You’ve Got Homework

School is back in session, and that means you (the parent) have homework.   There are lunches to pack, activities to schedule, emails to answer, and forms…so many forms to complete.   These added tasks can amplify your stress, especially if you are chasing after children to do their tasks too.   Here are a few tips for keeping up with your school year workload while keeping the stress at bay:

Do your homework when the kids do.    

Have the kids sort the pages that come out of their folders into two categories: My Homework and Mom/Dad’s Homework.    While the kids do their homework, go through the sign-and-return pile.   When they put their completed work back in their backpacks, you’ll be ready to put the signed forms in too.    You’ll also be leading by example, putting your work ethic on full display for them to emulate.

Worried about dinner or other time sensitive tasks?   Consider making them a team effort by having the kids pitch in or simplify your dinner strategy on nights when time is tight.

Limit your email time.

Reading messages when they arrive can interrupt the flow of other activities and leave you with too little down time.   Schedule  5-10 minutes per day to review and respond to school-related emails.   If it’s taking more than that, read teacher emails first and choose a day of the week to catch up on the school-wide messages.

Anxious about missing something?   Ask the kids if there are any field trips or events coming up.   They’ll tell you about the events that are most important to them, and you can ignore the rest.

Team Up

Distribute the school-related tasks between parents/caregivers whenever possible.    If one parent is doing the parent homework, have the other parent pack the lunches or check the kids’ homework.   This is especially important if you have a child who requires your full attention during homework time.    For single parents, consider teaming up with a friend or neighbor to host a homework club on alternating nights or cook a shared dinner.    If you can afford to hire someone to do the tasks you most dread doing, give yourself permission to do it.

Let it Go

Designate a time to stop working and stick to it.   Let the laundry go unfolded or leave the shoes scattered on the floor.   Retreat to someplace calm and spend the last 10 minutes of your day drinking a soothing cup of tea, stretching, reading, or otherwise unwinding.     You’ll sleep better and feel more grounded tomorrow.