Errands | 31 Days of Back to School

Posted by Head Clutter Coach on August 3, 2011 · 2 Comments 

Dreading back to school for many parents comes in the form of running errands. If it’s not the school supply checklist then it’s the doctor appointments for check ups.

The list never ends.

Or does it?

How often, over the years, have you literally made a back to school errands list?

You know, the type that you’ll actually check off?

Cause, funny thing, they won’t let the kiddos back in the classroom without those updated medical records.

Starting with what you know has always been the mantra here at The Mental Clutter Coach, so …

Begin with the tasks you know need to happen before the first day of school:

• school supply shopping
• school clothes shopping
• doctor check ups / physicals
• dental exams
• final weeks of sleepovers / vacations

 

Now, match those errands up with the calendar. Take a good hard look at what else is happening for the next few weeks.

Try to schedule the sports physical the same day you’ll be shopping for that school supply checklist. Do one in the morning hours and the other in the afternoon / evening hours.

Or better yet? Order as many supplies online as you can to avoid the time drain of searching through bins in the local super center.

Ask your student when they would like to plan some of these responsibilities. Not only by asking their opinion are you letting them in on the process (and teaching by example) you’re also beginning to empower their self esteem.

Once they’re back in the classroom, it seems things just continue to go full steam ahead, right?

Practices, homework, dinner, bedtime.

Be sure to think about your back to school supply checklist here too.

Will you need a ‘mobile office‘ this year? Stocked with things like bill paying supplies, magazines or a book (the Kindle), extra charging cords for portable electronics, a few good dvds you can pop into the car’s entertainment system (yes, that was a commercial ~ where do you think they got the idea? Real parents.)

If you commute a lot, will you need a ‘mobile office’ for your student?

Things like pencils, notepaper, a book light & a clipboard can go a long way in relieving a heavy workload before you actually stumble through the door at night.

I’d love to hear your thoughts over on The Mental Clutter Coach Facebook Page or below in the comments:

Now it’s your turn … what errands will you be running during the 31 days of back to school?

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Filed under 31 Days of Back to School · Tagged with 31 days of organizing, clutter coach, errands