How To Navigate Back To School and Maintain Marital Bliss

Just like the change in season brings new colors, order, and structure to nature it does the same for our homes. Every time there is a significant shift such as back to school we are experiencing a change in season at home. This transition can be difficult, or it can flow naturally depending on how well we prepare.

At Unbox it is our mission to cultivate healthy marriages, and in doing so, we want to provide our audience some simple guidelines we follow to help the different changes in season.

First, we want you to take one last deep breath and appreciate the quality time that was emphasized during the summer months. The warm sun brings this lighter feel to each day. Spending more hours together as a family fills our lives with memories to last our lifetime.

However, just like mother nature prepares for winter with the shedding of leaves and the brisk air we must prepare as well.

To get ready, we recommend you hold a change of season family meeting. This is similar to a regular family meeting but this time include topics such as:

• Who will drop off the kids? Pick up the kids?
• What sports or activities will the kids sign up for?
• What does time for our marriage look like with our busier schedules?
• What does self-care look like for mom and dad, so they are well rested and present for the children?
• Where will we spend the holidays?
• Upcoming business travel?
• Upcoming time off?
• What days are the children off?
• Is our babysitter still available when we need help with the kids?
• What family activities do we have planned for fall and winter?

Often we assume that our spouse knows all the answers to the above questions because well we have been doing this for years. However, every year brings change, and we can not assume that we are all on the same page. The best way to get on the same page is to…. well… get on the same page. Together as a family discuss what our expectations are so when the situations come up you have already considered the plan ahead of time, and there will be no hurt feelings or miscommunications about what is expected of each other.

One of the most important parts to note about this plan is self-care for mom and dad. Back to school brings back a laundry list of to-dos for both parents. From birthday parties to school events, sports, and homework; little time is left to think about mom and dad. How do they keep their connection alive when all the focus seems to shift entirely towards the children.

It is for this reason that we exist because self-care can be a game together where you can laugh and play with your partner. It can also be a yoga class, and Sunday Football; just don’t forget to connect. Your love is the thread that keeps the family together if it goes uncared for it can be the same thread that unravels it.

We look forward to hearing how you prepare for this new season. What would you add to our list?