Fall can be hectic, as families get back into the swing of busy lives. Consider ways to prepare for the changes ahead and avoid stress and illness. With these simple measures, fall can also be a good time to renew commitments to a healthier family and lifestyle.
Remember to pack a nutritious lunch that includes all of the food groups which can help build strength and reduce stress.
Five tips for packing healthy lunches
- On the weekend, plan school lunches with your kids for the week ahead. Try to include three of the four food groups in every lunch.
- Stock up on healthy grab-and-go foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grain pita pockets, yogurt, and hard-boiled eggs.
- Use dinner leftovers to make quick and easy lunches the following day.
- Prep as much of the lunch as you can the night before. Spend a few extra minutes when preparing dinner to cut up extra veggies and fruit for tomorrow’s lunch.
- Get the kids involved. Let them plan the menu, write the grocery list, shop for food, and make the lunches… with your help of course! Kids who help make and pack their lunch are more likely to eat it too.
Need some menu ideas for lunch?
Tips to help kids adjust:
- Children thrive on routine and schedules, but adapting to change and being flexible is an important life lesson. Exposing your child to change early will help them handle it more effectively through-out their development.
- Figure out what needs to change. Can you all wake up at the same time, or do you need an extra half-hour? Can the children keep the same bedtimes, or do they need to get to sleep earlier because they will be getting up earlier? Discuss changes in after-school routines, extra-curricular activities and playtime as a family. When everyone is involved in the process, changes will be accepted more readily.
- Get an early start. Do not wait until the day before school begins to walk through new routines. Try some test runs beforehand. How long will it take to walk or drive to school? Can they ride their bikes? Encourage kids to prepare their homework, clothing and sports gear before they go to bed, rather than rush around in the morning.
- Post it! Put up a new calendar on the fridge, so everyone can get familiar with new schedules and routines.
- Project positivity. If you are anxious about your new routine, chances are your children will pick up on it and feel the same way. So be enthusiastic; if you are excited and confident, your kids will be too.
- Plan play dates in your local park so your child can make new friends. If your kids are older, consider making this the year they are old enough to stay at home alone after school.
- Do not forget fun! Set aside time one night a week or one weekend day for a family activity, preferably something active and outdoors. Ask kids for ideas and keep a list on the fridge so everyone has something to look forward to.
For additional assistance with change, stress and tips for building your resiliency, get in touch with your EFAP at workhealthlife.com or 1.866.833.7690.