If you are gearing up for school to start (or just ready to begin some new rhythms in the fall), this week's episode is all about how to set yourself up for a successful school year. We share four strategies that have worked so well for us over the years and get very practical on how to make them happen. 

The first strategy is one that not everyone will agree with, but when it comes to a smoother school year, this has made such a difference for us!! What is that strategy? It's teaching our kids to take ownership of their responsibilities -- especially when it comes to things related to school. We talk about how we've made this happen and how it's worked for different kids with different personalities. We also talk about how we are encouraging this even with David, who has significant cognitive delays and disabilities. 

We then move on to sharing about how setting up our days well the evening before and the morning of, can impact our entire day -- and week! Simple things like prepping the night before by laying out clothes, packing lunches, getting everything we need for the morning set out, and going to bed earlier make the mornings so much more calm and organized, which leads to a better day for everyone!

I also revisit the idea of slow productivity, which is all about intentionally slowing down, evaluating what truly needs to be done, and finding ways to simplify. By reducing the chaos and clutter in our schedules, we can make room for what truly matters and create a school year filled with intention and cherished memories! Whether you have school-age kids or not, I hope the advice and ideas in this episode give you inspiration and food for thought. 

In This Episode

[0:35] - This episode is all about strategies to set yourself up for a successful fall.

[2:31] - Listening to audiobooks during morning commutes has become a new family routine, and we have been enjoying Destiny of the Republic.

[7:11] - I'm also reading You Are Not Behind which explores finding contentment despite unmet expectations.

[10:22] - Our recent decluttering and re-organizing projects.

[15:57] - Why and how we have our kids fully in charge of their homework and school-related things.

[17:34] - It's important to teach responsibility to children, by encouraging small tasks and praising their efforts.

[22:41] - One way we've gradually taught kids to handle tasks independently.

[26:20] - A successful morning for us starts the night before.

[28:32] - I start the day with quiet time, avoiding electronics and engaging in a morning routine that sets my day up for success.

[30:20] - How to practice slow productivity by simplifying schedules, delegating tasks, and reducing pressure for constant productivity.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Books

Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard

You Are Not Behind: Building a Life You Love Without Having Everything You Want by Meghan Ryan Asbury

Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on LinkedIn

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

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