When school kicks off, the first weekend is often filled with a whirlwind of plans. However, according to parenting expert and blogger Amy Collins, the best strategy is to embrace a weekend of relaxation. With her experience raising three children from elementary to high school, she knows how to navigate the early chaos of the school year without losing your sanity. Her key piece of advice? Do absolutely nothing.
“Listen closely: skip the celebratory dinner on Friday night, avoid that late-night game, don’t run errands, and steer clear of any elaborate plans,” she advises. “Just let the weekend unfold naturally.”
A Low-Key Approach
Instead, Collins recommends a classic, low-key approach: pizza and a movie night on the couch. “Your Friday night should involve comfy blankets, a delicious pizza, and a good flick,” she says. “That’s all anyone can handle after the first week back.”
And don’t get caught up in a debate over which movie to select. Odds are, your kids will be out cold long before the film even gets interesting. “Forget about taking them out; just settle in. They’ll be asleep before you reach the twenty-minute mark!”
Adjusting to New Routines
While it might feel disappointing to skip out on a big celebration, Collins strikes a chord. After a hectic week of school preparation, a cozy night in sounds infinitely more appealing than dining out. Plus, kids need time to adapt to their new routine—school is essentially their job now.
Her advice has resonated widely, garnering thousands of shares and reactions from fellow parents who support her “do nothing” philosophy. And it’s not just plans for Friday that should go by the wayside. Collins suggests avoiding any big outings on Saturday or Sunday too. “Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to plan nothing for the first weekend after school starts,” she emphasizes. “Let your children recharge. They’ve spent the summer lounging about, and now they need to adjust to focusing for hours each day.”
Social Adjustments
She further reminds us that the transition back to school involves more than just new textbooks and teachers; it comes with significant social adjustments as well. “There are new scenarios, classmates, schedules, and let’s not forget the playground politics,” she elaborates. “It’s a lot for little minds to handle!”
Prioritize Family Time
So, this weekend, prioritize relaxation and family time. If you’re looking for more insights on family and home insemination, check out our guide on the home insemination kit. For additional support, Alex’s Journey provides an excellent perspective on single-parent surrogacy, while the NHS offers invaluable resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the first weekend after school begins should be about unwinding and reconnecting as a family. Skip the big plans and enjoy some well-deserved downtime together.