notes from the week + back to school emotions

2015 is the year my eldest daughter, Miss R, completes her first year as an early childhood educator leaving her stamp on precious children as they prepare for school. My baby girl, Miss B, is going into Year 11, ready to tackle her last two years of her high school education. How can that be time moves so fast and we do not realise it happening so fast as each year goes by. If I take the time to look back I remember my little angels with pride and joy and frequently look back at their lives and how sweet and kind they were and still are, thank goodness. I realise what a great job I have done in raising these precious lives. 

10 tips to HELP PREPARE FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

This is the week where most students head back to school. Time to get your routine back in order and prepare for the week ahead. Here are a few tips to help you plan for an easier transition into the new schooling year.

Check off your To-Do's

There are usually errands that can’t be completed during the week that begin to pile up just waiting to be dealt with when Saturday arrives.  Take the time to group them all together and complete them on Saturday rather than Sunday so that you aren’t burdening yourself with the reminder all weekend of this nagging task.

Stay on Schedule

With regards to your body, try to sleep 6-8 hours as well as staying as close to your “to bed” and “to rise” times as well. Adhering to the same times as best as possible keeps your body in a rhythm, so that when Monday arrives, waking up at five, six or seven, isn’t a shock.

Relax

Scheduling time to relax is a must.  After all, unwinding and getting lost in activities we love is what the weekends are for.  In order to perform our best during the week, we must strike a balance and rejuvenate over the weekend.

Don’t Overbook

Simply because everything you have planned for the weekend involves activities and people you love, be diligent about not overbooking yourself which may potentially cause you to see the week as more of a respite than the two day weekend.  Be savvy with your energy levels and time.  After all, we only have so much to give and use.

A Moment to Plan

Call me crazy, but this is something that I look forward to during my Sunday afternoons. Carving out time to sit down with my planner and look at the week in front of me, prepares me for what I have to accomplish and reminds me that getting a good night’s sleep is imperative if I’m going to function at my best. This is also a great time to plan the week’s meals, create a grocery list and make sure all of the clothes you will need are washed, laundered and ready to be worn.

• Plan weekly meals
• Grocery Shop
• Laundry – ironing, dry cleaners, etc

A Workout is a Must

Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, made a simple suggestion for a happier week that until I had read was something I never considered, but at the same time, wondered why I hadn’t thought of it earlier.  Always workout on Monday. Why? Beginning the week by checking one workout off your list immediately as the week begins and taking the time to take of your body is sure to have a positive effect on your energy levels and mood.

Tackle the Tough First
When you get to work, choose to complete a task that will bring great relief when it is successfully put to bed.  Knowing you have been quite productive early in the week provides inspiration and lifts your confidence as you proceed through the week, ultimately setting a positive tone.

A Good Night’s Sleep
I know this is mentioned at the beginning of the post, but because of its importance, it’s worth repeating.  Go to bed at a decent time, so that when that alarm clock begins to sing, you are capable of starting the day out on the right foot.

With these simple tips, Monday no longer has to be a day to dread, but instead can become a day to ground us and begin the week on a very good note. - The Simply Luxurious Life 

baking couture LUNCH BOX PIZZAS

250ml (1 cup) lukewarm water

1 tsp sugar

2 tsp dried yeast

3 cups plain flour, sifted

1/4 tsp salt

pizza sauce or tomato paste

Preheat oven to 220°C. Place baking paper on trays.

Combine water and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle with the yeast and set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 5 minutes or until foaming.

Meanwhile, sift flour and salt into a large bowl. Make a well in centre and add yeast mixture and oil. Use a wooden spoon to stir until combined, then use your hands to bring together. (It should be soft and slightly sticky.)

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 minutes or until almost smooth. Divide the dough in half and cover with a clean damp tea towel. Set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 5 minutes.

NOTE I used a round plate to cut the circles to size for the lunch box.

Roll each dough portion out to line greased pizza trays. Spread bases with pizza sauce, and cheese, if desired. Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes or until golden and crisp. 

NOTE I cooked them all and placed them in individual snap lock bags to freeze for future lunches or snacks. Just as good as bakery pizzas only home made and less chemicals.

Australian Good Taste - August 2001 , Page 62    Recipe by Jo-Anne Quinn & Jennifer Tolhurst

back to school HOMEWORK 101

Most parents, especially when their little ones start school want to know the best way to tackle the school homework routine. Here are tips I found on Body + Soul:

Model a love of learning

Just because you knock off from school or work, it doesn't mean the learning stops. Encourage your kids to work out measurements for cooking, get them to research weekend activities or have discussions about what's happening in current affairs.

Be involved but don't take over

When parents get involved, children feel like they are part of a team, rather than all alone and isolated doing their homework. But don't do it for them, instead encourage them to seek out solutions.

Find a routine which works for your family

Plan homework times that are convenient and not rushed so the pressure is taken off everyone in the family. Maybe that can be after dinner or in the mornings before they go to school, adding that children need to be taught how to plan and encouraged to follow it.

Find the right environment

Some kids like to work in silence and alone while others will enjoy some background noise and like to sit at the kitchen table. Getting this right is essential, because happy children and more likely to be happy learners.

Praise their efforts, not necessarily their results
Everyone likes to be praised for their commitment, completion, effort and determination. But that is not the same as praising the actual work, which is not as necessary.

Adjust your attitude
Moaning about how much you don't support homework policies doesn't encourage your kids to knuckle down and do it. Explain to kids the benefits of doing it and show that you support it. Homework is not a punishment but a way to consolidate learning.
Remember teachers are there to help.
If homework is all getting a bit much, or your child is struggling to do it or understand it, talk to the teacher.

When parents get left behind
It happens to almost every parent at some stage. Your child will ask you for help with homework and you won't understand how to do it. It can be a tad soul-destroying for all concerned when mum and dad can no longer help with homework due to lack of knowledge and understanding. But parents don't need to panic and sign up for after-hours primary maths and English classes – now they can turn to the web to hone their knowledge. 

A to Z school, has lots of basic tips, advice and articles for mums and dads – but one of it's highly sought-after features are work sheets to help parents get their head across today's curriculum (and catch up on Year 8 maths one the kids are asleep). All of this is backed by a vibrant online community of parents and educators.

back to school - TIPS FOR PARENTS

Healthy food helps learning ~ without a healthy breakfast, kids cannot concentrate and can become disruptive. A healthy lunch is just as important to help kids survive the afternoon.

Kids need help with homework ~ where possible create a set routine. Refuel with a healthy snack when the student get home. Then sit down together to complete the set tasks. As it gets later the children tend to get tired.

Proper sleep habits are critical ~ children are going to school tired after late nights. Parents can support good sleeping habits by enforcing mobile phones and social media are switched off at night. Ending screen time at least 30 minutes before bedtime and ensuring they are in bed at a regular time.

Children need help being organised ~ Being organised makes the day better for both children and teachers. Teachers appreciate a child who is organised. You can help kids get organised by:

+ Creating a family calendar so everyone can see what's on each week. For young children, use visual symbols.

+ Once at home, unpack your child's school bag together and discuss what is on for the next day. Get your child to put their school shoes in the same place every afternoon.

+ For the older children get them to unpack their bag and place lunch boxes and notes in the designated area.

+ Always pack the school bag and prepare the uniform the night before. I always get up before the kids and make their lunch while they are eating breakfast.

+ Ask your child question's such as, 'What do you need tomorrow?'

source ~ Body and Soul

on my mind BACK TO SCHOOL

Do you feel melancholy when another year has started and the kids are back at school? I am excited for them going back to school, but will miss having them home. I still believe your school years are some of the best years of your life. I loved school and was always excited to go. We lived in the country on a property so school was our social outlet as we did not tend to do too much with friends on weekends or holidays except for the occasional sleepover.  I used to have to travel 45 minutes on the bus to get to school. It was fun, the bus trips were always entertaining. What are your favourite memories from your school years?

back to school ~ PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

Healthy food helps learning ~ without a healthy breakfast, kids cannot concentrate and 

can become disruptive. A healthy lunch is just as important to help kids survive the afternoon.

Kids need help with homework ~ where possible create a set routine.

Refuel with a healthy snack when the student get home. Then sit down together 

to complete the set tasks. As it gets later the children tend to get tired.

Proper sleep habits are critical ~ children are going to school tired after late nights.

Parents can support good sleeping habits by enforcing mobile phones and social media are 

switched off at night. Ending screen time at least 30 minutes before bedtime and ensuring 

they are in bed at a regular time.

Children need help being organised ~ Being organised makes the day better for both children and teachers.

Teachers appreciate a child who is organised. You can help kids get organised by:

 + Creating a family calendar so everyone can see what's on each week. 

For young children, use visual symbols. 

+ Once at home, unpack your child's school bag together and discuss what is on for the next day. 

Get your child to put their school shoes in the same place every afternoon.

+ Always pack the school bag and prepare the uniform the night before.

+ Ask your child question's such as, 'What do you need tomorrow?'

source ~ Body and Soul

on my mind TUESDAY

- one week until my princesses return back to school :(

Yes, that is a sad face. I am one of those mothers that love having her daughters around and gets emotional as

another school year commences. My eldest is heading into her two final years at school, OMG, I cannot believe it. Year 11 such a big year ahead. Lots of hard work and fun to be had. Maybe working out exactly what she would like to do with her life, but hopefully not in a hurry to move out.

My youngest is going into year 8. What a strong personality she has and I am grateful for, although I can be at the other end occasionally. A strong personality can allow you stick up for yourself when certain types of friends turn against you for doing the right thing. Can I just say the bullies are just jealous and seriously have a lot of growing up to do.

Wishing both my gorgeous daughters a happy, fun, exciting year back at school. I love you both to the moon and back, or as a certain precious little boy would say 'love you to infinity and beyond'.

Enjoy your day. V xx