As August rolls around, many of us mums find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of back to school preparations.
For me, I'm having to juggle the demands of the own business while simultaneously planning for a smooth transition into the new school year.
It's a time filled with good intentions, ambitious plans, and the hope of maintaining order amidst the chaos.
I've usually made myself an impossible to achieve to do list by now as well.
Even though I never quite get things perfect, there are several strategies that I try to do now in order to stay on top of things and ensure my family is well prepared for the upcoming academic year.
With three boys, even a bit of prep can make a BIG difference to our family come the start of school.
The Lunchbox Challenge
One of the most daunting tasks for any parent is the daily preparation of school lunches.
I always start Monday with good plans, maybe a meal plan on the fridge, but come Wednesday I'm scrabbling around for something to give them and am reaching for pre packaged snacks and uninspired sandwiches.
This year, let's break that cycle and set ourselves up for success with some clever meal prep strategies.
Batch Cooking: Your New Best Friend
Sundays can become your secret weapon in the battle against weekday madness.
I try to dedicate an hour or two to batch cooking and prepping, and you'll totally thank yourself all week long.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Cook staples like brown rice, pasta, tofu, and hard boiled eggs in bulk. These can form the base of quick and nutritious lunches throughout the week.
- Roast a variety of vegetables. They're perfect for adding to salads, wraps, or eating as is.
- Prepare seed and bean mixes. These add a satisfying crunch and protein boost to any meal. Great if you have kids who do loads of sports.
- Make a big batch of homemade granola. It's a healthier alternative to store bought cereals and can be enjoyed with yogurt or as a snack.
- Utilise your air fryer to make apple crisps – a sweet treat that's far healthier than processed snacks. If you have an apple tree in the garden this is a great way to use some of them up too.
- Bake a batch of seed crackers by mixing your favourite seeds with ground linseeds, forming into crackers, and baking until crisp.
By having these elements ready to go, you can quickly assemble varied and nutritious lunches throughout the week. Then you can mix and match to create bento style boxes, hearty salads, or more traditional sandwiches with exciting sides.
Boosting Nutrition and Immunity
As parents, we're always looking for ways to support our children's health, especially when they're exposed to the myriad of germs circulating in schools. When they go back to school and start mingling with the loads of other kids that's when the colds start up again.
I like to make sure I'm cooking healthy meals throughout August that are packed with prebiotics and probiotics. That way I know I'm giving them the best defence come September.
I'm also making sure we have stocked up on those immune boosting foods as well for future lunchboxes.
This is where Moocha Kombucha comes in as a secret weapon in your child's lunchbox.
By including a can of Moocha Kombucha in their lunch, you're providing your child with a daily dose of probiotics. These beneficial bacteria support gut health, which is increasingly recognized as crucial for overall wellbeing and immunity. It's an easy way to give them an extra shield against those nasty bugs that tend to make the rounds in classrooms.
Kombucha is also a fantastic alternative to sugary sodas or juices. It provides a refreshing, lightly effervescent drink that kids enjoy, without the sugar crash that comes with many other beverages. By making it a regular part of their lunchbox routine, you're not only supporting their health but also helping to establish good dietary habits that can last a lifetime.
Beyond the Lunchbox: Organising for Success
While nutrition is a crucial part of back to school prep, there are other areas where a little organization can go a long way:
Uniform Prep
Nothing starts the school year off on the wrong foot quite like realising your child's uniform doesn't fit or is missing crucial items. Take time in August to go through their wardrobe, replace outgrown items, and ensure you have everything needed for the first day back.
Once you've got all the necessary items, labelling is key. I love My Nametags, because they offer durable, easy to use labels that can save you countless headaches (and money) throughout the year. And they are washable stickers!!! No need for sewing.
A pro tip: Include your mobile number on the labels. This makes it much easier for lost items to find their way back to you.
Meal Planning Beyond Lunch
It's not just lunches that can benefit from some advance planning. Getting the slow cooker out and batch cooking dinners can be a lifesaver during busy school weeks. Follow accounts like @boredoflunch for inspiration and easy, family friendly recipes.
For those nights when cooking from scratch just isn't happening, having a freezer stocked with home cooked meals can be a life saver. I love to follow Lou Robbie @littleloucooks for inspiration on freezer-friendly meals that the whole family will love.
While we may not nail September with a completed to do list, with a bit of planning and the right tools in the cupboard I'm convinced we can manage it better this year in our house. I know I'm going to struggle to do all this, but even doing a few will definitely set me and my family up for a smoother, healthier school year.
Whether it's batch cooking on Sundays, stocking up on Moocha Kombucha for those essential probiotics, or simply labelling uniforms with a bit more forethought, every small step counts.
Some weeks will go according to plan, and others might feel like controlled chaos. That's okay!