Brace yourselves. It’s that time of year again. September means the end of summer (sigh) but it also means a new year and a fresh start. Here’s our guide to this back-to-reality month.
DO
Create a roster of babysitters by getting to know your local teenagers
Why? They aren’t just useful for date night. Younger babysitters can pinch hit when you need to take older siblings to a practice or a playdate, they can help with homework, or watch the baby while you’re getting dinner on the table. A few hours a week can easily lighten the load.
GO
To the Victoria International Chalk Festival from September 13–14
Why? Because it’s free, family-friendly, and the largest of its kind in Canada. There will be local and international chalk artists, a kid’s chalk zone, food and live performances from drummers and dancers in the First Nations community.
GET
Sleep schedules back on track before school starts
Why? Because it will make for an easier transition, and fewer tears (yours or theirs) when the alarm goes off Tuesday morning.
PLAY
Good old-fashioned hopscotch
Why? Because you only need chalk and a small rock for this activity which helps develop dynamic balance, coordination and rhythm in younger kids. If you need a refresher on the rules of this classic game, here’s a good rundown.
READ
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn with your all-grown-up-and-off-to-school baby
Why? Because this sweet book about the first day of school was written to help nervous kids cope with separation from home and family for the first time.
SURF
These tips on walking to school with your kids
Why? Because walking with your kids to school is not only great for everyone’s physical and mental health, it’s a great chance to disconnect from technology and connect with each other. We’re fans.
APP
Mealboard.com
Why? Because it’s simply amazing for meal planning. It can read any recipe from any website and then create a shopping list for you. Now if only it cooked for you, too.
GREEN IT
Get your lawn ready for fall
Why? Because with summer coming to an end, it’s important to give your lawn the care it needs to help it survive the harsh winter. A little TLC now means that your lawn will come back beautifully in the spring—without the use of pesticides.
MAKE
Something for breakfast that they’ll eat, and that you’ll feel good about giving them
Why? Because breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we have some awesome recipes for your fam to devour.
HELP
The raise funds for animals in need by participating in Paws for a Cause on September 7
Why? Because the BC SPCA helps over 41,000 animals in distress each year—without the aid of government funding. Plus, in addition to the money-raising walk, there will be dog-themed games, food, a kid’s zone (with bouncy castles) and a doggie beauty salon at this family event.
Tagged under: Classes,fall,school,back to school,monthly guide,guide to september,september 2014,lunches,school lunches,Victoria,guide to victoria,september guide to victoria
Category: events
