With the county fair now a memory, we’ve set our sights on the first day of school. Well, Mama has a countdown on the calendar; Tucker is in denial; and Cassidy, who starts 3-year-old preschool two days a week, is cautiously excited.
Last year was our first year of all-day, every day school, and it had a little bit of a learning curve. I’ve been making plans all summer to offset some of the craziness that comes from dueling school and farm schedules.
Be prepared
One of the things we accidentally implemented a couple of years ago that has been a huge timesaver is a “command center” by the front door. We have child-height hooks for coats and book bags, and I’ll be adding a rug for boots and shoes. We also have a three-drawer dresser next to the front door for hats and mittens in the winter, and things like sunscreen and bug spray in the summer. Anything that we need to leave the house with on a regular basis is stored there – including my purse and the baby’s carrier. This year I’m planning to add a place for school notes and reminders, so I’m not always searching through my desk for a single piece of paper.
A homework box
We have a paper box in our office where all completed homework and work sheets go each night when we clean out book bags. Two years ago, I sorted it all as it came home and ended up keeping way too much. (What can I say? I’m sentimental.) Last year when I sorted at the end of each quarter, I only kept the best of the best projects and work sheets and ended up with a lot less.
A routine
I’ve resolved to start a cleaning schedule and routine based on the “Fly Lady” website as soon as I have a few less “helpers.” We’re also going to post a few copies of a “daily schedule” around the farm so we can keep on track throughout the day.
Utilize the time you have
While I’m not a huge fan of freezer meals, I do freeze extra portions while I’m prepping meals and freeze extra chopped veggies, browned meat, etc. I also try to prep as much as I can in the afternoon before chores so there is less to do after chores while we are also trying to do baths and homework too. I’ve also found a few crockpot meals that I can throw in the crockpot before chores (crockpot lasagna is a favorite) and come into a finished meal. We do make breakfasts ahead of time to save time in the morning – pancakes from the weekend can be reheated in the toaster; homemade granola bars are a huge hit here; and homemade breakfast burritos are a favorite (we make a big batch for supper and freeze any leftovers)!
Plan ahead
Meal planning and laying out clothes on Sunday night can save valuable time during the week. Pinterest has a number of ideas for keeping the week’s outfits and meals organized.
There’s an app for that
Utilize technology! My husband and I have our Google calendars synched on our phones, and I found an app called “Family Organizer” that allows me to add to my grocery list and even email it if needed. I have one list for household needs and one for the cows! I also keep a list of cow due and dry dates on my phone so that it’s always accessible.
Get the kids involved
Even the littlest helpers can keep the household running smoothly. Our boys help with laundry (folding washcloths and matching socks), dusting, washing windows and cleaning up their toys. Tucker is also starting to do some basic cooking prep (closely supervised, of course).
A new school year is always exciting and anxiety inducing! Hopefully a few of these suggestions will help your family head into autumn feeling confident. PD
Heather Moore is a dairy farming mama herself, raising three little boys with her husband, Brandon. The Moore family has a 50-cow dairy and custom feeds 800 head of beef cattle near Maquoketa, Iowa. When she is not chasing around cows and kids, you'll find her volunteering, cooking and very occasionally, sleeping.
PHOTO: Heather Moore takes a break from morning milking to send her son Tucker off to school. Moore offers seven tips to make back-to-school an easy and enjoyable routine. Photo provided by Heather Moore.
