After an easy, breezy summer, it can be tough to get back into a stricter routine in September, but routines are not all bad. 😊 Children, especially those who face any extra challenges, thrive on predictable routines because they are reassuring. Also, if a certain task proves more difficult for your child, it can make it easier when it becomes part of their daily schedule. In our house, mornings are always a rushed time when we can use all the help we can get. 😉 If you too could use some helpful tips on that time of day, feel free to consult this morning routine checklist from our friends on the Jeffery Hale Community Services School Team. Whether your child is starting school for the first time or has been to school already, this super simple checklist can help get them ready for learning and reduce stress levels in your household.
Other routines may include bath before bedtime, having your child wash their hands each time they get home from daycare or school, brush their teeth before bed, or choose their clothes in the evening for the next day.
Something else that is always a struggle in our family is the never-ending question of what to eat. Whether it’s deciding what to have for supper or what to pack in lunches often causes strain in my house. While I admit that I have never been good at meal planning, this Guide to Meal Planning for Busy Families from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition gives me a big boost. If it can save me time and money in the end, I’m going to give it another go this fall. How about you? Even if you don’t go for all the aspects of meal planning, start with small things like having precut vegetables in the fridge for the week. I love this idea! Another thing you may like is batch cooking and freezing, which gives you several meals out of one cooking session. Also check out Canada’s Food Guide for some great freezer-friendly, kid-friendly, 30-minute or less and other meal ideas.
In case you need some inspiration for school lunches, here are some posts that gave me some motivation:
- From CIUSSS Public Health: Snacks for school, Snack idea sheet, and Water is the best choice!
- School lunches and snacks guide from Toronto Public Health
- 50 Easy and Nutritious School Lunch Ideas, by Sarah Remmer, Family Nutrition expert
Be sure to check the guidelines of your child’s school to see if they have any snack or lunch restrictions, such as no nuts or sweets, or only fruit, vegetables and cheese for snacks.
I hope to see some of you in person at VEQ’s Fall Fest happening on September 21 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is a wonderful community event for the whole family. There will be inflatable games, face painting, live performances by cultural groups, and much more.
Wishing you a smooth transition back into your September routine,
Jessica