Back to School Routine
Another school year is right around the corner...and even though this school year may start out a little different for our kids because of Covid-19, it doesn’t mean we all don’t need a little routine. So whether your family has decided to do school online, attend a classroom, or homeschool...lets start out the school year right!! We have a few suggestions to hopefully reverse the curse of 2020.
First thing you will want to do is sit down and have a family discussion about your expectations for the mornings and afternoons. Properly communicating and staying clear on what is important is key to creating a smooth back-to-school routine. Keep the family goals SMART. Specific, Measurable, Attainable (cause we all know 100% teeth brushing should be attainable) Relevant, and Time Based. Here are some of our tried and true tips that we hope will help make your morning a breeze!
Make your Bed
"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed." From the book "Make your Bed, Little Things that Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World" by Navy Seal Admiral William H. McRaven
Obviously we think Beddy's is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but really, zipping your bed is SO MUCH easier than "making" your bed. Bless their little hearts, but little kids have a really hard time making their beds with all the pulling and tucking required, they just don't know where to start or how to finish! With Beddy’s Zipper Bedding, making your bed is a breeze. This all in one bedding fits on your mattress like a fitted sheet and just zips up when it’s time to make the bed - even toddlers can make their bed with Beddy's! No more fighting with the kids (or adults, or spouses) to get the bed made. And the kiddos feel so accomplished as well. Having your bed made quickly and when asked is the perfect way to start the day off right!
Plan & Organize Weekly Outfits
Sunday afternoon while you’re folding laundry and catching up on reality TV, grab your children and have them pick out a week’s worth of clothes. By working together to choose clothing for the week, kids get a say in their outfits and mom or dad have the oversight. And be sure to think about more than just the basic clothing, think about jewelry, hair accessories, socks and undies. Then, to make the outfits accessible and organized, try using a shoe organizer. Put in each day’s outfit to it's own cubby and then each morning when it’s time to get ready, your child can just grab the outfit that’s already been set out and quickly get dressed. No more fighting, arguing or searching for the perfect outfit! Easy-peasy!
Fuel Your Morning
A hearty breakfast is a great way to jump start your kids in the morning and set them up to have a successful day. Try making a big batch of these breakfast burritos - they freeze great! In the morning the kids (or you) can pop them in the microwave and viola! Breakfast is served! A little planning ahead can really save time each morning. And all you really have to do is heat and then grab and go!
INGREDIENTS
1 pound pork sausage or bacon
Hasbrowns
1 green pepper, diced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
8 ounces mild or sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon butter
10 large eggs
Salt and pepper
8 large burrito-sized flour tortilla
Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pork sausage. Break it up as it cooks until it’s browned evenly. Transfer the cooked pork to a bowl.
Cook the vegetables: Add the hashbrown to the skillet used to cook the pork. Stirring regularly. Add the diced peppers and onions and continue to cook another few mins until the veggies soften. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the skillet from heat.
Scramble the eggs: In a separate nonstick skillet over low heat, add the butter. Whisk together the eggs in a medium bowl. Once the butter has melted, add eggs and cook until scrambled. Remove from heat.
Assemble burritos with your favorite toppings, have your kids help make their own!
Freeze the burritos: Transfer the foil-wrapped burritos to a large, freezer-safe, resealable plastic bag and freeze.
Reheat the burritos: Unwrap burrito from foil and microwave on high for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Pack Lunches the Night Before
Eliminate running around in the morning and looking for lunch boxes, or finding out that you are out of bread for sandwiches! Making lunches the night before takes one more stressor out of your morning routine. Want to make lunches even easier? After grocery shopping, immediately break up fruit, vegetables, chips into individual baggies. Not only does this help control portions, but making the lunch the night before couldn't be easier.
Plan Snacks
When your kids come home from school, try having a snack tray ready for the kids. Fill it with veggies, fruits, pretzels - you name it! And kids love dipping, so try including a fruit dip or ranch for their veggies. Again, portion control and setting out healthy options helps kids make good food choices. Our friend Annie has so many different fun ideas over on her Instagram feed. Check out @annie.hutchings for more ideas! And there's a bonus! Did you know your kids are more likely to talk about their day and what happened at school while they are eating? Yup, it's true.
Give some of these tips a try, and who knows, not only will it make your back to school routine easier, but it may even make both you AND the kids happier!
