Preparing Your Kids for Back-to-School

Can you believe that the summer is winding down and it’s time to get the kids ready for school? In some areas of the country, school is already back in session! August is dedicated to all things learning for Back-to-School Month.

Many schools are opening to full capacity, which means getting your child ready for a full day outside of the house. In the past few months, preparing your child for school was a little different since most kids would sign in from home. However, now that they are heading out of the house, you have to worry about their clothes, what they are going to eat and make sure all their homework is done. There are a few tips and tricks that you can try to streamline your mornings and make it easier for you and your kids to get out the door.

A big concern for many parents when they send their kids off to school is what their child is going to eat all day. When children are home, it’s a little easier to monitor what they are eating, however when they are out of the house you have little control of what they put in their bodies. That is why it is essential to instill healthy eating habits in them now before they go back to school.

Making Mornings Easier

There is nothing worse than the feeling of being rushed in the morning. Every morning can feel like a chaotic nightmare when you are not prepared. However, there are a few tips you can try to help make mornings easier:

Prepare the Night Before:Pack up lunches and make sure all the homework is done and in your child’s backpack the night before. Begin to prepare a breakfast that will need little time to complete in the morning or something that can easily be eaten on the go like overnight oats.

Be Consistent:There is nothing worse than when you’re about to head out the door and you can’t find your car keys. Keep important items like car keys in designated places and be consistent with keeping them there.

Wake Up Earlier: Try to wake up a little before your children so you have time to do what you need before focusing on them. Even ten minutes to yourself can make all the difference.

Checklist: Have a list, whether it be on your phone or on a whiteboard that lists all the things you and your children need to do before leaving the house i.e., making sure they have their lunchbox. Go over it twice to ensure that everything is done.

Teaching Healthy Habits

Sending your child off to school, especially for the first time, can be terrifying. You never know what your children are going to get into when away from home. A big concern for many parents is what their children are going to eat. Teaching healthy eating habits when they are home can help ensure they practice them outside of the home as well:

Model Behavior. Children learn through observation and modeling their behavior off you. Lead by example and show off your healthy habits. Create a well-balanced meal and show your satisfaction with eating vegetables and fruits.

Add New Foods. Add in a new vegetable or fruit weekly to expand your child’s palate.

Turn Off Distractions. Yes, that means turning off your cell phone and the television at the dinner table. Let your child see that when it’s mealtime, the focus should be on the food, not on the phone.

Set a Positive Tone. Don’t use mealtime as the opportunity to bring up negative emotions or feelings. Keep the conversation pleasant so that your child doesn’t associate mealtime with anxiety.

Back to school does not have to be a time of chaos. Take a deep breath and send your children off knowing they are prepared for whatever they face.

Your Turn to Action: What is your favorite back-to-school hack? Let me know in the comments below.