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In just a few weeks we’ll be trading in our carefree summer days for the structure and increasingly rigid routine of the new school year. We’ve only just gotten accustomed to those few cherished moments to sleep in and our freedom to swim, explore, or travel at leisure. In order to ease some of the stress of getting ready for the new school year, I started shopping for back-to-school clothing and essentials several weeks ago, and I’m currently in the process of putting together a back-to-school routine that will ensure my son has the best chances for success this year.
Admittedly, mornings are rough. My early-rising babies became school-aged children who savor every second of sleep and waking them up for school can be a challenge. As part of our back-to-school routine, today I’m sharing my top 5 tips to a great morning start to the school day, in hopes that it helps alleviate some of the stress of starting the new school year.
1. Morning Routines Begin With Bedtime: While many parents adhere to the same bedtime throughout the summer, I flex and give my children some freedom to stay up a bit later and sleep in a bit longer for a few months out of the year. This just means that I have to start adjusting those times prior to the first day of school. If you’ve gotten accustomed to a more laid-back sleep/wake schedule, begin adjust your children’s bedtime back 15-30 minutes every week until you’re back on schedule. This will ensure that your children are well-rested on the first day of school and they’re already back into their routine way before that first bell every rings.
2. Avoid the Last-Minute Rush: Those mornings where I was frantically trying to piece together an outfit for picture day or put the finishing touches on my son’s homework project never fared well. In fact, those were the mornings where meltdowns ensued and emotions were heightened, which never makes for a great start to the day. I’ve learned (or let’s hope) that packing my son’s lunch, putting his homework together in a folder inside his backpack, and laying out clothes together ensures our mornings are focused on the more important tasks of getting dressed, eating breakfast, and getting to school on-time.
3. Make Breakfast a Priority: You’ve likely heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and from experience, I know that without a substantial meal, my kids are not able to perform physically, mentally, or emotionally at their best. I’ve found that during the school year, I may start off well, but somewhere along the way I begin hitting the snooze button and pushing the limits of how much time we need to get ready for school in the mornings.
Remember that breakfast doesn’t have to be elaborate to be nutritious. A simple protein-rich smoothie or protein shake whipped up in a few minutes can be just what is needed to get the day started off right (don’t forget that includes mom and dad)! In order to ensure my children eat breakfast, I talk about what they’d like to eat the night before and begin preparing. Hard-boiled eggs cooked the night before, granola with almond milk, and even frozen whole wheat pancakes can all be prepared in just minutes. Take that extra step to set out bowls, spoons, cups, and cereal/granola and school-aged kids like my son can even serve themselves with minimal assistance.
4. Consider Immune-Boosting Supplements: The new school year also often means the beginning of cold and flu season. Going from spending lots of time outdoors to lots of time indoors makes it inevitable that kids will be exposed to viruses and bacteria that can cause illness. I like to give my children an immune boost with daily multi-vitamins and probiotics. Morning is the ideal time for chewable vitamins so that the small amount of sugar present can get brushed away before school. We personally like the Disney Vitamins available at Walmart because they’re free from artificial flavors and colors and come in a variety of fun, engaging characters. And if you’re looking for a Kids’ Probiotic, check out Culturelle Probiotic for Kids Powder Packets that can be mixed in with food or drinks.
5. Model and Teach Healthy Habits: Even as toddlers, I started laying the foundation for healthy habits. Hand-washing and brushing teeth might seem like simple tasks that don’t require much thought, but for school-aged children like my son, consistency is the key to making them a habit. Since my kids still need assistance with proper brushing, I take a few minutes both at night and in the morning to model and teach them the proper technique so that “the cavity bug” doesn’t make its way into their mouths. Our simple oral care routine involves flossing, brushing, and rinsing, and if you’re looking for some natural oral care product alternatives, check out the Wicked Cool! Mild Mint Fluoride Toothpaste, Children’s Anticavity Fluoride Rinse, and Antiplaque Floss from Tom’s of Maine.
While our precious time together is slowly coming to an end, I’m hoping that these simple tips will help make the transition to the new year seamless and stress-free.
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