BACK TO SCHOOL HACKS, LUNCHES + MORE!
Back to school is so bitter-sweet. We love summertime in Vermont. The season is so short, so we try to soak in every second of sunshine and warmth. But there is a special excitement that comes with the start of a new school year. Our kids thrive on structure, routine, and learning. School fills so many buckets for them.
Don’t get me wrong, there are many things I dread- like making lunches and the morning wild card (you know- the things like cutting breakfast in the wrong shape, using the green cup instead of blue…).
One thing that we can all agree on is that mornings are chaos when it comes to getting out the door for school. I have put together a list of my favorite back to school hacks. Some are things I have been doing for a few years, while others we will be trying for the first time this year.
Morning Routine
When it comes to morning routine and getting ready for school, it’s important to give yourself and your child enough time and to be FLEXIBLE. Give yourself grace if your routine doesn’t go to plan.
My kids work best with a routine. Even if it means just checking 3 simple things off before heading out the door. Usually these consist of 1. Brush Teeth 2. Get Dressed 3. Eat Breakfast.
Breakfast is always hit or miss to be honest. Some mornings they love the full ordeal, eggs & sausage. Other mornings they don’t want to eat, but I can usually get away with making them a smoothie- who doesn’t love a fruit smoothie?!
One thing that they DO LOVE is taking their vitamin. Which I am always grateful for because if all else fails (which it does), I at least know they’ve got their vitamins in! Our ride or die vitamins are These hiya Kids Multivitamins.
What I love about hiya -
ZERO Sugar (sweetened with monk fruit)
You only have to take ONE vitamin (unlike other brands like Smarty Pants, 4 gummies a day)
Refillable glass bottle (comes with the cutest stickers to customize your kids’ bottle)
30-day supply arrives fresh to your door in a no-plastic refill pouch
50% off first order!
Lunches Made Easy
Been doing this one for two years- ALWAYS make lunches the night before. Have your kids participate. An easy way to kill some time in the evenings. Leftovers make GREAT lunches. When you’re cleaning up dinner, just throw a few leftover in your lunch containers/boxes at the same time!
I have found that if my kids help make their lunches, they’re more likely to eat it. (We use THESE silicone bags to pack loose snack like crackers, goldfish, veggie straws)
Lunch Box thoughts –
Bento style lunch boxes are the best! (We use both of these bento style boxes – This Bentgo Kids and this MISS BIG Lunch Box)
Use reusable “Ziplock” style bags (We use These BPA Free Reusable Storage Bags)
In the long run, these can definitely save you money if you do pack your own lunch and go with a bento style box! From no zip lock bags to also no prepackaged food- do grapes, snap peas, cheese, nuts rather than prepackaged granola bars, chips, cookies etc
We use both of these bento style boxes – This Bentgo Kids and this MISS BIG Lunch Box. The Bentgo has a little more insulation and durability for on-the-go. The MISS BIG lunch box is less expensive, more spacious, and lighter in weight. Both options fit in a standard lunchbox.
