The back to work and school juggle

7 tips to manage the back to work and school juggle

The summer school holidays have ended and the new school year is here, many parents will be experiencing that dreaded “back to school” feeling.

A mixture of emotions and nerves surround the return to school. We have the blissful feeling of dropping them off at the school gates for the day - hello freedom! However, the return to school also comes with its own set of stressors: can you get everyone where they need to be on time, and how will you juggle your work commitments around their school hours and extra-curricular activities? The juggle is never easy and sometimes it can take a few weeks for everyone to adapt. Here are a few tried and tested tips to help you navigate the back to school blues.

1. Start the week right

Organisation is under rated, especially by the likes of the messy Libras of the world. However, having a plan can really set up each day and week for success. Having an idea of what the week ahead looks like will help alleviate anxiety as there are no unexpected surprises.

I love a weekly planner. This can be in whatever form works for you - a google calendar, a timetable on the fridge, or an app on your phone. By adding in each family member’s activities and commitments for the week, everyone in the house knows what is happening and when. It can also help you work out a roster for who is responsible for the kids, before and after school arrangements.

Ease the morning chaos by organising a few things the night before school. This could include laying out the school uniforms and making sure the school bags are packed. If you have an airtight lunchbox, making their lunch and storing it in the fridge overnight will save you precious time in the morning.

3. Consider implementing a meal plan

I’m not saying that you have to have a set meal for each day of the week, but there are definitely a few perks of a weekly meal plan. Firstly, it makes the grocery shopping experience quicker and easier. It also helps save you money. You will be more likely to focus on the items on your grocery list and less likely to spend on junk food and takeaway. To save an hour or two of your time – think about ordering your groceries online for click and collect or home delivery. While everyone is adapting to the first few weeks of term, choose easy to prepare meals that are both nutritious and everyone in the family will eat. Avoid trying new recipes as this will be more time consuming. Cook up some batch meals that can be put in the freezer to reheat on busy week nights, such as bolognese, curry and lasagne.

4. Be realistic with your expectations

We all want the best for our kids, but we need to be realistic. Accept that your child can’t do every activity under the sun. Rather, let them choose one or two extra-curricular activities or classes they are passionate about and schedule them into your weekly planner.

5. Remember to look after you

If you can, try to “switch off” from work at a reasonable hour. Turn off your email alerts and focus on being present with your family. Give yourself some time for you at the end of a busy day. Self-care can as simple as having a glass of your favourite wine, having a hot shower or watching an entertaining TV show. Set things out in the same place each day so that your children can take responsibility for themselves. This includes leaving out their school uniform so they can dress themselves, having toothbrushes within reach and keeping breakfasts simple so that they can prepare it themselves.

Create a designated homework space in the home. Encourage your child to take responsibility for completing their homework in this space. If your child is younger and needs support, this could be a communal area such as the kitchen bench so they can ask you for help while you are preparing dinner.

7. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help

Sometimes you won’t be able to achieve everything yourself, and this is OK. Think about reliable people who you can enlist for help. For example, can a grandparent, friend or neighbour do a pick up or drop off one night a week? Can you alternate days with another parent at the school? Review your obligations for the week and make it clear to your manager or colleagues if you need to make any changes to your work schedule. Can you work remotely some days of the week to save on commute times? Flexible work spaces have become more possible with the current Covid-19 outbreak, so communicate with your boss to see if there are any alternative work arrangements that can be put in place. Sarah James is the owner of The Sensory Specialist, a qualified Psychology teacher and a mother of two boys. Through her experiences, Sarah has lots of tips and tricks to help manage the working parent juggle. www.thesensoryspecialist.com.au

PLASTIC’S NOT FANTASTIC

10 simple ways to reduce the amount of plastic you use

We all know that single use plastic isn’t great for the environment. Recycling options often aren’t ideal either, with plastic only really ever being able to be ‘downcycled’ a few times. The best way is to cut out single use plastic wherever possible. If you’re new to reducing your plastic consumption, here’s a few simple ways to make your everyday actions a little more green.

1. Bring your own coffee cup

Takeaway cups are one of the most disposed single use items and also one of the most avoidable! With everything available from cute pottery cups to smart cups you can pay with - there’s never been a better time to adopt a keep cup.

2. Bring your own shopping bags

This one is kind of a no brainer in this era - however, so many people still forget. If you’re one of those forgetful people, try the small fold up bags which can be carried in your handbag or glovebox. Then, try and get in the habit of putting them back after you’ve unloaded your groceries!

4. Give up gum

Did you know that gum is made of a synthetic rubber which is essentially plastic? You can replace this easily with bulk packs of mints or find packaging free mints at most local bulk food shops!

If you have a council green bin which is picked up weekly alongside your general waste and recycling, then you’re the perfect candidate to start composting. All you need is a cute tupperware style container (the larger the better!) with a good seal, and you can start putting all of your compostable waste in there. Then, simply empty the container each week into your green bin, ready to be picked up and composted. Check with your council re compost waste in your green bin - some actively encourage it, while others are limited to garden waste. If you don’t have a composting service offered by your council, consider investing in a compost bin yourself! The tumbling ones from Bunnings I find brilliant - but there are many options that make it super easy and simple these days! You can even find countertop kitchen composting bins which is ideal for small spaces or apartments.

5. Start a veggie patch

How many times have you bought a plastic tub of herbs to add a few sprigs to a meal? Start your own simple herb / veggie garden (in pots or a garden bed). Herbs and leafy greens are actually the quickest and lowest maintenance thing you can grow, but are disproportionately expensive because they’re tricky to transport and keep fresh. All round, growing a little garden will mean you’re spending less, spicing up more meals and - reducing your plastic use. Win, win!

6. Make Your Own Cleaning Products

This isn’t for everyone, I know. But if you’ve ever thought about it though, give it a go! Making your own cleaning products is simple, effective and easy - not to mention you’ll be spraying around way less nasty chemicals. Literally they can be as simple as vinegar and water (3 parts water, one part white vinegar). If DIY isn’t your style, check out your local bulk food store - most offer cleaning products. You just need to bring your bottle. Easy!

7. Give up bottled water

It’s so simple to bring your own bottle and refill it when needed. It’s really just a habit. If you use straws, you can easily replace these with a reusable stainless steel version which you can carry with you on the go as well.

8. Become a bar and box convert

So many goods come packaged in plastic, from shampoo and body wash to laundry liquid or pasta. Get in the habit of always looking for the plastic free packaging option. For example, shampoo bars often come in a cardboard box, so by choosing this option - you’re avoiding another plastic bottle. Opt for laundry powder in a box over the plastic bottle of liquid. Once you get the hang of choosing bars and boxes, you’ll love it!

9. Choose natural fibres

When you’re buying clothing, avoid polyester or other synthetic fabrics and opt for more natural ones like cotton, linen or silk. Support small businesses who put an emphasis on sustainability and longevity of their products, over sales and high turnover. There is something lovely about knowing your piece of clothing can be composted after a long and happy life. This tip isn’t limited to clothing either, opt for natural fibres in cleaning cloths, car covers - any time you’re purchasing something fabric!

10. Opt for plastic free postal packaging - like ours!

When you’re shipping parcels, opt for compostable satchels over plastic ones. For businesses, this is a huge way to reduce your overall carbon footprint and plastic consumption. If you have to use a box, opt for plastic free packaging tape and cardboard boxes over plastic. Also, ditch the bubble wrap for recycled paper or corrugated paper padding. There are so many awesome new innovations like corn starch based packaging pellets, which make the plastic ones unnecessary. It’s never been a better time for eco packaging. Whether you’re just starting out on your journey to reduce plastic, or you’ve been walking the road for a while now, our compostable satchels are an easy and effective plastic free swap. By Anaita Sarkar, co-founder of compostable mailer brand - Hero Packaging https://heropackaging.com.au/