As the back-to-school season kicks off, no one understands the whirlwind of emotions quite like parenting expert and blogger Lisa Hartman. With children of varying ages, from preschool to high school, she’s mastered the art of navigating the chaos without losing her sanity. According to Hartman, the ultimate strategy for a smooth transition into the new school year is to embrace a weekend of relaxation and downtime.
“Trust me: skip the celebratory dinner on Friday night, avoid the late-night games, don’t run those errands, and resist the urge to fill the weekend with extravagant plans,” she advises. “What you really need is to do absolutely nothing.”
For the first weekend after school begins, Hartman suggests an old-fashioned approach: pizza and a movie on the couch. “Forget fancy outings; your Friday night should include a cozy couch, some blankets, a pizza, and a good film,” she insists. “That’s all anyone can manage after a week of school.”
And don’t waste time arguing over which movie to watch. “Your kids will be ready to snooze within the first twenty minutes, so you might as well settle in with whatever you choose,” she quips. “The last thing you want is to put them in the car for an adventure; it’ll turn into a chaotic scene.”
While it may be tempting to celebrate the start of a new academic year with a night out, Hartman makes a strong case for staying in. After a demanding week of adjusting to school routines, a night of relaxation sounds far more appealing than a restaurant with formal settings. Remember, for children, the school environment is just as taxing as a workweek is for adults.
This advice has resonated with many fellow parents, as Hartman’s post has garnered substantial attention online. It’s not just Friday night that requires a low-key approach; she also advises against busy Saturday plans like apple picking or zoo trips. Instead, let kids unwind and recharge for the upcoming school year.
“Your goal, if you’re looking for a little wisdom, is to plan nothing during that first weekend,” she states. “Allow your kids to rest and recover from their summer of leisure, as they now have to focus and pay attention for hours each day.”
The start of a new school year brings more than just new teachers and textbooks. Children must navigate significant social changes as well, which can be overwhelming. “They’re adjusting to new situations, teachers, classmates, schedules, and even lunchtime politics,” she explains. “It’s a lot for them to process, so a low-key weekend is exactly what they need.”
In summary, the best homework for the first weekend after school starts is simply to relax and do nothing.
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