New (school) year resolutions? A contest!
by Rachel Sarah
Filed under Contests, Kids
Number one? Setting up a study space for my child. Some of you know that I recently moved, so I’m organizing a kid’s study space with supplies on hand. (I have the kind of kid who works better in an open area like the kitchen, versus a secluded desk in her room.)
First, the winners of our Single Dad Reality Contest:
Little Left of Lost (coincidentally, Danielle-lee is starting her second year of grad school soon!)
… and Single Dad Life. Congrats!
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Now we’d love to hear what you vow to do different this school year. Think of it as New Year’s Resolutions… for back-to-school!
That’s why we’re giving away a couple of super backpacks from Kelty to inspire you!
The Grommet is a kid’s “go-anywhere pack” that can fit a standard notebook and has a front organizer pocket.
The Redwing is an adult pack that’s compact enough for a carry on, and roomy enough day hikes. It has an internal frame pack with strategically placed pockets.
We’ve come up with a few basics when it comes to preparing for back-to-school. Are these on your list of goals?
1. Write down events and plans in a calendar — either online or bound — to keep better track of things.
2. Organize school supplies – scissors, tape, rule, pencils — so that you’re not running to the store because you can’t find them.
3. Be more proactive to help your kids manage their time. Maybe your younger child needs an alarm clock, or a watch.
4. Start giving your kids an allowance to teach them how to manage money. Open a bank account in their name. (Thanks so Solo Mother for this idea!)
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Or, maybe you’re the one who’s going back to school?
We’d love to give that cool adult pack to a single parent who’s going back to college!
Do you have a study space for yourself?
Do you have childcare — and back-up childcare — set in place when you’re in class?
Have you prepped your kids about what it means when mom or dad is going back to school? (i.e., you need quiet time at night to study!)
In order to enter the contest, leave a comment:
We’d love to hear what’s on your To Do list for back-to-school. You can also tell us what you vow to do differently this school year.
This contest is open through Monday, August 24.
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Ooooh! This single mama would love a new backpack for herself for school!
Oh my to do list is miles long! But here is a start!
online enroll kid in school (must do this where I can print out the receipt because each child need a print out to attend and since I don’t have a printer, I have to find someone who does).
get signitures for childcare since I am currently on subsidized childcare, I have to get signatures from my school as well as my childs after school program to be reinstated.
make an appointment with the child care refferal agency to turn in paper work.
order books for school (hopefully my financial aid check will come soon!).
get school clothes for my child unless some nice person will do hand me downs, but I think my child is taller than my friend who has hooked me up in the past’s child. Oh well… can’t help, but hope.
Get new student id for the bus.
unpack boxes since I just moved last month.
get supplies and backpack for child.
get new shoes for child.
take child to the dentist/doctor
there is so much more, I just can go on forever!
Oh, got to Marine World (my parents gave us passes this year), Go to Tahoe, go to Fairyland and whatever my child heart desires before school starts! We have to get in our last Hooorahs!
Also to answer your other questions….
Do you have a study space for yourself?
It is impossible to study at home with my child around. I try to do all my studying at school at the lab where I can use their computers and printers. I am also a regular fixture at the library.
Do you have childcare — and back-up childcare — set in place when you’re in class?
I usually have childcare, but right now in the process of getting reinstated as I mentioned above. My parents are usually my back up. I also have a terrific neighbor who is also a single mama who has offered in the past.
Have you prepped your kids about what it means when mom or dad is going back to school? (i.e., you need quiet time at night to study!)
Yes, my child knows that the school year is difficult and that we take full advantage of our vacation time. I just explained to my child that school is starting for the both of us and that we will not have much time together. Just this morning we were counting how many months it is until winter break. We really treasure our time together and try to make the best of the time we do have together.
I love my child and being in school is really great for us since we are off at the same time. Though financially it is extremely burdonsome, we always find things to do that are next to nothing in expense. I honestly feel like I am the richest mama in the world since I can have quality streches of time with my child!
Twitter @ mskat
I have 1 teen son going back to high school this year, and it will be his 1st year in school without his big brother there alongside of him.
So my plans for this year are to, 1st, help him with his homework as much as possible, also help him manage his study time and prepare for test days by giving him his own study area, plenty of light, and any supplies he may need.
I also want to support him emotionally as best that I can.
The new high school has been finished, it’s massive, there are over 5,000 students attending this year, so it’s quite overwhelming, and he will need as much emotional support as possible to help him navigate these tough teen years in a new enclosed building, new teachers, and without big bro there to be his lean-on support guy.
I just really want to be there for him as much as I can. The last 3 years I haven’t been able to be there as much due to surgeries and recovery time, so this year I can be there, mentally, emotionally, physically, and I really believe that together he and I will get through this year intact and with him doing well in his studies.
This year, the boy will be in 2nd grade. Up ’til now, we haven’t had to deal with much homework, but I know it’s coming. This year, we are putting a set time for homework into our routine, and I, too, am setting up a new study space in the kitchen (we just moved, too!). So I’m looking for a small space/kid-type table/desk to finish the plan.
Getting him to actually sit down and do the homework will be the tough part…
I am going back to school. My son is 3 and I am terrified I am not going to have time to do it all. Best wishes to all those out there going back. i understand especially about being a single parent and trying to do it all for the sake of bettering you and your child’s future.
just past graduation and the new school year will start in 2 weeks. i have to clear out my daughter’s old clothes- summer growth spurt is responsible for skipping an entire size! i have to arrange play-dates for the break (just waiting to hear from the other parents who are all lucky enough to be going away for the summer holiday). i will also be collaborating with one of the teachers at the school- writing a play for the kids to perform! also keeping good on my promise to teach my daughter Spanish and German. This year i am going to schedule match my mama’s creative time with Xoxa physical time- help her learn to get out of her head and into her body more…ahh- mother of a 4 year old! This
Also just moved, and with a 2nd grade boy, like Anna. Our homework area is in the kitchen too; a big part of why I chose the house, so we can be together while I cook, he does homework, and we can chat about our day. Which leads me to my BIG to do for this school year. Despite the rushing from this to that, karate, chess, PTA, the gym, friends etc. I am going to stay in the moment, and enjoy it with him, not constantly be working on the to do list of what comes next.
Bought new school clothes and shoes for the twins yesterday. School starts Thursday and the district still hasn’t figured out which school they’ll go to because the one closest to their mom’s only had 1 opening in 2nd grade. I asked for the school closer to my place as 2nd choice but they’re saying they’ll send them to one 3 or 4 miles further away instead.
Whenever they figure it out I’ll meet the teacher, offer my help for the year, and then start working on the parenting schedule so holidays are covered. It’s a busy time. I really want to get a new computer for the kids this year. Hope I can write enough freelance to cover the cost.
My new year school resolution: First and foremost is to allow my son who is going into high school to take more responsibility and not having some much power over his work by worrying or doing the footwork for him, but allowing for natural consequences to happen and allow for that emotional maturity to kick in.
Secondly, to be patient, wait, stop, listen, really listen and then offer advice if needed and to engage in activities he enjoys to keep a healthy bond between us and lastly, let my final decisions be final and not waver or give in and don’t be a “helicopter mom”, which I can easily get into.
I know a long list but if I take it one day at a time, baby steps, I should do fine.
thanks….
Twitter @ http://www.ptlawmom.com
This year I definitely vow to do better. I plan to volunteer two mornings per month minimum and to put much more facetime in at the school to ensure that my son has an advocate and that I know what is happening. I am also looking forward to helping him with homework and have boyfriend lined up to help as well. I’ve set up a good desk space for that and we’re all very excited to kick off the school year.
Last year I had just gotten divorced, was working full-time and was attending law school at night. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed. Despite my best intentions, I didn’t join PTA and barely made it through my days let alone found time to help my son with kindergarten.
Argh! School supplies, new clothes, paperwork! The hardest thing for me at the start of the school year is figuring out how to divvy up the responsibilities (and expenses) between me and the ex.
My guys are in 2nd grade and kindergarten so this year will mean a few changes but we can’t wait.
Here’s a question for other parents out there – I recently started a conversation with other parents at our school about switching to school uniforms. What do you guys think? I want my kids to have freedom of expression, but wouldn’t it be nice just to buy 6 pairs of blue trousers and be done with it?
OaklandMama: Yes, the question of uniforms …it would be so easy to just pick up a “shopping list” of clothes and be done. And (I’m speaking from years of experience with both my kids) freedom from the daily hassle of what’s permissible to wear. It seems uniforms would be cheaper, too? Love to hear from other parents on this topic. Do school uniforms cut down on the hassle factor and save money?
Twitter @ YOC8040
My goal is to have everything ready the night before. I’m going back to school in the Spring, so I’m taking this fall to get us into a super-organized routine (I hope!).
On uniforms- I had uniforms in school. I missed them when I went to college- so much easier! My mom bought about 5 shirts and 3 skirts and two pairs of shoes, and we were set for school for the year.
Uniforms make everything so much easier for parents AND the school!
Twitter @ singledadlife
First, thanks again for the book. I am excited to receive it.
My list is shorter now that I have 2 in college and only one still at home. She is a senior in High School.
One thing on my list:
Make sure her alarm clock works!!
We have a million and one things to do before school starts but first we must have the money to do so. It is really tight lately.
My child too needs a study space (and her own desk to boot). My mother (a teacher) is hounding me about it… “why don’t you ask her grandpa to build her one”, “I saw desks on sale at….” Yes, I know she needs a desk and she will get one as soon as money allows. First this year she needs some new jeans, a pair of shoes, and a back pack (her old one is 3 years ol and ratty now). Not to mention the school supply list we will get at the begining of the year from each teacher.
I took this semester off but might run into the school and sign up for a class anyway (I can’t seem to take a break).