5 Mom Survival Tips for Back to School Time (and $100 Giveaway)

by Katja Presnal on July 30, 2009

I still remember it like it was yesterday.
Excited about Kindergarten, and the new backpack.
Anxious to start the new era in my life I was entering.
Looking brave outside and saying to myself I was a big girl, I can handle it.
Inside I was so scared and didn’t want to let go the hand I was holding.
Saying goodbyes at the classroom door and fighting against tears.

And not being able to fight the tears anymore when I walked out of the school house holding my husband’s hand and leaving my youngest child inside to start his first day at school.

The past year was my first year of all three kids in school, and it was an adjustment for sure, and if nothing else, very emotional! I have enjoyed working more, and attending to blogging conferences and events, which I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it, if all of my children weren’t in school. But getting to the routines and actually enjoying the new mommy freedom took more than I thought of. My advice for stay-at-home-moms: start planning already now, even before the first day of school is here!

1. Start a new hobby that keeps you busy and your mind excited. Join a gym, knitting circle or start cooking and baking more – what ever suits you.

2. Remodel your house. Or just a room. Start collecting decorating ideas now, so you are ready to start once school starts.

3. Get a pet – a puppy or kitten will keep you busy. Or maybe it’s time for another baby.

4. Start a new home based business. Get serious about your blogging. Or start creating products to sell at Etsy. Get a job.

5. Think about YOURSELF for a while – do something that you want to do but haven’t been able to before.

$100 for Back to School Shopping Giveaway

Lots of us are gearing up for school – an exciting, fun and sometimes, hectic time. Hallmark has put together this great resource to help you calm the butterflies and build your kids’ confidence. Just for joining the conversation you’ll be entered to win $500 – or comment here to get a chance to win $100.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
1. Comment here with a tip how to make going back to school easier for you or your child.
FOR EXTRA ENTRIES:
2. Tweet about the giveaway with a hashtag #hallmark and link to this post (leave a comment you did, you can do this once a day).
3. Become a fan of Skimbaco Lifestyle at Facebook

GIVEAWAY ENDS: August 15th Midnight EST.

Full disclosure: The Giveaway was sponsored by Hallmark, via Real Girls Media.

Katja Presnal

Katja Presnal is an international lifestyle expert who inspires you to live life to the fullest. She has been featured in NY Times, Glamour, Redbook and Woman's Day magazines among many other national and international publications and written for MTV3 and Lifetime TV networks. Read Katja's full bio and connect with Katja on Twitter @katjapresnal

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