Once School Begins
Stay on Schedule
Make sure your children get the proper amount of sleep each night. Cranky, overtired children will add stress to your already-hectic morning routine.
Prep the Night Before
The key to smooth mornings can be putting in the proper amount of preparation the night before. Pack lunches, pick out clothing, ready backpacks—anything that can be done the night before, do it. This will help to avoid any last-minute scampers around the house searching for lost homework or missing lunches.
Morning Meal Ideas
Make sure to have plenty of healthy, simple, and delicious breakfast options ready for the kids in the morning. Try preparing raspberry protein smoothies the night before or having plenty of fresh fruit, granola bars, or yogurt on hand.
After-School Snack Attack
It's 3 p.m.—do you know where your children are? Probably headed to the closest kitchen in search of an after-school snack. Try whipping up some Chewy Popcorn Bars or Popcorn Trail Mix to satisfy their growling tummies. No time to cook? Keep your pantry stocked with kid-friendly staples such as new Chef Boyardee® Mac 'n Cheese, Hunt's® Snack Pack, or Crunch 'n Munch®.
Do Dinner (and a Book or a Movie)
Make a point each night to get together as a family and eat dinner. Try Buffalo-Style Chicken Tenders or maybe Cool and Easy Gazpacho. For dessert, try preparing a Fresh Fruit Custard Tart. Everyone can talk about their days—the good, the bad, the ugly. It doesn't matter what topic of conversation, the point of dinner together to get in some quality family time. If everyone is up for it, try gathering together to read a book, play a game, or watch a movie together—to get even more precious family time.
