by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach
Just when you thought things might calm down a bit, you know - with back to school over and fall sports wrapping up ... you're faced with the next wave of chaos.
The Classroom Party - Holiday Edition.
October means a lot of things :: fall leaves, football, Halloween ~ but for a clutter coach it means time to start prepping everyone for a season of gift buying & giving.
Essentially, Shopping Habits 101 is happening over on The Mental Clutter Coach this month. So, I thought I would share some of that same insight here with the Tidy Thursday readers! Classroom party style, of course.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate:
Before you take any steps toward a shopping establishement, communicate with the teacher and school staff. Ask questions.
- Does anyone have allergies? If so, what type? Nut ~ Gluten ~ Dairy
- Do you have any supplies left from last year?
- Do you have a specific list of what you'd like?
- Do you have an idea of what you'd like to see happen the day of the party?
Make a Plan:
Based on the information you gather from the teacher & staff, set some goals.
- You'll need to know
- When the classroom party date is
- When you need to go shopping for non-perishable items
- What perishable items need purchased & how long in advance could you pick them up
- Does the school have room in their fridge or freezer? If you'll need it.
- Make phone calls
- Will you be making a reservation?
- Do you need to place a special order?
- Finding out the necessary lead time can be a lifesaver, party rental supplies & bakeries usually require a 7 day advance notice!
Delegate, Delegate, Delegate:
- Don't be afraid to ask other parents for help shopping, baking or even classroom party decorating
Tip: Free online signup sheets from VolunteerSpot.com make it easy to coordinate parent helpers. With the click of a mouse or a tap on a smartphone, parents can quickly choose when to help and what to bring. Automated reminders keep everyone on track.
- Older siblings or neighbors with a driver license are often eager to run errands
- consider 'hiring' them as your driver for an afternoon of shopping while you work on other things in the passanger seat
- Rely on your list! When you enter the store keep your best tunnel vision in place, find the things you'll need and move on - either to the next item on the list or the next stop
Keeping it fun:
Don't forget, the purpose of this project is to celebrate and create some fun memories!
Share with any young party-goers, helping you shop, what the intentions of the shopping trip is. Be sure to listen to their input and set realistic expectations. (like no pressuring the adults or squeezing the bank account!)
Join me over on the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page and share
What will your approach be when it comes to shopping for a classroom party during the holidays this season?
Also grab your free Class Party Guide from VolunteerSpot filled with Great Class Party Games, Crafts & Ideas!
Keepin it Tidy,
April
April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect.
