It’s the beginning of the school year, and your kids are involved in several activities. You’re running from one to the next, trying to make sure they have what they need and get where they’re supposed to be on time.
It can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it when you see them enjoying themselves and growing as people. Here are some tips for keeping up with all their activities while still maintaining some sanity!
Keep a Schedule in a Central Location
Trying to keep track of your kids’ schedules can feel like a full-time job. But getting everything on a schedule can help your family stay on track even as your kids are involved in a variety of activities.
To get started, sit down with your family and brainstorm a list of all the activities everyone is involved in. Once you have a complete list, start to fill in the days and times for each activity. You may also want to include travel time and any additional time needed for homework or practice. In addition, be sure to leave some wiggle room in the schedule for unexpected events or last-minute changes.
Once you have a complete schedule, post it somewhere where everyone can see it and refer to it throughout the week. With a little planning, you can help your family stay organized and on track.
Let Older Teens Drive Themselves
Another way to help ease the pressure on both parents and teens is to let older teenagers drive themselves to their activities. Not only does this free up the parents’ schedule, but it also gives teens a chance to practice responsibility.
Of course, there are risks involved, but these can be minimized by teaching teens defensive driving techniques and having them sign a contract agreeing to obey traffic laws and follow the family’s rules.
You’ll also want to ensure they have proper insurance. Keep in mind, car insurance for young drivers can be expensive. Comparison shop to find the best insurance rates for your new driver. Freeway Insurance is one company to check out since they have affordable rates, even for younger drivers.
Letting your teens drive themselves can be a great way to lower the stress on your family.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to say yes to everything. It’s perfectly acceptable to choose one or two activities per child that fit your family’s schedule and budget and stick with them until they end.
This way, you won’t have to worry about spreading yourself too thin, and your kids will be able to focus on developing their skills in one area. Additionally, this strategy can save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to pay for memberships or equipment for multiple activities.
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, take a deep breath and remind yourself that it’s OK to say no. Your family will be better off for it!
Enjoy Your Fall!
With a little bit of organization and forethought, you can enjoy your fall while keeping up with all of your kids’ activities. It’s definitely a challenge, but it’s doable!
We hope these tips have given you some helpful ideas on how to make the most of your time this season. Go out and have fun!
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