Any of you who read my posts regularly here on FFB know that I love my son more than anything in the world. He is my heart, my soul, my everything. The reason I breathe and the reason I work so hard to be a better man, human, and father. But, even with all that being true, I must say… I can not WAIT for him to go back to school this week! Don’t judge, you know you have some of the same feelings! Here are some back to school ideas for parents because it is important to focus on yourself too! You can’t pour from an empty pitcher.
Back To School Ideas For Parents
Yep, sorry buddy, you are my best friend but dad needs a break! Dad needs some down time, Dad needs to get back into his routine. This is not selfish thinking it is simply “self care” thinking! All you single parents (and most of you non single parents as well) know what I mean. You know that summer time is a tough time to get things done. A tough time to take care of ourselves, mentally and physically, but now as our little bundles of joy head back to the classroom, us parents can head back toward reclaiming our mojo!
Here is the plan! Use this back to school season as the perfect time to get your game back and get a little motivation toward making some great, much needed changes in your world. Decide to use this time of year as a “fresh start!” Why wait for December 31st to start making resolutions? Do it right now. Your kids are excited (for the most part) about new clothes, new friends, new challenges, and new adventures so why can’t you be as well!?
Use this as an opportunity to hit the reset button and start something new. The kids get a new teacher – so you get a new friend, or a new date, or a new personal trainer. They get a new lunch box full of healthy snacks – you get to start a new diet or commit to health meals, even on the go. Use the time to stock up on quick food ideas for those busy nights. They get a new haircut – you get to try out a new look or style. They learn a new skill or talent – you learn a new project or talent. The get new back to school clothes – you get a great new pair of shoes. And yes, this one also applies to us men. I treated myself to some killer new trail running shoes!
You see my point here. Take the back to school assignment as a back to life assignment for yourself.
Personally, I plan to get back into my morning hiking/running routine which consists of walking my son to school, already in my workout clothes, and then continuing directly on to my trails and my workout. No excuses, not delays. The bell rings for him to start the day and my fitness app timer rings for me to start my workout. Same result for both of us – we are both bettering ourselves. Like it or not!
So what about you? What changes and/or improvements can you take on now that you will have some time for yourself again? Yes, you are allowed to catch up on some sleep but, after you wake up, I challenge you to find ways to make some positive improvements in your life. And look at the other positive outcome – by January 1st you will already be five months ahead of everyone else when it comes to achieving your resolutions! So which back to school ideas for parents struck a chord with you?
Rob Youngblood is a Single Dad, Keynote Speaker, Emmy Award Winning TV Host, Communication Expert, Reality Coach, Writer, and Storyteller. Learn more about him at youngbloodonthecoast.com. You can also follow him on Twitter.