New School Year Survival Guide for Adult Students and Parents in Southwest Florida

School is back in swing, and whether you're a student yourself or a parent to a student, fitting all those school-related responsibilities into your life can be a bit of a juggling act. Here are some tips to keep you sane and on track as you adjust to the new school year.

Stock the Freezer with Prepared Meals

When you're running around school events and activities, it's hard to take an hour out and prepare a full meal. Dedicate one Saturday each month to preparing meals that you can store in the freezer and heat up on busy nights. Most casseroles store well in the freezer, as do soups, pulled pork, and even baked chicken breasts. Label your containers clearly with the date and the name of the dish so you can easily find what you need.

Make a "Master Calendar"

Keeping track of who needs to be where, and when, can be a struggle. Mount a large marker board calendar in your kitchen, and use a different color marker to fill in each person's scheduled obligations for the month. You'll be able to tell with a quick glance who has an activity planned each day—and where conflicts may arise.  Make sure each family member knows to update the calendar when they schedule a new activity.

Create a Study Space in Your Home

The more efficiently you study, the more time you'll have left for other fun activities. Dedicate a space in your apartment home—even if it's just one specific corner of a bedroom—for studying. Set up a desk, a comfortable chair, and basic supplies like paper and pens. After a few uses, your brain will automatically go into "study mode" when you enter this space, and you'll have an easier time focusing.

Get Ready the Night Before

Mornings will be less of a hassle if you pack lunches, lay out your clothing, and make sure homework is completed the night before. Schedule a 30-minute period each night that the whole family uses to prepare for the next day.

Make Time for Family Activities

With such a packed schedule, it's easy to overlook family time, but spending time as a family will provide a welcome break from the challenges of school. Here are a few family-friendly events coming up in Southwest Florida:

• Carnival Capers takes place at the South County Regional Library on Saturday, August 27. This 20th anniversary celebration features music, balloons, yard games and more.
• Hoppy Hour is be held each Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sky Zone Trampoline in Fort Myers. You get a 60-minute jump on the awesome trampolines for the price of a 30-minute ticket.

How do you keep yourself organized and grounded when adjusting to a new school schedule? Share your tips and what works for you in the comments below!