Part 3: How to Prepare for the New School Year - Why Over Commitment Can Hurt Your Retention

This week I'm sharing a new 3-episode podcast series, How to Prepare for the New School Year, to give you strategies for navigating the first few weeks and months of the academic year. You'll learn how to take better care of yourself, your team, and your school community.   We'll explore the importance of prioritizing your daily routines to stay grounded and finding greater peace during the chaos of the new school year. We'll also take a look at the special kinds of activities that require everyone's full attention this time of year.   One of the greatest joys of working with children is watching their precious faces light up as they grow and learn with their peers. But it's not always discoveries, breakthroughs, and camaraderie.   Each September, as the new school year kicks off, your staff doesn't need a new checklist from you. Instead, they need you present both mentally and emotionally. And they need to see you modeling how to ride the waves of discomfort, chaos, and uncertainty that inevitably rise up.   And it doesn't stop there.   As a leader at the start of the school year, you must manage your own emotions and use discernment to handle each new situation—each parent question, each new hire training, each crying child.   The good news, is you don't have to do it alone.   Join me for a 3-part conversation about:   - Practicing and cherishing the meaningful daily habits, or "anchors," in your life - Overcoming perfectionism to find greater creativity and innovation - Relaxing expectations and appreciating what's "good enough" for this time of year - Supporting staff and admin at the start of the new school year (Hint: It has nothing to do with creating another checklist!) - Re-assessing when to turn your attention back to other projects at your school   This series will remind you of the importance of self-care, offer up proven leadership strategies, and help you prioritize what matters most in September. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic      Communicating with parents can be challenging, but you can still find joy and celebration in your work. If you’re ready to learn more, this might be the right time to join our Owner's HQ Program or Director's Inner Circle. Inside you’ll find the support you need to do hard things and a community of like-minded school leaders to share in your wins along the way.   Other Resources: School leadership is always demanding—even more so at the start of the school year. You’re challenged to give extra support to your team, your staff, and your school community.  Now it’s time that you received the support you need.  We’ve compiled a series of resources to help you as a school leader. Learn more about our School Leadership Tool Kit here.   More about the show: If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher...