Where did summer go? And, why did it have to go so fast? I can’t answer those questions, but I can provide some tips as your family prepares for the next school year.

School Tips

1. Most schools have policies on what and can’t be bought in lunchboxes and bags due to the growing number of food allergies in kids. Before you do your back to school food shopping trip, pick up a list of what is and isn’t allowed. In addition, familiarize yourself with the snack items on the allowed list that your child enjoys.

2. If your child has a food allergy, make sure the principal, teacher, school nurse, and cafeteria workers know about the allergy, and what to do if he or she has an allergic reaction.

3. If your child is buying lunch, check out the nutritional information of the lunch menu ahead of time. In addition, set up a special spot for lunch money in your house, perhaps next to the backpacks. This will prevent any last minute running around the house looking for a few dollars for lunch.

4. Some schools allow you to visit and have lunch with your child. However, there may be a very specific list of what you are allowed or not allowed to bring to your child for lunch.

5. Check out the school or classroom policy on birthday parties. Some schools still let parents bring in cupcakes for the kids, while others strictly prohibit anything sweet.

Home Tps:

1. If your child is very nervous about the first day of school, try having his or her favorite dinner on the first day.

2. Some kids are simply too excited and nervous to eat breakfast. However, it’s important for kids to have a little something at the very least.
Here are ideas aside from eggs, waffles, and the like:

a. Smoothies—store bought or homemade

b. Granola bars

c. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches (just make sure to keep these at
home, since peanut butter is often one of the banned food items for schools).

d. Bagels and cream cheese

e. Grilled cheese (it sounds funny, but if your child simply doesn’t feel like eating, often the grilled cheese can save the day. Serve with fresh fruit).

3. When possible, try eating dinner at the same time each week. Kids thrive on schedules and continuity, and it’s especially important when there are so many changes in their lives that first week of school.

4. Sometimes, eating together at the same time isn’t feasible. For families that are running in different directions after school and at dinner time, create a fun “message center.” Simple place a dry erase board near the dinner table. When one family member sits down for dinner, he or she can write a quick note about the school day, or simple just say hello. When the other family members have their dinner, they can enjoy the messages and write one of their own.

5. At night, place out items for breakfast, including plates, silverware, and any non refrigerated food. It really does save time and stress, especially if you oversleep.

Goood luck!