School’s out for summer! With jackets, paper, pencils & backpacks sent flying, you and your kids are running and yelling as you race to be poolside on your vacation. It’s the most natural reaction and well deserved.
But what about those backpacks? Those black, heavy, ripped, dirty, endless hiding places backpacks? What could be lurking deep inside? You’ve asked the kids if there is any food left in them but do you really believe them? Remember last year…what you found….at the end of summer after it had set for three months? If you take a few precautions—maybe the day after school is out—you’ll limit the number of surprises at the start of school in the fall.
- Empty Those Backpacks You don’t have to review ALL of the paperwork inside at this time just get it emptied. Decide if it can be used again or needs to be discarded. Set papers in a storage box to be reviewed & edited later. Put away remaining school tools with school supplies.
- School Uniforms Whether you have an official uniform, PE clothes, cheer, sports, drill team or band attire, now is the time to assess what to keep and what to let go. It’s either too damaged to wear again, beginning to be too small, not needed or needs to be moved to keepsake storage. If keeping, clean first, then move to the back of the closet or a bottom drawer.
- Extracurricular Activities Sports, dance, music extracurricular activities all have their tools & garments associated with them. Follow #2 for deciding what to keep and what to let go.
- New School Year Mark the new school year start date on the family calendar so everyone can see how few weeks there are to enjoy during the summer. This will motivate you to plan some family adventures, low-key days & the all important family vacation if you haven’t done so already.
- Swimsuits Move swimsuits, towels, floats & gear to easy to reach locations for quick grab-n-go. Even if you don’t have a pool at your home, being prepared is a definite way to make pool time happen.
Summertime is short. Every minute should be valued, cherished & enjoyed. Don’t let another summer slip by. Don’t let another school year creep up on you. Let us know how you get ready for summer.
