Going back to school after the holidays should be an exciting time. For some parents and children it can be a stressful time. As parents, you knew you had the entire holidays to sew on that button and soak the stains out of those uniforms; but where did that time go? It’s time to get back into the school schedule, the sleep-ins and lazy mornings are over. So here are a few tips to help you get back on track. The difference between kids being happy or unhappy with going back to school may all lie in the process that takes place in the lead up. If you are well organised for school then things will be a bit easier. How are your mornings – calm or chaotic?
Get the kids to play a part in the organisation process.
Prepare School Uniforms
Get the kids to go through their dresser drawers. Can they find their school socks, how many pairs do they have? You don’t want to hit the first week and all of a sudden the socks have gone missing. Check that the school shoes still fit? Do the uniforms still fit? Check that the school bags are nice and clean, packed with hats ready to go. Make a list of things that need to be purchased, check what time the school uniform shop is open in case you need to go in. Wash, iron and name or re-name all uniforms so you’re ready to go.
Planning Your Mornings
Work out the best time to get the kids up and out of bed. As parents you know your kids better than anyone else. What works for one child doesn’t always work for others. Some children can get ready for school in 20 minutes and others may need an hour. You need to work with them. If they need an hour in the morning then you may need to put them to bed a little earlier to allow for the time.
Breakfast Battle
Breakfast is not generally a kids’ favourite meal, and this is especially true when mornings are rushed on school days. The idea of having pancakes or bacon and eggs is really not an option for most families. So plan the night before. Have the table set the night before with your bowls, spoons, cups everything you can leave out. Give yourself as much time as you can. The calmer we parents can remain in the morning, the calmer our children will be. Calm children are more likely to be happy children. Talk to your children about what they would like for breakfast. Try to compromise with what is healthy and will give them as much energy as possible – as you have no idea how much if any of their lunch will get eaten.
Lunch Ideas
Talk to your children about what they like for lunch. Explain to them the balance of foods they need to provide their brains. You can share with them that the more good food their body gets the easier their brain will learn. So they need some fruit, some fibre, some calcium and they can have something yummy as well. A good variety each day will help it get eaten as they will be curious to what is in there.
Happy kids is all in the planning. So plan your mornings as much as you can. Plan your lunches and make some you can freeze and just pull out on those chaotic days. Remember not every day can run smoothly but the more organised you are, the easier it will be. Happy parents make happy children. Enjoy your children.
Cathy is a working mum of three and has found numerous ways to balance time and attention to her children, husband, friends and family.
In an effort to help others this site provides great healthy recipes for kids lunches to make an easy school lunch. HomemadeSchoolLunches.com gives you daily ideas for healthy lunches and healthy kids snacks.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice post with good tips for happy kids! Thanks for using my photo.
Meg
Thanks Meg for your nice comment, your photo was perfect.