As your busy little bees start preparing for the beginning of a whole new school year, it seems as though there is a huge list of things that have to get done, but are not really fun. Here are a few things that will put a smile on both your and their faces… and make back to school a much more enjoyable experience!

Jazz it up! Instead of buying a new lunchbox and pencil case, try decorating last year’s! Give it a whole new look. Start by taking a trip to your nearest arts and crafts supply store and picking up some glitter glue or fabric paint along with other decorations. Spend an afternoon transforming last years boring lunchbox in to this year’s super cool, uniquely self-decorated lunch box. It will be different to everyone else’s, and you will have less trouble finding it amongst all of the others!!

Mighty muffins!  Reduce the morning breakfast chaos by making a variety of muffins in advance and then freezing them. Of course, everyone has a favourite. Below I have included my favourite oatmeal muffin recipe.  It is from a cook book that I worked on with cookbook author Norene Gilletz (Norene’s Healthy Kitchen). The recipes calls for ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins, but you can substitute that for a ½ cup of your family’s favourite add-in (see notes below for ideas). If you are not an experienced baker and would prefer, you can purchase a muffin mix from the store. I would recommend an oatmeal or an all-purpose mix. These two will taste great with any additions.

Double Oats Cranberry Muffins
You will need:
1 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
¾ cup rolled oats
¼ cup oat bran cereal
1 ¼ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon (I use 2-3 tsp…my kids love cinnamon!!!)
1 large egg (or 2 egg whites)
1/3 cup canola oil
½ cup lightly packed brown sugar
1 cup plain non-fat yogurt (flavoured yogurt would work too!)
½ cup dried cranberries or raisins

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Spray compartments of a muffin pan with a non-stick cooking spray (or line with paper liners).
2. In a food processor fitted with the steel blade, combine the flour, oats, oat bran, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon; process for 5 seconds to blend. Add the egg, oil, brown sugar and yogurt; process for 25-30 seconds or until smooth and blended. Stir in the cranberries or your own additional ingredient with a rubber spatula.
3. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each compartment three quarters full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.

Yield: 12 muffins.

Notes:
 This recipe scan be doubled easily
 The muffins freeze well for up to 3 months
 Some delicious add-ins include: shredded carrots, semi-sweet chocolate chips, blueberries, strawberries or raspberries or mixed berries, grated apple and / or shredded cheese.
 Use re-sealable plastic bags and labels, when freezing…that way, on a busy morning you know exactly which muffins are where!

Lessen the stress! Here are some tips to help make the transition into the new school year a little easier on everyone…

1. Getting back to basics with bedtime: If your children have been keeping summer hours, like mine, and going to bed later than usual… try to start putting them into bed at a more “school suitable� time. 

2. Becoming locker savvy: This year my daughter has a locker for the first time… I have taken the time to let her practice with her combination lock, so that on the first day she will not be anxious about it!

3. Friendly faces make for a great first day…During the summer, kids often go to camp with different kids than with whom they go to school. Take an afternoon and plan a play date with another child with whom your child will be going to school.  By spending time beforehand with a child that may be in their class, they will have a friend to “hang with� on their first day.

4. Everything in moderation…Take your kids to the grocery store and let them pick out some fruits, vegetables and other yummy items that they would like to take in their lunch boxes. They are more likely to eat a lunch that they have played a part in planning. Don’t forget the treats!

5. Fashion Frenzy! Take some time the night before to help the children pick out their clothes for the next day. There is nothing worse than a child wanting to wear their favourite t-shirt for the first day only to find out that it is in the wash!

6. Question Session:  Ask your child about their concerns about going back to school…see if you can give them some ideas or answers that may alleviate their anxiety.  Some common concerns for kids, especially kids new to a school, include:  Where is the bathroom? Will I have a friend in my class? Will I like my new teachers? How does drop-off and pick-up work?

There is definitely a lot of joy and trepidation associated with the start of a new school year. I find that being organized and maintaining consistency seems to lessen my anxiety and the whole family’s. Kids are smart and very perceptive. If we appear calm, ready and confident, they will feel the same way. Their attitude towards the start of the school year will be one filled with positivity and excitement.  Full Steam Ahead!!! (… and good luck!!)

Shelley Sefton is a chef, recipe developer & creator of “Yummy in my Tummy� - classes for kids that  offers them the opportunity to  experience exciting adventures in the kitchen – combining education, art,  food and most important of all FUN! Contact: (905) 597-0672 or sdsefton@rogers.com.

©Shelley Sefton 2010

 

Tags: activities, back to school tips, first day, friends, kids, muffin recipe, parenting, questions, Shelley Sefton