There are so many terrific back-to-school (heh) guides out now that there's no sense trying to reinvent the wheel. I just thought I'd share a handful of things that make my life easier (and my kids happier) now that school's about to start.
Jelly Headbands. Easy for my 6-year-old to put on herself (after she brushes her own hair) and comfortable enough to wear all day. Her hair is wild and straw-like from all the swimming she's done this summer, but at least it's out of her face. Locally I source them at Honeys and Heroes. (My mom thinks it's a terrible name for a store, and yeah, okay, it is, but I prefer to think of the girls as the "heroes." They have a colorful selection of jelly headbands.)
Vans. Until my kids can tie their own laces (we're working on it), I refuse to put them in lace-up shoes. They wear slip-on tennies and Vans fit the bill. The shoes are well-made, the styles are abundant, and the price is right. To keep them clean, I give them a good spraying with moisture-/dirt-repellent spray before the first wearing.
Wrap-N-Mat. Genius. It's a washable
(air dry) sandwich wrapper than doubles as a place mat. Get a couple so
that you always have a dry one on hand. (And remind your little one to
bring it home.) Pair with a lunch box,cloth napkin, and a SIGG water
bottle you have yourself a waste-free, totally reusable lunch kit.
Timex Kids' Analog Watch.
This was Bunny's 6th birthday present from mamma and papa. We've been
working on telling time (at her request). Teaching time is hard, but
this helps. I like that it has the numbers as well as the 5-10-15-20 action, and cute little ticking flower second hand. Big kid time.
Smelly markers. Just cuz. Why not make art projects and homework happy?
Free To Be You And Me. I remember when my mom brought home the FTMYAM record and book. It totally changed my life. I listened to every story and song, and I swear to god it had an affect on the person I turned out to be. At a time of year when kids are transitioning and making new friends, there's nothing wrong with letting them know that they're okay just the way they are. We've been rockin out to the CD all summer. It is the most often requested CD when we get into the car. My girls sing a long, but I know there's more going on. It's still a reallyreally good album.
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Your turn. What cool back-to-school finds would you like to share?
