Whether simply getting back into the swing of routines or starting at a new school, many families find this time of year challenging. To help ease this stress, parents can implement simple lifestyle adjustments and preparation techniques to tackle the year as best as they can.

 

Follow these tips:

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1. Start bedtime routines earlier. Sending kids to bed half an hour earlier than they’re used to in the summertime is a must to get their bodies adjusted for the upcoming busy school days. Begin to switch up the bedtime routine around one week prior to the first day of school for a seamless transition. For children who find it hard to fall asleep earlier or have trouble adapting to new sleep patterns, giving them a dose of melatonin that is specially formulated for kids may do the trick. I like L’il Critters Melatonin, a gummy supplement designed to work naturally with children’s bodies to help regulate sleep cycles.

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2. Shop smarter for school supplies. According to KSAT, the industry expects a family with kids in kindergarten through 12th grade to spend an average of $864 for back-to-school needs. With prices of school supplies up 3.7%, it’s important to keep in mind which items are truly necessary to fill your child’s book bag. When navigating the school supply aisles, I recommend only splurging where you need to, sticking to your list, and spreading out your purchases. If your child is not working on larger projects until later in the quarter, start setting aside some money for those necessary supplies down the road.

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3. Label your child's school supplies, lunchbox, backpack, and jackets to help prevent these items from getting lost.  Consider labeling item tags using permanent markers or a label maker, so children can easily identify what belongs to them.

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4. Make sure to wash new clothing. Washing new clothes before allowing your children to wear them is essential. Not only do clothing items accumulate bacteria sitting on the store rack or through shipping, but many materials like nylon and polyester contain dyes and other harsh irritants that can trigger adverse reactions. Avoid flare-ups by using a sensitive skin detergent that is hypoallergenic and free of dyes, like Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear Detergent. An effective stain remover is also a must, as children regularly return home with a litany of unknown stains from the lunchroom and recess. OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover can be paired with detergent to keep clothes looking good as new without leaving any stain traces.

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5. Keep the immune system boosted. Between cafeteria trays, classroom supplies, door handles, and more, it’s inevitable that children carry and spread germs at school. In fact, school children contract on average six to eight colds per year, with daycare children contracting more than children who do not attend daycare. Adding vitamins into a morning routine before your child heads out the door can give parents and kids alike the immune system boost that they need this school year. For parents, I recommend implementing the vitafusion Multi + Immune Support into your routine, which is a daily multivitamin and includes Vitamin C and 500 mcg of Zinc for immune support. Children can take L’il Critters Gummy Vites, which parents can trust to provide kids with essential vitamins and minerals when heading back to school.

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In addition, teach your children to avoid touching their face and to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer frequently. 

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6. Ensure your child knows important personal information like your home address, phone number and any medical allergies.