Back to school Tips from "Big compound"

We are ready to go back to school. The busiest time in my household is back to school week. All of sudden the kids have no clothes, shoes, socks, basically the kids have been living without any proper clothes. (Well according to my mommy radar). I know I cannot be the only mom with this same exact thoughts. So as I prepare I thought I will share my journey with you all. 3 of my children will be in elementary school this year. Take that in for a minute, with that said I absolutely need a plan that works efficiently. Remember that the plan and schedule must be realistic and it must work for both you and the kids. Do not place unrealistic expectations on yourself and the kids or those that that are part of your village. Create a schedule that is direct and easy to follow. Another important point is to make sure you are not over consumed by being a perfect parent that you miss the interesting part of parenting that involves children making mistakes and you both working on getting better daily. Talk to your children and village. Do well to let them understand that the schedule is to make life easy for YOU ALL.

Here with a sample handwritten schedule created by my sister Fri and I. Fri is an essential part of my village not just because she is an educator by profession but she is the support system I can trust and rely on  at any time. You cannot raise children without a village. (check out our older post on Support system http://nomamipikinleftbehind.blogspot.com/2014/09/support-system.html)

What to wear!!!  Most children do not wear school uniforms in the United states. Only a small percent of children get to wear uniforms to school. However if you are looking for a quick fix for that here with an idea from my sister Joy. Joy dresses up her children in Khaki bottoms and Polo shirts. There is a conversation held with the kids about school only clothes. She is able to keep them in what they understand as their school clothes/uniform. I thought that was pure genius.

Look at that.... :)

   I also have a method for school clothes that works for us. I pick out clothes for an entire week on the weekend. Everything including underwears and socks. We use this method and It works for me. You can try it as well. I always have a week of clothes out for the childen because as a parent you have to be prepared at all times. This method works for me. It saves us all time in the morning. This method can also work for a parent who works away from home during the morning school hours. 

You can find this organizer at walmart, target or kmart. 

Here with our school clothes for the week. 

    I found some great Khaki textured pants at target that may solve our holes in the knees problem. If you have kids you must be thinking and trying to solve the mystery of the holes in the knees. I bought these from target on a super sale. I would be able to give proper feedback on the knee situation in about a month. But from the texture they seemed pretty durable. 

  I have been getting my home ready as well. With 3 children in elementary my most important goal is getting them to read with love. I already have avid readers but as with everything in life we need to kick it up a notch. So we (the kids and I) are creating a new Library with age appropriate books. The project gets them excited about reading. With the help of my mother and siblings we are able to get a ton of books and activities that will keep them entertained POSITIVELY. Postitive entertainment is an absolute must.(Thats a post for later).

Library in progress... first shelf is up. 

This works for me and my household. Remember that you must make it work for you and your household. I will be sharing more tips as time goes on. Together we can raise fearless leaders. 

Kisses,

Empowering moment from our last Mamipikin talks event. Have You registered  for our October session yet? https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mamipikin-talks-ii-tickets-26782920436?aff=erelexpmlt

  Nomamipikinleftbehind translates to No mother will be left behind. The nomamipikinleftbehind brand is known for its sophistication and apt to inspire, empower, promote and equip the modern day woman with the necessary tools to savor life in all its splendor.

Eurykah Fon Ndumu.

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