We’re entering Back To School 2017 with a special, unique POV on how to get it done: mom and homeschooler of five, Meghan Joy Yancey! Read on to see how she navigates this busy season with humor, fun and style.
We are heading into our 5th year of homeschooling and we are nearing that beautiful back-to-school time again. My husband works in education as an assistant principal at a private school but we have chosen to homeschool our children during this season of life. We have five kids who are ages 8, 7, 5, 3 and 20 months. Our “Back to School” might look very different from the traditional type, but it works pretty well for us. I’m going to share a few tips and tricks with you for how we do “Back to School.”
#1 Because of our homeschooling schedule, I have the luxury of waiting for the back-to-school madness to pass before I hit the supply store. We schedule our homeschool year around my husbands’ school schedule, so we have the same days off that he does. And I make sure to have enough supplies on hand so I can start school with last year’s supplies and head to the store once the BTS rush is over. A laid-back trip through the aisles with our shopping cart while Mama sips on a chai tea! If you can hack it, wait a few weeks for a more stress-free shopping experience (you may even find some good deals).
#2 The kids are always seeing other kids get new clothes for school and they always desire some new digs as well. They don’t have any sort of dress code (obviously) and although some days are spent in their pajamas, we most often like to get ready for the day and also have our own adventures/field trips to explore. They each get to pick out their own awesome Skechers shoes to complete their wardrobes and roll into the new school year with style. They each have their own unique styles and rock them fiercely. I love to see how they mix and match their outfits to go with their shoes, and being able to let them explore their style is a joy on its own. This year, their top picks were Energy Lights and Energy Lights – Eliptic, Twinkle Toes: Shuffles – Twist N Turns, Skech-Lite – Lil Critter and Skech-Trax (we treated ourselves to Classic Cup – Buckner and Canal casuals as well)!
#3 We have created a special place in our home where our studies are done. (We call it our homeschool room, but find your own name that tickles your fancy and say it with pride!) Our room is peaceful, bright and organized. We have it strategically decorated with motivating décor and signs. There are windows lining one whole wall so they get to feel the sun shining in. They each have their own drawers to store their schoolwork and a place for studying. We keep it very tidy so they learn how to have a nice work space and focus on their tasks. Now, I have little ones running around all day as well and that can allow for some distractions. I keep a few toys on hand to keep them occupied during our school hours. Creating your child’s own quiet space can be so fun to design, and they really look forward to going to “their” spot.
#4 We really cherish our time together in the evenings. It is time we set apart to talk and grow together. Every single night, we purpose to sit down to a home-cooked meal and eat together. We each talk about our highs and lows of the day and it gives us great opportunity to stop all the hustle and bustle and hear about each other’s day. Rejoicing in the highs together and learning how to grow through the lows. We get updated on Daddy’s day at work while he was away, and also share our own experiences at home. Being able to rest at the end of the day and catch up as a family is so crucial. And each child feels like he or she is being heard. So, if they do have jitters or are apprehensive about something with summer ending and school starting back up again, there is always a chance to speak about it.
#5 Prepare for the next day. Before you go to bed that night, make preparations for the next day. For us, that might mean setting out lesson plans. For others, that might mean packing up lunches. Whatever it is, set yourself up for success in the morning. And if at all possible, rise before the rest of the house does. Give yourself some time to wake up, have some alone time and get charged up for the day ahead. It is a gift to be alive and healthy and strong, so live the day to the fullest. Maybe you need to go for a quick jog? Slap on your sneakers and get your heart pumping. Maybe you enjoy spending time getting ready in the morning. Put on the pretty fall dress and adorable wedges and take on the day! You’ve got this.
And there you have it. Back to School jitters don’t have to be overwhelming. Stop and smell the roses. Go for a walk in some kick-butt new sneaks and enjoy the beauty around you. Plan ahead, be prepared, stay chill and enjoy the journey, my friends.
Meghan and her husband, Seborn, live in Minneapolis, Minnesota with their 5 children. She homeschools while running a few businesses from home. Meghan runs her blog over at www.meghanjoyyancy.com and is currently writing her first book. She enjoys spontaneous adventures, creating art with her hands, and a random dance party almost every day. You can follow along for some daily encouragement on Instagram, @meghanjoytoday.
What’s your annual back-to-school plan (and which Skechers Kids styles are on your list)? Tell us in the comments!
Filed under: Kids, Life & Style
