Fall is a time for change. The leaves change color, the weather gets cooler, and kids head back to school. But for parents, fall can also be a time of chaos. With school, extracurricular activities, and family commitments, it can be hard to keep track of everything. If you’re looking for tips on how to juggle the busyness of fall as a parent, look no further. Family Futures is here to help!
Here are a few tips for juggling the busyness of fall as a parent:
- Create a family calendar. This will help you keep track of everyone’s appointments, activities, and due dates. There are many different ways to create a family calendar. You can use a traditional paper calendar, a digital calendar, or even a shared Google doc. Side note – If you’re looking for more fun activities to add to your fall calendar (that don’t overwhelm your schedule) check out this fun list of fall activities to do in the Grand Rapids area!
- Delegate tasks. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Ask your partner, older children, or other family members for help with things like laundry, dishes, and grocery shopping.
- Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan. Be prepared to make changes to your schedule as needed. For example, if your child’s soccer game gets cancelled, you can use that time to run errands or do some chores.
- Take breaks. It’s important to take some time for yourself, even when you’re busy. Go for a walk, read a book, or take a bath. Taking care of yourself will help you stay sane and refreshed. If you’re looking for tips on self-care as a parent, see our recent blog post about getting in that important you time!
- Don’t be afraid to say no. It’s okay to say no to commitments that you don’t have time for. Your family’s well-being is more important than anything else.
Following these tips can help you juggle the busyness of fall and stay sane in the process. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and take some time for yourself. You’re doing a great job!
Here are a few additional tips that may be helpful:
- Plan ahead. Take some time at the beginning of the school year to sit down and map out your family’s schedule. This will help you identify potential conflicts and make adjustments as needed.
- Get organized. Have a system for keeping track of paperwork, school supplies, and other important items. This will help you avoid stress and chaos.
- Communicate with your children. Let them know what’s expected of them and how they can help out around the house. This will help them feel involved and responsible.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s okay if things don’t always go perfectly. Focus on the big picture and don’t let the little things get you down.
Juggling the busyness of fall can be challenging, but it’s definitely doable. By following these tips, you can make the most of this special time of year! If you want additional tips on how to juggle the busyness of fall as a parent, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our Family Support Navigators by contacting us on our website.
