September marks the start of a new school year, new classrooms, new teachers, new routines and of course, the return of those busy school mornings!
For parents, getting everyone ready and out the door on time can sometimes feel like a challenge. From re-establishing bedtime routines to preparing school bags and lunchboxes, there is plenty to organise. The good news is that a little preparation can go a long way towards making the transition smoother for the whole family.
Getting Back Into a Routine
After the relaxed pace of the summer holidays, getting children back into a regular routine can take a little time.
A few days before school starts, gradually bringing bedtime and wake-up times closer to the school schedule can help children adjust. Preparing school clothes, bags and other essentials the night before can also take some pressure off those busy mornings.
And don’t forget breakfast! Starting the day with a good breakfast can help set the tone for the morning and means one less thing to worry about once the school bell rings.
Making Lunchboxes Easier
For many parents, preparing school lunches and snacks is one of the daily challenges of the school year. Finding options that children enjoy, while also keeping things varied can quickly become repetitive.
This is where having a selection of convenient, child-friendly snacks on hand can make a difference.
Through What’s Instore, M&Z’s online shopping platform, parents can find a range of Kids’ snacks suitable for little ones and school lunchboxes. The selection includes popular brands such as Organix, BEAR, Ella’s Kitchen and Kiddylicious, with options ranging from fruit snacks and oat bars to rice cakes and other tasty lunchbox treats.
There is also a convenient School Bundle, bringing together a selection of kids’ favourites including fruit, fruit bakes, melty snacks and biscuits a simple option for parents looking to stock up for the school term.
A Little Variety Goes a Long Way
Keeping lunchboxes interesting doesn’t necessarily mean making something completely different every day. Rotating a few different snack options throughout the week can help keep things varied while making shopping and preparation easier.
For example, fruit-based snacks can be alternated with oat bars, rice cakes or other age-appropriate options. Getting children involved by letting them choose between two or three suitable snacks can also make them feel part of the process and may even make them more excited about opening their lunchbox at school!
Of course, children’s nutritional needs vary according to their age and individual circumstances, so parents should always choose foods that are appropriate for their child.
Don’t Forget the Essentials
Back-to-school preparation isn’t just about stationery and lunchboxes. Water bottles, school bags, comfortable shoes and all those little everyday essentials can make a big difference to a child’s school day.
Creating a simple checklist before the start of term can help make sure nothing gets forgotten. Even better, encourage older children to take responsibility for some of their own preparations, packing their school bag or choosing their lunchbox snack, for example.
Making the First Weeks a Little Easier
The return to school is a big adjustment for the whole family, so there’s no need to aim for perfection from day one.
A little planning, a familiar routine and having some convenient lunchbox options ready to go can help make those first few weeks feel much more manageable.
And once the school bags are packed, the uniforms are ready and the snacks are sorted, there’s only one thing left to do: enjoy the start of another exciting school year!
Looking for inspiration for your next school shop?
Discover the Kids’ range and school-friendly snacks available online at What’s Instore, M&Z’s online shopping destination.