It’s that time of year again!
The summer is winding down, and depending on where you live, the weather is changing along with the season. Summertime with kids can get busy and the weeks can feel long.
Time is filled with camps, barbecues, and family trips. As fall gets closer, the busy season isn’t over, it just looks a little different. The kids prepare to head back into their classrooms, and back-to-school season begins.
For some parents, this is a time to celebrate.
As parents send off the kids, they get their routines back too. Some get excited to finally get a “break” from their kids. And parents often celebrate with each other. If you’re sober, these get-togethers can be daunting. Alcohol is often front and center. You don’t have to attend these boozy events if you don’t want to. But if you feel like you do, you’re not required to stay for a long time. Bring your favorite NOPE beverage, and most likely no one will even notice you aren’t drinking.
Here are some more reminders as we head into the fall season:
GET ORGANIZED
As the school year begins, there is so much to prepare for.
School shopping is underway and our kids want all the latest trends.
It can be a lot to keep up with. Organization is key here! As you start planning, make a list of items your kids need with a separate section for things that they want. If you’re not great at this, don’t worry. Most schools will provide you with a list of classroom necessities. Ask your child’s teacher if you’re not sure.
Don’t forget to add some things for yourself to the list. Buy that book you’ve been dying to read. Get some soothing bath salts. Treat yourself to your favorite chocolates. This is a time to celebrate your child’s new adventures.
Being a sober parent doesn’t mean that you’re boring now, it simply means you don’t drink. So get some fancy new glassware, pour in your favorite NOPE beverage, and relax. You deserve it.
EMBRACE ROUTINE AND SLOW DOWN
Once the kids are back into their routines and the dust has settled, allow yourself to slow down.
This can be difficult for people who have decided to quit drinking.
If they were heavy drinkers in the past, they have the same go-big attitude in other areas of their lives too.
Like other habits, you can break this one too. The more you catch yourself adding to your calendar, the more you’ll be able to break that habit and relax. Having downtime is golden, especially if you’re a parent of busy children. Doing nothing is so underrated. Try it, you might be surprised how much you like it!
SOAK UP THE LAST OF SUMMER
If you live somewhere that gets cold and snowy, try to soak up the tail end of the summer weather.
Grab a NOPE and head to the backyard, or have one last BBQ with friends. Go on that boat ride you’ve been talking about. Get out and do some of the things still left on your summer bucket list. The holidays will be here before we know it.
No matter how you plan to spend the last weeks of summer, try to enjoy them. As they say, the days are long but the years go by fast. Your kids are growing up before your eyes, make sure you’re paying attention!
Written by: Blair Sharp
