START THE FALL OFF RIGHT
With school back in session, fall activities gearing up, and the holidays (YIKES!) only a few calendar pages away, the start of fall can be a hectic time for many households, especially those with multiple children.
SLEEP MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE
Ever dealt with a cranky sleep-deprived people? Nobody in your house wants to deal with that, not the kids and certainly not the parents. Best way to solve that problem? Get everyone to bed on time.
A sleep chart with recommendations on the amount of sleep a child needs based on age went viral this past summer, but the best indicator will always be the individual. If you’re cranky at being woken up at 6 a.m., get in bed earlier in the evening. Experimentation may be needed here, so use your best judgment in enforcing bedtime.
BREAKFAST IS GOOD
It’s cliché to claim that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, it’s cliché because it happens to be true. Get everyone eating right with fruit, grains, protein, and toast, and if the notion of making all that at 6 a.m. sounds impossible, try prepping the food the night before.
And if you’ve got concerns about your kids being exposed to food allergies at their school, check with school staff about the meals prepped in the cafeteria.
WASH THOSE HANDS
Weather changes signals the onset of sickness, no two ways about it. For preventative measures, you can’t beat washing hands and getting a flu shot. Everyone should wash their hands or use hand sanitizers before meal times, and a flu shot can lessen the odds of catching whatever form of the flu will be floating around this year.
STAY HOME WHEN SICK
If you do get sick, stay home. It’s better for you to rest than to try and power through those assignments and projects. Plus, your classmates or coworkers will appreciate not being exposed to your coughing and sneezing for a few days.
BEAT THE HEAT
Yes, school is back in session and football is officially underway, but fall doesn’t officially start until September 22. Until then, we’re still in summer, so make sure nobody has to deal with heatstroke. Drink water, wear sunscreen, get under cover, and be smart about the heat.