As a parent, there’s nothing quite like the back-to-school season. It’s an exciting time and can feel like a new chapter in life, but it can also be intimidating for stay-at-home parents. For these dedicated moms and dads, shifting focus from the kids to ourselves can be daunting. Not to fear! With some simple and easy tips, it is possible to seize the day and make the most of the back-to-school season. In this article, we will give you some easy yet effective strategies for stay-at-home parents to make the most of the back-to-school season.
Set Achievable Short and Long-Term Goals
Back-to-school season is an excellent opportunity to consider your aspirations. It is an excellent time to reflect on your life and determine what you want to accomplish right away and in the long run. Setting achievable goals is an excellent approach to keeping motivated and focused on what is essential in life.
Spend some time to write out your ideas and consider what you want to accomplish. Make separate lists for short-term and long-term goals. Here is an example:
Short-Term Goals
- Empty, clean, and organize the shed
- Clean out bedroom closets
- Start a side hustle
- Finish reading that novel you like
- Start meal-planning
- Write a budget
- Knit a sweater
- Build a raised bed garden
Long-Term Goals
- Develop a new skill
- Learn a new language
- Get an online certification
- Write a novel
- Train for and complete a marathon race
- Loose or gain a set amount of weight
Develop A Plan Of Action
Once you have determined your short and long-term goals, it’s time to develop a plan of action. Create a calendar and break your goals down into smaller segments with timeframes. This will be critical in keeping you on track. Planning and setting realistic expectations can also ensure that you don’t get overwhelmed or lost in the chaos of everyday life.
Prioritize Daily Tasks
As a parent, it is vital to prioritize duties and concentrate on what is most important to you and your family. By creating a list of the tasks and prioritizing them, it will be much easier for you to stay organized and on top of things. Start by putting a paper (or marketboard) on your refrigerator so that you see it often. Write the most important daily tasks on it with a bold marker. This may include things like washing the dishes and making up the beds but be sure to include time for yourself as well. An hour of reading or a relaxing bath are examples of wellness priorities. And remember to align and prioritize your daily tasks with your short and long-term goals.
Make Time For Yourself
One of the most important tasks for the stay-at-home parent, once the back-to-school season starts, is to make time for yourself. Of course, your children are always your priority, but it’s also essential to carve out some time in the day for yourself. And now that they are at school for the day, you can! Whether that’s reading a book, exercising, taking a hot bath, or simply taking a break from your routine, taking time for yourself will help to recharge your energies and keep you from feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. It will also give you something to look forward to every day, helping your mood from the moment you wake up.
Eat Well
During the summer, parents focus on what the kids like to eat and what keeps them healthy, often neglecting their own tastes. Once the kids go back to school, you only have to feed yourself. Eating food that you enjoy and catering to your health is an awesome part of the back-to-school season. Seize the day by grilling that 8oz ribeye for one or creating a salad with the things that you love. Eating well is key to self-nurturing, so make it a priority.
Get Out of The House
Kids aren’t the only ones who need to get out and see the world. Stay-at-home parents need to get out of the house too. Staying at home all day can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can negatively impact mental health. Getting out of the house can help parents feel more connected to the world around them and provide opportunities for social interaction. It can give you exercise, sunlight, and fresh air which are vital for physical health. Even if it’s just a short walk around the neighborhood or sitting under a tree to read, just make sure to get out of the house often.
Let Go
Letting go is vital to the stay-at-home parent’s health and happiness. It’s understandable that, as a parent, you want to be there for your children every step of the way. However, sometimes you just have to take a step back and let them figure things out for themselves. Learning to let go is a vital part of the back-to-school season because it can help your child gain the confidence and independence they need to succeed. And it can give you the freedom to take care of yourself. When Mom and Dad are happy, everyone is happy.
Get a Side Hustle
Now that you have that extra time, why not turn it into a little extra cash? From selling printables on Etsy to furniture flipping, there are plenty of ways to get a side hustle and work from home while the kids are in school. For some great ideas, check out our article on the best side hustles.
One of the easiest ways to make some extra cash during your day is by taking online paid surveys for money. All you need is your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer. Just sign up for free and offer your genuine views and ideas on various companies, services, and products. You can get paid in cash or rewards such as Amazon and Walmart gift cards and the payout is typically very fast.
Branded Surveys is by far the best online paid survey website there is. They collaborate with some of the most prestigious and significant research businesses. Trustpilot has almost 76,000 favorable evaluations for Branded, with an aggregate rating of “excellent.” They pay out frequently and have a high survey availability rate. Taking online paid surveys for money for Branded is a great way to seize the day as a stay-at-home parent.
Conclusion
Back-to-school is an exciting time for both parents and children. It can be a time of great transition and change for stay-at-home parents. With these simple tips and tricks, it is possible to make the most of the back-to-school season and seize the day. So, take the time to set achievable goals, develop a plan of action, prioritize tasks, make some time for yourself, eat well, get out of the house, and let go. With these steps, you can make the most of the back-to-school season and enjoy the ride. And with side hustles like taking online paid surveys, you could make a little extra money too.
