We could use a reset button. I know I can’t be the only one feeling like this right about now. Life is out of our control for the most part. We have choices, but none of them feel perfect. There is a lot of anger and fear. We don’t know what is coming in the next months and that is especially hard when you are a planner. I’ve been thinking of ways I could carve out a little bit of that control I’ve been craving.

Let’s use the start of the school year as a chance to hit pause and reset. I often use it as a chance to start new routines and change up our day to day lives. Both Jewish and Islamic New Years happen in the fall, adding to the perfect chance to wipe the slate clean and start anew. Out with the old and in with the new.

Pick a Word or Theme

I know having a focus word has helped me to center myself when I am feeling overwhelmed. Sit down with your kids and talk about what everyone hopes to get out of the year. What are your goals? Anything you need more of? Name the feelings you want to have during the year. If I was picking a word on my own for the coming school year, it would be “understanding.” I want to remind myself to try to gain understanding of others, myself, and situations that frustrate me.

Get Organized

After a summer stuck at home, my house is a mess. I like to start the school year with everything where I can easily find it. As the start of school, whatever that is going to look like for us, gets close, I like to spend a day or two giving our home a reset. Putting things where they should be, finding more functional homes for things. This process usually involves buying some new bins or calendars, or school and office supplies. Something about new things makes everything feel new!

Celebrate

Years ago, I heard the idea to have a Back to School Feast (from this blog) and loved it. I have never tried it with my family. We have done something special the day before school starts, usually an outing, like the zoo, or going out to dinner. This year feels like the right year to do a full out feast. My kids love a good party and they LOVE to dress up! Decorate, dress up and make something fancy!

Whatever you choose to do as we transition from a weird unsettled summer into the unknown of fall, I hope it brings you a breath of fresh air and a chance to exhale before we get into the weeds again. As we continue to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, we need to keep taking care of ourselves and not just the kids.

reset

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Kristal, Senior Writer
Kristal is a native of California, lived in Utah, and now lovingly calls Colorado Springs home. She grew up in a household with four younger siblings and graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz. She and her husband are raising their elementary school aged children in the Briargate area. With kids in school full time, Kristal is an active member of the PTA, and spends time working in local schools. She is passionate about connecting moms in our community. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks in the aisles of Target, dancing it out in Zumba classes, drinking copious amounts coffee, cooking dinner as a form of therapy, and last but certainly not least, spending time outdoors with her family.