes that are no longer useful – due to size, taste or comfort, are not clogging up the drawers or shelves. Nothing can discourage you from putting away your clothes more than an over- stuffed drawer that doesn’t close easily.
You may have other ideas that better fit your life and household which you should implement. The caveat is to take the time to mentally prepare yourself to follow through. This is usually – I speak from experience, only truly possible and long term if you don’t get carried away with yourself and instead make it manageable for you. Forget the beautiful people you see in your daily life that you imagine have it all together – they don’t!
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