Back to school Bliss or Back to School Blues?
Either way it’s a good idea to have a back to school survival kit.
Many busy moms are are not looking forward to the “back to school” rush for a variety of reasons.
What makes the “Back To School” season so chaotic and difficult?
As I shared yesterday with it being Tyler’s 1st day back to school, lots of changes need to be made to our routine and even our lifestyle!
~ busy mornings
~ after school chaos
~ car pools
~ bus schedules
~ breakfast ideas
~ lunch box ideas
~ after school snacks
~ new routines
~ homework
~ shopping for school supplies
~ shopping for new clothes
~ bed time
~ wake up time
~ new school commitments
~ organization
and the list goes on!
Well Tyler and I will be spending each day next week sharing a variety of tips and strategies we have in place to help you and your family successfully transition into the new school routine.
Just Leave A Comment Below this way Tyler and I will be sure your questions and concerns are covered so you can create the BEST Back To School bash yet!
Plus….5 Moms will be chosen in random Drawing next Wednesday, August 19th, to receive a FREE Lunch Box Makeover ebook Bonus authored by Tyler and me! Complete with simple and healthy lunch box recipes! Be sure to post your comment for a chance to win!!!
~ Your Friend and Coach,
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Tyler,
I would like to know how I can make school a fun experience for Carter. Every morning he tells me he hates school and doesn’t like to go. Any suggestions on how to make mornings fun and get him excited about learning?
I would also like to know your favorite winding down activity at night that helps you fall asleep.
And of course what are your favorite healthy breakfasts and lunches.
Thanks so much!
Denise
I will absolutely be looking forward to the upcoming posts from you and Tyler. As an entrepreneur and mom of the three best and busiest kids in the world, I welcome any and all suggestions. I really make it a priority to eat right, not only for myself, but for my family as well.
I truly enjoy all of your posts and videos. I even ordered my first shipment of Prograde thanks to you. I’m looking forward to starting it.
All the best – Kristina
I forgot to mention that I need specific tips on breakfast and lunchbox ideas. Tyler – how do I keep these new and interesting, while nutritious. I have one very healthy eater, and two picky ones. Thanks!
Oh, I am looking forward to hearing your tips & ideas. We homeschool & have gotten in a rut with breakfasts & lunch ideas. I’m looking forward to getting some new ideas for us!
We would love to hear your ideas on breakfast! We are stuck in a rut of oatmeal or ww toast with peanut butter. Although those both get eaten, we or maybe just mom, would like some variety!
Thanks bunches!
Keri
Leif (4 yrs)
Kale (18 mo)
I would love to hear about breakfast and lunch ideas! Right now my kids’ breakfasts are usually high carb/high sugar including frozen breakfast foods (waffles, Toaster Strudels, pancakes) and boxed cereals. They also eat light yogurts and turkey bacon. For lunch, Jif PB is a staple! We do use whole grain bread, so that is at least ONE supportive food!!! Ocassionally, they will ask for lunch meat such as ham or turkey. They typically also have some kind of fruit, a snack size bag of chips or pretzels and a 100 calorie dessert. Help! Lots of enriched foods here!
I am so looking forward to reading this as I do all your blogs! For me, I have two boys who will be starting grade one and kindergarten in September plus our third addition coming at Christmas! (and final!) So breakfast on the go and healthy lunches that have nice variety seem to be my struggle during the school year! Look forward to hearing your tips! thank you,
Sarah
Vancouver Island, BC
Hi Tyler,
I would love some good ideas for packing lunches and school snacks. What things do you like best?
Thanks,
Tracy
Holly and Tyler,
Do you have a favorite healthier cookie? That is the one thing my kids have missed the most–is mom not baking cookies every week! I would love to find a good alternative to that.
Thanks for doing this! It is always helpful to have new ideas of things that work for other people on busy mornings.
I have to make sure that I am up and ready at least 15 minutes before I wake up the kids so that I can have a cup of tea and give myself a chance to get my thoughts in line for the day. This helps tremendously, not only for myself, but also for this kids because then I am not so frazzled and have the tendency to yell at them!
I am very anxious, Tyler, to hear some of your favorite breakfasts and lunches! All 4 of my kids are good healthy eaters, but we might need some new ideas.
Thanks so much for all your help!
Brandi
Hey you two,
I am the one going back to school, so I am stressing a little over packing both our lunches in the morning,making myself a healty lunch for dinnertime and a good family supper (for the two of us since I’m a single mother). Is it good if I make a big batch of food on the weekend, freeze it and use it during the week…is that a good solution? Plus my son is starting to be very very fussy about his food, he won’t eat veggies (even chopped up very small so he can’t see them..well he does see them) and won’t eat chicken that’s not a chicken finger. the list goes on. He loves fruits and ceral but I know that it’s not enough. I just need extra tips on how to get him to eat and love it…because I do the exemple trick, I love healthy foods, he just tells me he’s too young for veggies!!
My oldest little boy will be going into second grade just like you Tyler! I have a 1.5 and 3 year old at home as well. I think we do well for breakfast with cereal, oatmeal, fruit and/or smoothies. Lunches are our issue. Thomas (7) doesn’t eat much at lunch, he’d much rather be talking to his friends, so I try and make the things he does eat packed full of nutrition in every bite…. but still something he’s willing to eat. Suggestions?
Also, usually because he hasn’t eaten much lunch he’s starving by the time school’s out and wants a meal instead of a snack… which makes dinner difficult.
Thanks for all of your tips, Holly! I would love some healthy and kid friendly breakfast ideas. I have two good eaters and one very picky eater who is only happy with pancakes or waffles. Or blue cheese! So any new options would be great! I, too, would love a healthy cookie recipe if you have one. Baking is something my girls and I love to do together but I don’t do it too often since I’m trying to avoid the sugar.
I really appreciate your blog!
Nelly
I love this idea, Holly! Thanks for sharing! We homeschool, but things are just as busy and hectic as I’m responsible for teaching 6+ hours a day, and have to fit running a business and household in around it. My two big issues during the school season are time management/avoiding distractions that take us off schedule, and morning motivation. When you don’t have to be at a brick and mortar school at a specific time it’s real easy to fall into the habit of sleeping in thereby throwing off the rest of the day. Any tips will be greatly appreciated
Hey again,
I just read Denise’s comment and I hadn’t thought to ask, but like her I’d like to know if you have any winding down activities for night time. I put Ethan in bed at 8 and he won’t stop until later then 10…I am exhausted!!
Holly and Tyler,
I appreciate you being willing to share your ideas with everyone. My son also started 2nd grade this week. He has to share the spotlight with his 2yr old sister and 1 month old brother at home. So, the after school routine is a bit difficult for him (snack, homework, dinner, bedtime) since the focus is split with his brother and sister. We would love to hear your ideas about making the after school to bedtime routine a bit smoother for him (and the rest of us).
Thanks!
Shellye
Hi Tyler & Holly!
I would like some recommendations on feeding a group of children looking for after school snacks. I have a 4 year old boy & and a 7 year old girl who usually bring 1 to 2 friends home with them after school. I need something quick, healthy, inexpensive, and fun to eat…any suggestions??? Thanks so much for your help! I appreciate it!
My daughter wants what she sees the other kids eating at school – chips, cookies, snack packs, juice boxes, etc. I try and keep it healthy but I struggle with her because she constantly asks and I know carrot sticks, grapes, cheese sticks and yogurt get boring. How can I make it healthy for my already overweight daughter so that she feels satisfied and isn’t constantly trying to make deals for her friends’ food??
Hello Holly & Tyler,
Thank you both so much for thinking of the rest of us out there.
Tyler how does your mom get you to eat helthy? By son who is just about to start the 5th grade only likes to snack on junk. WHat do you like to snack on that you think he might also enjoy ??
Hi Tyler and Holly!
My oldest daughter is starting preschool and gets done at 11:30. What is a healthy snack I could have ready for her to eat in the car on the way home? Also I think my two younger children are really going to miss her during the day. Do you have any ideas on how to help them cope with her being gone in the mornings? Thanks!
Sincerely,
Melanie, Hannah, Blake, and Grace
What a great idea! Thanks Tyler and Holly!
And Tyler! You are an author at such a young age! What fun!
With all the junk in the school lunches, I’d love to have some fresh, new and HEALTHY ideas to tuck into my kiddos’ lunch boxes! Oh, and having a good routine in place so that I have time to MAKE the healthy lunches, would be great too!
Lots of Love,
Jane
I would love some breakfast ideas! I am looking for great breakfasts that last until lunch! Thanks!
I’m looking forward to answers to all these questions. My problem is this: My daughter plays soccer twice a week after school. After school she eats a healthy snack while she does her homework, but on those nights by the time we get home from soccer practice it really is too late to cook and eat a regular dinner since she goes to sleep an hour and a half after we get home. Do you have any ideas for light dinners on the go that doesn’t involve restaurants or convenience foods that she can eat before soccer practice?
I am so looking forward to these tips as our household is about to get busy. I will look forward to receiving tips on getting ready in the morning for both my 10 year old (gr. 5) and 3 1/2 year old (Preschool). My little one takes about 10 mins to get out the door after we think she is already to go. So this ends up with us being late and not in the best of moods trying to get into the car.
Packing a lunch for my oldest is always daunting too as she is picky and we are a “peanut/nut” free school due to severe allergies at the school. So it is very difficult not to just pack the ol’ cheddar cheese wrap with occasional ham added. She occasionally likes pasta with cheese or tortelini for hot lunches but that is about it. She doesn’t like a lot of different kinds of lunch meat.
Then after school I would love to hear some after school snacks (peanutbutter could be included
) and then active activities for after school as well to get rid of “I’m bored now that I’m home from school”. And through all this I have to work around 2 other children that aren’t in our family 3 days/week. 
Thank you again Holly and Tyler for taking care of us and helping us out. This has come at a great time as we will be learning all this just before our kids go back to school.
Holly & Tyler,
Thank you so much for doing this special back to school series! I’m really looking forward to the lunch ideas.
Packing lunches is my biggest struggle. Only second to figuring out what to make for dinner.
It’s a challenge to make lunches & dinners with variety and foods my kids like.
I have three sons my oldest is going into Kindergarden in Sept. He always wants a mayo sandwich and cucumber slices for lunch. I want to know what’s a fun way to do his lunches so he’ll eat something else with more variety. Plus I want to know some simple and fun activities to do after school.
Thank you Holly and Tyler
Holly and Tyler,
I look forward to finding out some new ideas for packing a lunch box. I know that 11 year old daughter does not want to eat peanut butter and jelly all the time. She does not really like turkey sandwiches either. I am lucky though because she is not all that finicky.
Yes, I would love to get some lunch ideas. My husband and I reviewed the lunch menu from school and we refuse to have our kids eat deep fried, white flour, non-nutritious foods. So any meal ideas would be great. Some healthy snack ideas would be good as every one takes turn in bringing snacks for the whole class.
I know my kids do like veggies with dips, and thinking of making the dip with buttermilk and those little powder packs from hidden valley but, don’t know for sure how healthy are they? Will have to find out what’s in the powder. I did promise my kids that I would bake them some homemade whole wheat cookies or banana bread/muffins so at least they do get a little something, and this way I can control what’s in the ingredients. Variety is key, so any meal ideas for the kids would be greatly appreciated. Also, I’m so thankful for the protein powder, oat meal pancake recipe I got from an email you set out a while back, this is the only way I will eat pancakes. (Haven’t converted the family though). I just shared the recipe with my sister too. Thank you so much Holly, I thought I would have to give up eating pancakes and since the kids love them so much now I don’t have to feel left out.
I would like to know what kind of rewards you give yourselves for keeping to the schedule successfully, either each day or each week! What do you do to keep it fun and give yourself an insentive to keep on track?
Looking forward to next weeks tips!!!
Really looking forward to both of your tips/ideas! It is great that Tyler is so involved!
We would love to get some ideas for fun, healthy after school snacks(especially those that might satisfy my third grade son who will go from school, to homework, to football practice!) We would also welcome any lunch ideas for picky veggie/fruit eaters like my first grade daughter!
Thanks for all you do!
Hi Holly, my biggest obstacle and something I would love to know how to resolve is how to keep certain parts of the house organized (like the kitchen & living and play areas) so that I can keep my sanity, and run a more efficient household. With an almost toddling 10 month old, fitting in my FYM workouts, making time to make healthy meal plans n cook them too, and school activities, the household needs to be run as efficiently as possible in order for there to be time to do a lot of what we want to do. If there is clutter, toys, things laying around, they need to be put away first. And this is very time consuming! So what do I need to do to run a more efficient household?
Hi to both of you,
Tyler, I hope you enjoyed your first day of school. My son, Brandon goes to kindergarten in a few weeks and he really wants me to fix him his lunch to take to school. Any ideas would be helpful. Also would like some tips on a light breakfast since he usually isn’t hungry first thing in the morning.
Hey Tyler-
This question is for you:
“What do you wish your mom would let you do yourself?”
or “What does your mom let you do to help school days go smoother that you really like?”
I find myself running around trying to take care of whatever “needs” to be done – laying out clothes, luches, schedules, homework, afterschool snacks, daycare plans, sports practice gear, bedtime stuff, after school crafts….aaaaaaaaaaaaahhh. Lawrence (my son) is 8 now and reminds me frequently that he is not my “little man” anymore, but a big kid. What things should I turn over to him, and how do I do that so he’s excited by it?
Paperwork!!! How to keep up with it, organize things to save and study, etc. Also, any ideas for creative dips for veggies for lunch boxes would be great and for fun drinks that are not full of sugar (besides plain water)!!!
Hi Holly + Tyler,
My eldest starts school next year and I would love some brekkie ideas that will kickstart her day so she can power through the day and also healthy, filling ideas for her lunch box !!
Thanks, look forward to the tip next week.
Kayscha
Hi Holly,
My kids are 6 and 4 – the youngest is just starting full time school this year (we’re in the UK).
I would like tips on healthy snacks for the 2 when they come home from school, and also some fun play activity ideas for the bit between school time and tea time – especially indoor activities for when the weather gets cold/wet.
This will be the first year we have to do lunches and I’m excited and nervous. I want to make lunch fun and healthy. Cannot wait to see what you guys have for us.
Raquel
Holly and Tyler, so looking forward to reading your tips. My boys are not in school yet, but I’m hoping to find a way for a consistent wake up time and bed time. Right now it’s all over the place and I would love ideas on how to make this a routine. Also, my 3 year old always wants a little snack that he can have during his tv time. I’m looking for something that is not messy, yet healthy and easy for him to eat.
Thank you both soo much!
Miranda
Billy 3
Bo 10 mths
Holly & Tyler – I would like to know how to add more variety to my daughter’s lunch. She is a bit picky and ends up taking the same thing everyday and then after a month doesn’t want it anymore because she’s tired of it. She doesn’t like meat – except for chicken – and doesn’t like that pbj sandwiches get all soggy by lunch, etc.. Thanks!
I’m needing some quick and easy morning meals to start the day off right for the kids.
Thanks!
Hi Holly and Tyler!!
Thank you for the idea of a survival kit to those of us that can’t quite survive the school year. I have a picky 6 year old daughter that has extremely long days. She has to be up at 5:45am and off to the bus at 6:30 then doesn’t get home until 4:30! That is a lot of time between meals and as of right now she eats every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. So if you could help me with ideas on how to feed her a healthy–filling–lasting breakfasts that can be fixed quickly and ‘after-school’ snacks that she could eat on the way home that would be awesome!! I know if I have her mind and tummy fed she will be much more willing to hit the books and do what is expected of her…but I’m going to need help from the one that is a first grade expert.
Thank you for your ideas!!
Desiree
Hiya Holly & Tyler
First of all, I am happy to hear that you/Tyler are having a nice second-grade teacher.
Tyler, I would like to know your ideas on how you can help yourself (and your mom) now that you are back to school again.
Is there anything you would like to change, improve or do away with?
Holly, I am looking forward to reading your food ideas/tips!
Thanks.
Thanks for putting this together Tyler and Holly. What a great idea! We have a one child going to school for the first time and we want to make sure that she is eating well and healthy at school and at home, but are afraid she’ll want what the other kids are eating. We look forward to reading your suggestions to get her on the right track for eating and learning!
Tyler, I would like to hear your suggestions for what children, including a little 2 year old, should do while their Mom makes supper. My older boys tend to be a little cranky and tired after school while I make supper, and I don’t like breaking up fights all the time. Do you help your Mom make supper? Also, I was wondering, what is your favourite vegetable to have at supper.
Thanks!
From Angela, Caleb, Joshua, Andrew, Natalee & Wyatt
Thanks, Holly & Tyler!
My biggest challenge is after school snacks. We live in Northern Thailand and don’t have access to a lot of Western foods (which is not a totally bad thing!). But I do miss the convenience of string cheese, cottage cheese, etc. for a quick and healthy snack. I need protein ideas beyond almonds and peanut butter!
Thanks!
Holly and Tyeler, I sincerely hope your first day was successful. It can be scary for all involved, but an adventure that needs to be had to grow.
What I would most like to see goes along with many others here – lunches. My kids have not been raised on the best of foods, but in the past year I have really been trying to make changes. My husband and kids are often not easy to change, but still I try. Anyway, my kids always want pbj, chips, and a snack. They don’t have a way to keep things cold. I would really like to find out more lunch ideas. Thanks for any help in upcoming stuff.
Hi Holly and Tyler! Tyler I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful young man you are. You should be proud of yourself. My son (almost 7) has celiac disease and can’t have any gluten. Last year was our first year of packing a lunch for him everyday. Holly, I was wondering if you could help me with some gluten free lunch ideas. I worry about him getting enough fiber as a lot of celiacs do. This may be a wonderful way for Tyler to learn a little about the disease or any “special” diet since he may encounter it at school with another child. Thank you Tyler and Holly for all you do!
Thank you Tyler and Holly for offering to help. Dylan and I need ideas for changing up his lunch once in awhile. He makes his lunch mostly himself the night before and doesn’t always know what else to make. He tends to make his go to lunch almost everyday, tuna sandwich, yogurt, granola bar, and has trouble thinking of other things. He was at a peanut-free elementary school and stills wants to follow that recommendation for the students that have that problem, so peanut butter is not an option. Enjoy your weekend. Thanks again.
I know many moms who are thrilled when their children go back to school….but not me. I love having my children home. Even though I work 3 days, I love knowing that they are just a phone call away. I also love having breakfast with the kids every morning during summer break. Breakfast during school year is crazy at our house. Holly and Tyler, I would love for you to share some of your ideas on how I can still have healthy breakfast, that can be prepared and eaten in less than 30 minutes. Your help is appreciated. Also lunches that do not include sandwiches (my kids hate sandwiches). Thanks.
Geeze Tyler! You have loooooaads of comments!!! Hey I have a bit of a difficult question for you!! I am looking for ideas for healthy morning teas and lunches for my girls to take to school. They get teased all the time for only getting healthy food when all their friends get junk! (hard boiled eggs and tuna seems to be smelly LOL) They know why they are not allowed junk but it doesn’t stop them from feeling like they are missing out and they get upset about it! They are not keen on sandwiches much either, but are adventurous eaters at home. They are allowed some treats at the weekend but not at school. Hey I know you are a super smart boy with lots of ideas about healthy food so I am sure you will be able to come up with some great ideas for me. Thank you both for this, it’s a wonderful idea!!!!