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We parents are collectively holding our breath as fall approaches. Will our kids be in school? Will we have another quarantine? Should we start homeschooling now before we are forced to anyways? Will I be able to keep my job? Will I be able to keep my sanity (the little bit that remains)?
Well. Who even knows anymore.
Here’s what I do know, I’m planning for multiple scenarios. We’ve all learned we can’t control what is happening right now, but here are a few things I am doing to help me prepare for whatever this next year brings. Some of these are things I already do every time the seasons change, like meal plan, but 2020 is extra. I hope you find some ideas and inspiration here to help you and your family to prepare for whatever the fall brings.
7 Ways I am Preparing for “back to school” during Pandemic:
1. I am talking to my kids.
Over the past five months, our kids have had to learn a new level of adaptability, and I know it is hard. We want to tell them everything will be fine and that they’ll have a normal school year again. But we just don’t know. We are honoring our kids and building their resilience when we start to have conversations about what things may or may not look like this year. We can begin to set realistic expectations for them and work together to create a plan. Can you give your kids something to look forward to if school does close down part way through the year? Personally, I think it would be a great time to get a puppy. Wink. If you’ve chosen to homeschool, what scenarios can you help your kids prepare for?
2. I am meal planning for the fall.
I meal plan every time the seasons change – just 4 times a year. It keeps life so much simpler, saves us so much money, and keeps us eating well. This fall, our meals will be chock full of super foods to keep us as healthy as possible. We know that healthy bodies fight illness better, and I’ll be doing all I can to build healthy meals into our family’s routines.
3. I am stocking up on some things but NOT hoarding.
I am planning to make sure my pantry and freezer are stocked with staples and that we have enough toilet paper and soap around to last awhile. That said, I refuse to give into a fearful mentality that has me stockpiling paper goods and canned tuna in every corner of the house. I’ll also take stock of other basics like printer ink and paper, lightbulbs, batteries, all those little things that we’re used to running out for as needed. I mean, thank goodness for Amazon Prime, but if I can plan ahead and not have that truck at my house every day next year, it’s all for the better.
Covid-19 aside, I always like to start the fall with a stocked medicine cabinet. With 5 kids, illnesses are common in our house and I don’t need the added stress of trying to find broth if someone gets the tummy flu and needs to be nursed back to health. This year, it is more important than ever to be prepared for illness. In addition to the basic medications – Ibprofen, Tylenol, cough syrup, cough drops, etc. I’ll make sure we have Sprite, saltine crackers, Gatorade or Pedialyte, chicken broth, egg noodles, and my absolute favorite Pedialyte popsicles on hand.
I’m also making sure we’ve got some convenience foods in the freezer in case this mama gets sick.
4. I am planning for my mental and physical health.
These two really go hand in hand for me. I love using this habit tracker to make sure I’m taking care of my basic needs every day – taking a walk, taking my vitamins, doing my postnatal ab exercises. What would you need to stay mentally and physically fit this fall, even if things fall apart again? Early morning quiet time, a daily call to a friend, going to bed early? Print this habit tracker, write the things down, and you’ll have a plan to help hold yourself together.
5. I am planning fun activities the kids can do at home without a lot of help.
I will look for a few new activity ideas and make sure I have the supplies on hand to whip out as necessary, without having to do the work of hunting down ideas and supplies when I need the kids busy 10 minutes ago. I am working on a list of things the kids can do without much prep, mess, or help.
6. I am creating a fabulous space to work from home.
What would it take for you to have a work space at home that you love? I am very fortunate in this area, because I actually have an entire room dedicated to my creative endeavors. Unfortunately, I’ve also let my kids use that space for THEIR extremely messy creative endeavors, and I’ve decided to prioritize consolidating their art supplies and toys into one main play room so I can claim that space all for myself. I am thinking ahead to “school from home” spaces for the kids as well.
7. Ultimately, I am taking deep breaths and praying hard.
Learning to rest and release in the midst of stress, when things are outside of my control, feels like the best gift I can give myself and those around me. I certainly don’t always do this well, and let’s remind one another that it’s okay not to be okay, but let’s also remind each other that we’ll get through this.
We’ll make it, together. xo//alicia