Back to School: Stress-less Mornings

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Did you get up extra early on the first day of school, have everything planned out and still found yourself rushing out the door with kids in tow? Even the best planned mornings can go awry but they can be less stressful. Here are tips from the experts - parents:

1) On Sundays, have a snack packing party with the kids - pack snacks for the week in small tupperware containers.

2) Remember to BREATHE!

3) For younger kids, have a visual chart that helps them get organized in the morning: take photos of the kids during their morning routine, then clip photos onto a posterboard.  It’s much easier to say, “What do you have to do to get ready now?” than “How many times do I have to tell you to brush your teeth?”

4) If you know you’re going to be late, accept it. Stressing by thinking it about it isn’t going to change the situation. Ask yourself: What’s the worst consequence of being late today?

5) BREATHE again, because when we get anxious we tend to hold our breath thereby increasing our stress.

Summertime refreshment

Flavored waters have become a supermarket staple. But what about making your own for a fraction of the cost? Summertime calls for all kinds of creations.  Simply pour water into a pitcher, add the flavorful ingredients, let sit overnight in the refrigerator, and serve over ice in a glass at home or on the road in a water bottle. Some our household favorites include:

• Cucumber basil water - add cucumber slices and a few basil leaves
• Agua fresca - add slightly crushed strawberries and watermelon cubes; mint leaves and simple syrup if desired
• Citrus refresher - add lemon and orange slices
• Berry - add slightly crushed blackberries and a sprig of rosemary

What water will you create?