How to get back to school without going crazy! Back to School Tips

We head back to school on Monday, can you believe the summer is over and another school year has begun?!?! I thought to kick off this school year I'd post a few tips that make it easier to get back into the school routine.

•  Implement an earlier bedtime the week before school begins to get the kids in the habit. Sleep is SO important for growing kids, their bodies need the rest. In our house school night bed times are 8/8:30pm, staying up late is a reward they look forward to on the weekends if they obey bedtime rules during the week.
• It is easier to get things accomplished the night before school rather than going crazy the morning of!
• Lay out their clothes the night before - all the way down to their socks and shoes (avoid searching the morning of for a missing shoe! And don't let them change it the morning of. I suggest getting a hanging Monday through Friday clothing rack from the store and actually laying out all the clothing they for the week on Sunday night!
• Put all homework and notebooks into their backpacks the night before. I usually toss them in the car so we don't forget in the morning.
• Have the kids take their showers/baths the night before. We are not morning people and this allows us more time to sleep in :)
• On the mornings that just don't seem to be flowing, don't skip breakfast completely. Make a quick smoothie with fruit and yogurt before you dash out the door.
• Pack lunches and prepare after school snacks the night before.  Got a picky eater? Want to feed them more then just PB&Js all year? Involve your child in choosing the menu, kids are more likely to eat food that they have selected themselves. They are also more apt to grab a notorious snack when they are easily available. Keep sliced carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumber sticks, apple wedges, crackers, cheese, ranch salad dressing, etc within in reach after school to avoid munching down on junk.
• *Lunch is just as important as breakfast since its nutrients can help kids to maintain a feeling of well-being throughout the day. Children who eat processed foods and sugars for lunch may: have a harder time maintaining the rigors of the school day, lose concentration, and feel sluggish during the afternoon.

 Good Luck and have a Safe and Happy New School Year 20011/2012!!!
~Tina