As we roll into the fall sports season, one of the hardest things to juggle is the family calendar.
Parents are running their kids all over the place to school, sports, music lessons, church activities, and trying to fit in fall family fun time.
The calendar is a mess of activities.
After the pandemic chaos, it makes sense that we all want to say yes to everything and get back into the swing of activities and routines.
It feels good to do that. Familiar.
But it can also be really hard to keep our kids healthy during this hectic time.
Since we are definitely parenting experts, take our advice — and the necessary steps to keep your kiddos in top shape this fall.
Help your future self with healthy food
This is not a post about how to meal prep 32 freezer meals in one Sunday afternoon. Those people deserve high praise. But we ain’t got time for that.
Think smaller.
What can you do to make sure that your kiddo has a healthy snack before rushing out the door to practice?
Maybe it’s getting into the habit of prepping all your fruits and veggies once you unload the groceries.
How many times has that super-healthy head of cauliflower stared you in the face? It is a lot of work to unwrap, wash, chop and portion the good stuff.
But it’s worth the effort now for future you who’s running out the door.
Peel and chop the cucumbers.
Separate the carrots into snack bags.
Dice up some raw broccoli.
Wash the grapes right away.
Pull apart the cheese sticks and yogurt containers.
Keep a few of those protein packs on hand, too — the cheese and meat are already diced, and the nuts give some great protein as well.
All of these items can be used for some quick nutrition.
If these easy-to-eat items are all ready to grab and go, the kiddos are much more likely to reach for them when they open the fridge.
For meals — utilize your slow cooker for busy nights.
Picture this: Both parents are going in opposite directions to soccer and hockey practices. Keeping some salsa chicken on warm means that no matter what time you’re home, there’s something healthy waiting for you.
Or, you can designate busy nights as leftover nights. The food is already in your fridge, and family members can reheat when they’re home.
Avoid the fast food drive-through lines at all times. Convenient food now means that your kid’s body will pay for it later. It’s not worth the empty calories just to “get something in their stomach.”
You’ll help those growing bodies avoid sickness with the proper nutrition they need to stay healthy.
Stick to a nightly routine
No matter what time you get home from practice or activities, try your best to keep a strict bedtime regime.
Avoid the blue lights of phones or TV up to two hours before bed. The blue light keeps your body awake and doesn’t allow the circadian rhythms of melatonin to release in its natural course.
Kids thrive on routine. The same 4 things happen every night: shower, teeth, books, and bathroom before lights out.
When they know that you’ll be firm with the routine every night, they are much more likely to go into autopilot mode to get to bed.
Good rest is vital to growing bodies.
Keep your kid’s room cool and dark, with limited opportunities for distractions (like favorite toys, TV, radio or gaming systems).
You can also try adding some calming essential oils or a white noise machine that signals the brain to wind down.
Share this blog and any other parent hacks you may have to help kids on busy weeknights on social media to help your fellow comrades — we’re all in this together!