Modern Australian

Tips for easing your family into back to school mode and routine

  • Written by Candice Meisels


Leading Experts share their tips for planning dinner and school lunch. Plus the all important after school routine!

Parents around Australia are officially dancing. Most schools have gone back and Term 1 of 2018 is officially underway.

Here are Tips from leading experts for you to pick and choose from to help parents get organised this School Year.

Plan Dinners and School Lunch:



Meal Planning Experts, Mums and Chef, Jen Petrovic and Gaby Chapman, created Plan Buy Cook, to help parents:

Meal Plan to save up to $2500 per year for a family of four. Meal Plan to ensure that you only shop once per week. This saves time and money.

By meal planning you avoid food waste from purchasing too much food or the wrong items. Eat more healthy and varied meals. No last minute meals or grabbing less healthy, quick options or take away.

Gaby and Jen's Tips for preparing the family dinner and school/work lunches:

  1. Plan your meals around your busy nights and less busy nights.  Use a tool like PlanBuyCook’s iPhone and iPad app [appstore.com/planbuycook] to make it easy.
  2. Do one big shop so you have all the food you need for the week in the house.
  3. Get a great start to the day with a nutritious, filling breakfast.
  4. Incorporate a few serves of vegetables into the lunchbox.
  5. Bake some lunchbox fillers in bulk and freeze them. Muffins, muesli bars and savoury scrolls work well.
  6. Cook freezable meals and double the portions to store extra meals for busy nights down the track.
  7. Marinate some meat when you get home from shopping rather than freezing it straight away.


After school routine to get your child back into the swing of things after the holidays.


 
“Travel and holiday hangover” can be avoided by returning to a structured routine as soon as possible. Cheryl Fingleson, The Sleep Coach, shares her steps for a stress-free bedtime routine.
 
Ensure that the step-by-step routine is consistent. Children need to know what is coming next.
 
Draw a visual routine guide or put up a written chart for kids that can read.
 
Afternoon Tea
 
Outdoor Play releases Melatonin
Encourage outside play so that kids can get some natural melatonin and get rid of that last bit of energy.
 
Homework if your child is at school.
 
No TV or screens 30-60 minutes before bed time.
If you want your child to watch TV or the iPad, a good time is before dinner (after they play outside) or between dinner and bath time

Dinner. Younger children should eat between 5pm and 5:30pm if possible. Older children and kids being collected later from daycare can eat around 6:30pm.
 
Bath or Shower
 
Quiet Play- puzzles, quiet games, drawing, colouring book 

Brush Teeth, Drink Water and go to the toilet before going into the bedroom for bed time. Anything that can be requested at bed time needs to be done before entering the bedroom.
 
Go into the bedroom and read ONE bed time story.

Kiss goodnight. Lights out.


A night light is fine as long as it is dull.

Bulk Liquid Storage Tanks: Essential Solutions for Modern Industry

In industries where managing large quantities of liquids is a daily requirement, bulk liquid storage tanks play a vital role. These tanks are desi...

Bistro Blinds for Seasonal Changes: Adapting Your Outdoor Space

Bistro blinds are outdoor designs that can be adapted for seasonal changes. They warm up the environment by making it wind-free, wet-free, and sun...

Advantages of Using Digital Printing Services

The demand for quick, efficient, and high-quality printing solutions has seen remarkable growth in our modern, fast-paced world. This increasing nee...

Benefits of Professional Strata Management

Navigating the complexities of strata management can be a daunting endeavor for any strata property owner or committee member. Strata management inv...

The Hidden Benefits of Bundling Utilities with Moving Services

Moving can feel overwhelming with so many things to juggle. Hiring a moving company in Brisbane helps make it easier, but did you know you can make it...

Family Mediation: The Path to Resolution, Healing, and Lasting Solutions

In an era where family challenges are often met with emotional and financial strain, family mediation has quietly gained traction as a life-changing...

Surprise Party Ideas That Will Leave Your Guests Speechless

Throwing a surprise party is one of the most exciting ways to celebrate a special occasion. The thrill of keeping it a secret combined with the joy ...

“North of the River” Vs “Over the Bridge” – What’s in Brisbane’s ongoing North Vs South Feuds?

Greater Brisbane Australia’s largest capital city by land area, coming in at 15,824 square kilometers, and ranks number three worldwide. It has Au...

Income Stream Integration: 7 Ways to Earn Money Through Your Website

Whether you sell Vietnamese coffee, review Japanese gadgets, or rent Melbourne self storage, your website is more than just an online presence—it...

Top 10 Benefits of Practicing Taekwondo for All Ages

Taekwondo is more than just a martial art; it’s a way of life that offers profound physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Whether you're a chil...

Plasterboarding and Ceiling Repair: The PlasterX Advantage for Long-Lasting Results

Contacting professionals who are well-versed in the nuances of the task is essential to preventing headaches during plastering ceiling repair work. ...

Snake Catcher’s Life-Saving Advice: What to Do When You Encounter a Snake

Australia is home to some of the most venomous snakes in the world, and if you live here, you're already well aware of how dangerous these creatures...

The Best Dumplings in Melbourne

Melbourne offers the best dumplings in the world, with variety of tastes and styles. The perfect dumpling is boiled, fried, or steamed - the best ...

The Ultimate Guide to Daily Dental Hygiene: Tips for a Healthy Smile

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. While regular visits to your dentist are important, establishi...

Mixing Vintage and Modern: How to Create a Timeless Interior

Achieving a timeless interior that blends both vintage charm and modern sophistication can transform any home into a stylish, curated space. When do...

Sugar-Free Chocolate Treats: A Guilt-Free Indulgence

People are very conscious about their health and sugar-free chocolates are becoming a popular option. This is a delicious and very satisfying option...

The Most Scenic Sailing Destinations in Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are home to some of the world’s most breathtaking sailing destinations. With vast coastlines, pristine waters, and diver...

How Portable Cool Rooms Can Enhance Event Catering: The Perfect Solution for Outdoor Events

If you are holding an event outdoors, then there should be quality food; otherwise, a well-planned outdoor event will not be successful. Because c...

LIFE STYLE

Benefits of Professional Strata Management

Navigating the complexities of strata management can be a daunting endeavor for any strata property owner or committee member. Strata management involves a wealth of responsibilities, from legal obligations to...

Family Mediation: The Path to Resolution, Healing, and Lasting Solutions

In an era where family challenges are often met with emotional and financial strain, family mediation has quietly gained traction as a life-changing alternative to traditional legal proceedings. Rather than...

Plasterboarding and Ceiling Repair: The PlasterX Advantage for Long-Lasting Results

Contacting professionals who are well-versed in the nuances of the task is essential to preventing headaches during plastering ceiling repair work. Saving time and effort is one of the apparent...

Snake Catcher’s Life-Saving Advice: What to Do When You Encounter a Snake

Australia is home to some of the most venomous snakes in the world, and if you live here, you're already well aware of how dangerous these creatures can be. But...

Mixing Vintage and Modern: How to Create a Timeless Interior

Achieving a timeless interior that blends both vintage charm and modern sophistication can transform any home into a stylish, curated space. When done right, the fusion of old and new...

Entertain Yourself: 25 Activities for Me-Time Fun

In our fast-paced world, carving out time for yourself is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in life. Whether it's a well-deserved break from work, a chance to unwind after...