How Parents Can Handle “Back to School” Without Feeling Lost

It’s that time again … adjusting to a new school year routine.

Some children are skipping off to preschool while others are off to their first day of junior or high school. It’s not easy for a parent to let go of their baby, regardless of the age of the child. Strive to thrive as your kids make the transition. Here are a few healthy back to school steps for parents to follow:

Keep Your Mind Busy

Focus on work and building your existing (or new) career. Network, take a class or vow to master a few new skills that will benefit you professionally. Join a club or organization that teaches you how to survive in the age of technology. Learn how to program your television remote!

Volunteer at the School

There is no shortage of opportunities when it comes to volunteering. Sign up to help in the library, the attendance office or to be a room parent. Get active as a soccer coach or boy scout leader. Your options are limitless.

Find a Diversion

Learn a new language, take an art or self-defense class, read to the elderly, deliver meals to the housebound or find something to pique your interest. Use the time to gain new experiences while exercising your mind and doing something good for others.

Shed a Healthy Tear

But do it privately. Avoid sending your child off to school feeling guilty they left you behind. This is their opportunity to make friends and learn new skills they will use for the rest of their lives. You’ve done a great job preparing them for this day—now let them enjoy their school experience.

Plan Weekly Menu Options

Prepare healthy meals and start a family initiative based on better food choices. Now is the time to jump into action. Adjust your favorite recipes, incorporating a few healthier ingredients. Clean off the fire pit and dust off the crock pot in anticipation of the cool weather ahead. Go through your old cookbooks and new food apps and find some new meals to add to your regular routine.

Take on a New Project

The attic has needed a purge for years and you finally have the time. Pick a monthly project and don’t pressure yourself to finish within a certain time frame. Dedicate a few minutes each day to address the project while your kids are doing homework or other school related activities. Make piles to donate, use or dump. Do you really need the broken picture frame with a photo of someone you don’t recognize? Chances are, it was left behind by the previous owner of your home!

Make New Friends

Host a brunch at your home to welcome new parents and get together with others you haven’t seen over the summer. You will be spending a great deal of time together at sports games and fundraisers and it always helps to build relationships with those you will see for several years to come.

Store Summer Clothes Away

This is a good time to go through your kid’s closet. Check sizes of sweaters, coats and warmer weight clothing, making sure everything still fits. You may need to stock up on a few key pieces in anticipation of the upcoming season. Look for sales now and get a jump on your kid’s winter wardrobe.

Renew Relationships

Pay extra attention to friends and family you may have unintentionally forgotten during the busy summer months. Make lunch plans or go for a visit. Pick up the phone and make a real phone call rather than sending a text.

Make Doctors’ Appointments

You’ve spent the entire summer taking care of all the kid’s medical and dental visits. What appointments have you put off for yourself which still need attention? Schedule your routine mammogram, wellness checkup, dental and eye exam. It’s extremely important to maintain optimum health in order to be an active participant in your child’s life.

For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, you may enjoy 10 Steps to Leading a Full Life Read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.