This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.
I stepped off of the plane that brought us home from Hawaii earlier this week and said Aloha to the Summer that left our hearts filled with some of the best memories of our lives. Yesterday, we began another school year and another season in our lives…one filled with anticipation and possibility. Our aquatic adventures and creative explorations have been replaced with routine, sports, and homework. The transition was actually easier than expected, despite the fact that we went straight from the shores of Maui to a new school year.
One of my primary concerns at the start of the new school year is that my kids are well-rested so that they are energized each and every day for all they will learn and accomplish. My routine, albeit simple, helps ensure we are all organized so that our day is calm rather than chaotic.
1. Have a bedtime routine and stick to it. A great start to the school day begins with a restful night’s sleep. While I am very lenient with bedtimes during the Summer months, my kids must be in bed by 8 pm on school nights to ensure they are well-rested and ready to learn each day. As part of our nighttime routine, I bathe my kids and brush their teeth before tucking them in for story-time. To help make bath-time relaxing and enjoyable, we started using JOHNSON’S Baby NO MORE TANGLES line, which has made combing her hair a breeze! I personally love the 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner since she still isn’t a fan of getting her hair washed. Once I’ve used the Leave-in Conditioner and Detangling Spray, she can actually comb her hair out without much assistance. And while the detangling properties of this line are what made us switch to NO MORE TANGLES, I do appreciate that the 3-step regimen is formulated with conditioners that gently moisturize and cleanse hair. One of the other products we’ve started using regularly is LISTERINE’S Smart Rinse Anticavity Fluoride Rinse. Every night I assist my kids as they floss and brush, but according to their dentist, a Fluoride Rinse will help prevent cavities. This particular rinse provides 12 hours of protection and strengthens teeth better than brushing alone. It’s an easy 3rd step, as long as kids make sure not to swallow the rinse.
2. Get organized the night before. One of my biggest sources of stress in the mornings is disorganization. Inevitably, the frantic search for shoes or homework while putting together a makeshift lunch because I forgot to go to the grocery store will result in us arriving at my son’s classroom right as the last bell is ringing, breathless and frazzled. My goal is to make those days few and far between by organizing homework and packing lunches the night before. Breakfast is typically simple, but those evenings when my son requests homemade muffins or pancakes requires that I plan for this at night. Make it a habit of laying out clothes the night before, organizing homework, and planning for breakfast and lunches to minimize the morning chaos.
3. Make breakfast a priority every single morning. You’ve likely heard about the importance of breakfast. Not only will a healthy meal provide kids with the best opportunity to be focused and alert to learn new skills and concepts, it will help ensure kids stay healthy and within their ideal body weight. Make breakfast a priority by waking up just a few minutes earlier if necessary. You can involve kids in the process by having them set out their plates and utensils the night before along with any dry foods they might include with their meal.
To help you get organized and settled into the new school routine, HEALTHY ESSENTIALS is offering incredible savings on some of your favorite products. Here is a list of some of the eligible products and offers, which will save you more than $40 on your next shopping trip:
- Save $1.00 on JOHNSON’S® Baby NO MORE TANGLES® or Extra Conditioning hair care product
- Save $2.00 on any (2) AVEENO® products
- Save $2.00 on any (1) RoC® Anti-Aging product
- Save $1.00 on any (1) NEUTROGENA® Cleansing, Moisture, or Acne product
- Save $1.00 on any (1) SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener Product
- Save $1.50 on any (1) VISINE® product (0.5 fl. oz. or larger)
- Save $1.00 on any (1) LISTERINE® Antiseptic Mouthwash, or (1) LISTERINE®NATURALSTM Antiseptic, or (1) LISTERINE® ULTRACLEAN® Antiseptic, or (1) LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE, or (1) LISTERINE® ZERO®, or (1) LISTERINE® FLUORIDE DEFENSE® Anticavity Mouthwash product (Valid on products 1L or larger)
Looking for more tips, tools and recipes to help you stay organized this school year? Visit HealthyEsentials.com for resources like this Apricot Nutmeg Muffin recipe or how to make your child’s hair preschool ready!
How do you prepare for the new school year? I’d love to hear your best tips and tricks!
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