Healthy Habits For Back To School

August is fast approaching, and it's time to get ready! Summer is a season full of family time, vacations, and warm weather. With each season, we naturally adopt new habits. To help you transition smoothly into the back-to-school season, we've compiled a list of habits to start incorporating into your routine now. These habits will ensure you're fully prepared and can make the most out of the upcoming school year.

Exercise

It might sound trivial at first, but scheduling an hour of exercise each day with the kids is crucial. It doesn't have to be an organized sports practice or a rigorous run; what's important is that children get 60 minutes of movement daily. This helps them burn off excess energy after spending much of the day sitting at a desk. There are many fun and engaging ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, such as taking walks around the neighborhood, enjoying bike rides on local trails, organizing playdates at the park or pool, playing family sports like soccer or basketball, or even having dance parties at home with your kids' favorite tunes! These activities not only keep your children active but also create opportunities for family bonding. 

Meal preparation

Being mindful of what you pack in your kids’ lunchboxes can make a big difference in their overall health and energy levels throughout the day. Start by considering what snacks your kids love and make sure to stock up on those, along with other essentials. Aim to prepare lunches that are nutritious and balanced, following a simple guideline: include 2/3 plant-based foods and 1/3 lean protein.

Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as apple slices, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, and grapes. These not only provide essential vitamins and minerals but also keep your kids feeling full, satisfied, and ready to learn! For the protein portion, consider options like grilled chicken strips, turkey slices, or hard-boiled eggs. Adding a small portion of whole grains, such as whole wheat bread or quinoa, can also help sustain their energy levels throughout the whole school day.

Don't forget to include a fun treat or a favorite snack to make lunchtime enjoyable! Healthy options like yogurt, hummus with pita chips, or a small handful of nuts can add variety and keep lunchtime exciting. Preparing meals ahead of time and involving your kids in the process can also encourage them to make healthier choices and look forward to their meals!

Day recaps

It seems simple, but making it a habit to ask about everyone’s day can have a profound impact on your family's communication and connection. This practice is beneficial to incorporate into your daily routine all year long. A simple, “How was your day?” can open the door to meaningful conversations.

Instead of accepting a quick one-word answer like “Good,” try asking more detailed questions. Inquire about specific classes, friends, homework, and other activities. “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?” or “Who did you spend time with at lunch?” Engaging in these conversations can also provide an opportunity to discuss how school is really going. Talk about their learning styles, strengths, struggles, and any other issues they might be facing. This not only helps you stay informed about their academic and social experiences but also encourages them to express their feelings and concerns.

By fostering healthy conversations, you can support your children in navigating their educational journey, celebrate their successes, and help them overcome challenges. This consistent communication strengthens your bond and reassures them that they can always come to you for support and guidance!

Sleep

As a parent, your sleep schedule might not always be ideal, but the back-to-school season is a perfect opportunity to start instilling better sleeping habits for the entire family. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can save time and ensure everyone gets enough rest. Children today often lose sleep due to excessive screen time. To combat this, aim to keep kids off technology at least an hour before bedtime. Encourage activities that help them wind down, such as reading a book or engaging in quiet play. Creating a calming environment by dimming the lights and reducing noise can signal that it's time to relax.

Children typically need around 8-10 hours of sleep each night. To help them adjust to the school schedule, start moving bedtime earlier a week or two before school starts. Establish a set bedtime and do your best to stick to it consistently, even on weekends. By incorporating reading time before bed and gradually adjusting the bedtime routine ahead of the school year, you can ease the transition and help your children establish a healthy sleep pattern that will benefit them throughout the year. Plus, it gives you more time to yourself at night to unwind and recharge!

HOMework Time

While most kids dread doing homework, there are several strategies to make this time more enjoyable and productive. Start by setting a designated time or duration for homework each day, so your kids know exactly what to expect. Having a consistent schedule helps build a routine and reduces resistance.

Create a homework-friendly area that is quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions. This designated space will help your children focus better and be more efficient with their tasks.

Helping kids with their homework is an excellent opportunity for you to engage with them and make the experience a bit more fun. Consider creating a sticker chart to reward daily completion, providing a visual and tangible incentive for their hard work. Additionally, incorporating short snack or play breaks can help keep them energized and motivated. By establishing a structured routine, creating a conducive workspace, and adding elements of fun and reward, you can transform homework time into a more positive and productive part of the day for both you and your children.

For more ideas on creating the perfect homework environment, check out our comprehensive Guide to Kids' Spaces. Packed with practical tips, creative ideas, and expert advice, our guide will help you optimize storage solutions and create inspiring study areas. Transform your kids' spaces into a haven of organization and creativity, making homework time a more positive and productive part of the day.

Supplies

Back-to-school supply shopping can seem daunting, but with a bit of planning, it can be a breeze. Start by following the list provided by your school to ensure you get everything your child needs. This will help you avoid unnecessary purchases and stay organized.

To make the process even smoother, consider shopping online. Websites like Amazon allow you to find exactly what you need without the hassle of visiting multiple stores. You can compare prices, read reviews, and have items delivered directly to your doorstep. Additionally, many online retailers offer back-to-school deals and discounts, helping you save both time and money.

By using a detailed list and taking advantage of online shopping, you can simplify your back-to-school supply shopping and ensure your child is fully prepared for the new school year.

For a hassle-free shopping experience, check out Help You Dwell's Amazon storefront, where you'll find all the essentials curated just for you!

Please note that when you use our Amazon storefront affiliate links, we may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue providing valuable content. Thank you!

How to Organize and Store Your Kids' Artwork

Summer is almost over, and if your household is anything like ours, you've been buried under a mountain of arts and crafts projects all season long. And guess what? The school year is just around the corner! Which means even more masterpieces are about to flood in the door. If your little artists have been flexing their creative muscles, it's time to think about how to showcase their incredible work! While the fridge door with its trusty magnets is a classic, let's explore 5 other fun and creative ways to display your kids' artwork around the house. Celebrate creativity and bring a splash of color into your home by showing off your kids’ imaginations through their art!

Art Gallery Wall

Is there a small room, closet, or even a blank wall in your home that you just can’t figure out how to make interesting? This is the perfect opportunity to create a gallery wall featuring your child’s artwork. This might sound simple, but it can be an adorable and rewarding project for both you and your little one!

Picture it like this: Each frame on the wall holds a unique piece of your child's creativity, from adorable finger paintings to vibrant crayon masterpieces. Every so often, you and your budding artist can host a mini "gallery opening" where you swap out old pieces for new ones. This ritual keeps the space looking fresh and exciting, and it instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in your child.

This method will make your child feel like a true artist, seeing their work displayed prominently and celebrated in your home. This might be one of my favorite methods of displaying your child’s artwork because it's not just about decorating a wall; it's about creating a space that honors their creativity and growth.

So, take that blank wall and turn it into a dynamic, ever-evolving gallery that showcases your child's imagination and talent. It's a beautiful way to make use of an otherwise overlooked space, bringing color, joy, and a personal touch to your home.

If you are considering making an art gallery wall in your home, check out this blog post by Jessica Brigham for an in-depth tutorial!

Storage Frame

But the magic doesn’t stop there. One of my favorite products for displaying kids’ artwork is these frames. These ingenious frames open from the front, making it a breeze to add and remove artwork. Imagine when your child comes home from school with a brand-new painting, bursting with excitement to show you. Within minutes, it's proudly displayed on the ‘art gallery’ wall, front and center. Even better, these frames are designed to hold multiple pieces of art, so the older ones don’t get lost—they're just waiting at the back for their turn on display again. 

One week, your living room might be filled with springtime flowers and sunshine, and the next, it’s a collection of spooky Halloween scenes. This constant rotation keeps your home vibrant and your child engaged, always excited to see their latest creation displayed for everyone to admire. Rotating art frames not only simplify the process of showcasing your child’s masterpieces but also celebrate their ongoing creativity. It's a dynamic way to honor their artistic journey, providing a beautiful and ever-changing gallery that reflects their growth and imagination. If you can’t tell by now, these are a Help You Dwell favorite and can be found on our Amazon Storefront!

Wire and Clips

Think back to your college days when hanging photos with clothespins and fairy lights was all the rage. Now, you're channeling that same carefree, creative vibe but with your kid’s artwork. Use a sturdy wire stretched across the wall, and adorn it with colorful clothespins holding the latest drawings, collages, and paintings. This setup transforms any playroom or bedroom into a whimsical gallery of imagination and color!

The playful and dynamic nature of this display adds a touch of magic to your home. It's not just about showcasing the art; it's about creating an interactive and evolving gallery. The best part? Your kids can easily switch out the art themselves. This setup also encourages your children to engage with their artwork in a new way. They get to be both the artist and the curator, deciding which masterpiece deserves the spotlight!

This method of displaying art is not only fun and interactive but also practical. It keeps the artwork organized and off the floor, while still being easily accessible. Plus, it adds a charming, personal touch to your home decor, making the space feel lively and unique. So, grab some wire, colorful clothespins, and start creating your own whimsical art display. It's a simple, affordable way to celebrate your child’s creativity and bring a joyful, ever-changing gallery into your home.

If you’re not the type to DIY, here is an awesome product that comes with clips to easily hang art. This picture rail is perfect for displaying family photos, polaroids, and, most importantly, your children's art. This kit includes 6 metal wire ropes, 2 wide rails, and 48 magnetic clips, creating a sleek and modern look. It's sturdy and versatile, making it great for home, office, or even a classroom. With easy mounting instructions and all necessary hardware included, your new display unit will be ready in minutes!

Custom Photo Book

If you don’t want to display the artwork, you can create a beautiful keepsake of your child’s artwork. Every year, you and your kids can sit down together to create a custom book filled with their best artwork. This annual tradition becomes a delightful trip down memory lane as you flip through pages of colorful creations and reminisce about the stories behind each piece. Each book is a vibrant testament to their artistic journey, capturing the evolution of their creativity year by year.

These custom photo books not only make wonderful keepsakes but also help manage the physical clutter of saved artwork. Instead of struggling to find space for every drawing and painting, you can preserve the most memorable pieces in a beautifully organized and compact format. Imagine a bookshelf lined with these precious books, each one a snapshot of a different stage in your child's artistic development.

Creating these books can even turn into a cherished family tradition. As you gather around the table, your kids can select their favorite pieces, recalling the moments and inspiration behind each one. This shared activity will create lasting memories, making the process as meaningful as the finished product!

A photo book like this becomes more than just collections of art; they become time capsules of your child's growth and imagination. So, make this tradition a part of your family’s routine. Gather your kids, sort through their artwork, and create a custom photo book each year. It’s a simple, heartfelt way to celebrate their creativity and preserve the precious memories of their artistic journey.

Personalized Art Boxes

Creating a separate art box for each of your children is both a practical and sentimental way to store all of their creations. These clear plastic bins offer an excellent solution for organizing and preserving their masterpieces. Each child having their own box makes it easy to keep track of individual artworks, and the transparent nature of the bins allows for quick and easy access. They can be neatly stacked or stored away when not in use, helping to manage the clutter efficiently.

In my opinion, this system is the best and easiest way to not only manage the clutter but also gives each child a special place for their art. For an added fun twist, have each child decorate their box with colorful letters spelling their name on the outside. This adds a personal touch and makes the boxes even more special!

These bins are also perfect for storing larger or more delicate pieces that might not fit in a photo book, ensuring that every cherished artwork has its place. With personalized art boxes, every drawing, painting, and sculpture is preserved.

Organizing Kids’ Spaces with Help You Dwell

If you’re looking for more innovative ways to manage and celebrate your child's creativity, be sure to check out our Kids’ Spaces Guide. This comprehensive guide is packed with tips and ideas for organizing kids' spaces throughout your home. From creating art galleries and custom photo books to designing functional and fun play areas, we cover it all. Our guide will help you transform cluttered areas into organized, inspiring environments that foster creativity and joy. Click here to purchase your copy and start turning your home into a beautifully organized haven for your little ones today!

Please note that when you use our Amazon storefront affiliate links, we may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue providing valuable content. Thank you!

Managing Your Haven for Learning

Learning at home, whether it is in a homeschool setting or just practicing skills and studying for tests, can often be a struggle for families. Children are busy with sports, friends, lessons, and more. They don’t always want to give you 100% when it comes to their studies. Often siblings, televisions, and neighbors ringing the doorbell can be a distraction. In our last blog we discussed some basics for creating a good learning environment. And in this blog, we’ve consulted the experts and loved the advice they gave, especially regarding homeschooling.

When setting up a learning/study space, it’s important to remember that it needs to be organized and easy for kids to navigate on their own. If a space is chaotic, it creates stress and frustration, and those are the last things any parent needs when trying to help their child learn and practice new skills. We’ve asked some friends who are homeschooling now, or have in the past, what tips they have for best managing a learning space. Here are some helpful tips and pictures they shared with us!

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Rachel: Their family was a homeschool family in 2020 and then participated in a homeschool/co-op after that. Rachel was a teacher before working for Help You Dwell, so she already had a good understanding of how to teach concepts and lesson planning/pacing.

Tip: Switch it up. While they had a designated homeschool area in the dining room, they often went to other tables or areas in the house, and they got OUTSIDE as much as possible. They even sat on the roof a couple times! Rachel also mentioned the importance of taking field trips to help with learning and visiting the local library for reading time and to check out books. Learning doesn’t have to always take place at a desk. Younger kids do well with movement and change every 20-30 minutes.

Tip: Keep it simple. Too much visual noise on the walls and on desks/tables is overstimulating and too busy/distracting for little ones. It’s also easier to change things up as the year goes on as you are learning about various places and concepts.

Tip: Work for incentives! Kids are motivated by having goals and something to work toward. Make sure that you do things to keep them motivated and moving forward each day.

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Heather: She has been homeschooling for 15 years. She has held homeschool in a dedicated room, but she’s also had to teach from the kitchen table when their family was between homes in an apartment. She doesn’t stick to a set schedule each day but does follow the same rhythms with her kids each day. Sometimes school is in the morning and sometimes it is at night. Heather also says she loves to travel and take trips with her kids to help with learning. She’s taken them to 48 states and says sometimes it’s those moments when you end up chasing a rabbit trail that the kids remember the most. If they are curious about something, Heather believes that you should let kids explore and go deeper. She feels there is immense value in going on field trips and getting out and learning from the real world.

Tip: Storage is important. When she had a dedicated room to teach in, she built in desks and used custom made cabinets for storage. She currently teaches in her home’s library and uses a bookshelf for storage. Each of her kids had a dedicated shelf for their workbooks and supplies, She also utilizes rolling carts for her teacher manuals and books she may be reading with her kids. She has a turn in basket on the wall where the kids know to place their work and she can easily grab it to grade. Heather loves magnetic whiteboards on her walls in their homeschool room AND in their kitchen. She says often they end up in the kitchen eating or snacking and it is nice to have a board in that room so that notes can be made, or concepts can be explained while everyone is sitting around the table.

Tip: Connect with others! The homeschooling network is HUGE. Heather emphasized the importance of connecting with other families during your homeschool journey. She said if you are a person who doesn’t love science experiments, reach out to others-there’s always someone in your network who would love to fill in the gaps where you might not feel confident. You can do the same in return!

Tip: Set expectations early. Heather likes to ease into learning at the start of the year. She staggers subjects and lets the kids get used to being back in “school mode” before diving in and trying to teach all subjects. But once they are in the groove she lays out their lessons and writes the to-do list for the day in the kids’ notebooks each morning. She has the semester planned on a calendar for reference so that she can pace herself in regards to teaching all standards.

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Amber: Her family has been homeschooling for 8 years. She has 4 kids and has a dedicated room to teach in. Her kids participate in a co-op, so they are at school for 3 days and home for two. Amber loves the flexibility homeschooling gives her family. They don’t have a set start time each day but do follow the same routine on days when they are home. She loves that there is such a big homeschool community in our area and has a group chat with other homeschool families. She loves seeking guidance and help from others and says having that sense of community and knowing others are out there to help when you need it is a huge blessing.

Tip: Set a routine early. At the beginning of the week, she prints lesson plans and her kids put them in their binders. They also pull all the worksheets they will need for the week and are responsible for keeping their binders in order. They know how to use the printer and have a list of their passwords posted on the boards by their desks so that they can be more independent. The kids know that when their learning time is over, everything must be put back in its place and cleaned up.

Tip: Use the wall space. She has handwriting posters, maps, and magnetic whiteboards on the walls above the girls’ desks. She houses materials for teaching and learning in a set of bookshelves with supplies (dictionaries, flashcards, math manipulatives, art supplies, etc.) that are easily accessible. She also has shelving along the sides of the walls by the desks for extra storage for books, journals and work they need to complete. Amber uses bigger desks against the wall for her two older children and a smaller desk in the middle of the room for her younger. It is important to have appropriate seating for younger students who are still learning basic fine motor skills.

Tip: Keep a calm environment. Amber’s room has a large window with natural light that streams in the room all day. She diffuses oils and plays music at times to help with concentration and maintaining a calming environment for learning. Her kids often use noise cancelling headphones or ear buds when they are learning. This also helps minimize distractions.

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All three of these lovely ladies mentioned the same thing when we were wrapping up our interviews: GIVE YOURSELF SOME GRACE. They all said that at first it seems difficult, and you want to try to do it all, but really, if you are instilling a love for learning then you are doing “school” the correct way. There are also several great resources in Knoxville that could supplement what you are doing at home. Knox Forest School, Corelli Art and Forest School, and The Muse are a few of the places that have weekly programs for kids of various ages. Remember, you can’t do it all, and it’s ok to have others supplement when possible. Homeschooling isn’t easy, but it is flexible and can be an incredible experience for your whole family.

Start 'em young

Taryn with Kate, Will, and Eli Ruth // 2008

I became a mom with very few plans in place for how I’d spend time with my child or children, how I envisioned my home being set up for little ones, or how many kids I wanted to have. I’d always hoped to be a mom. I just didn’t really have specific ideas of exactly how that might go down. Almost 17 years into motherhood, and 3 amazing kids later, I am both thankful for that somewhat clueless beginning and at the same time, a bit regretful that I wasn’t more intentional.

Image: Texture Photo // 2018

I’ve found that not having concrete expectations of how motherhood would go was a gift in that it allowed for a whole lotta grace. Not so much pressure on them or on me to be someone I had dreamed up in my head. I think I have been able to pay closer attention to each one of my kids and their unique personalities, ways of relating, and specific needs better since I didn’t have rigid expectations of what I wanted parenting and my kids to look like.

Being somewhat clueless also paved the way for new relationships and a sweet reliance on family. I am fortunate to have started motherhood off with some incredible new mamas who I’ve shared this crazy adventure with and who are still some of my dearest friends. We learned so much from one another. I am also a very blessed gal to have a mom and mother-in-law who have shown me what great love and sacrifice for your kids looks like. All good gifts in the midst of my cluelessness.

However, there is one area that I do wish I had been more thoughtful about at an earlier stage — how to create spaces in my home, and spaces in our days, for my kids. I had to make a lot of mistakes in this area before realizing there’s a better way. Of course hindsight is 20/20, but if I had taken a bit more time to think through what items &/or areas in my home that would encourage my kids to learn, explore, and love well, I would’ve saved myself lots of hours of singing (and doing) the “clean-up, clean-up, everybody everywhere” song and dance, procrastination, guilt, and frustration.

On May 2 at The Back Porch Mercantile, this is the exact topic we will be teaching on.

• How do we get a baby’s room ready with all the needs but not the excess?

• What’s the best way to create a play area for toddler’s that allows them to explore but doesn’t turn my house into a plastic toy jungle?

• Do I keep all my preschooler’s handprint art and the other 724 pieces of art they’ve created?

• Toys through the years and how to store them in a way that your kids can actually clean them up.

• How do we do birthdays and holidays well without filling up on too many gifts?

• What to do with all my elementary-age child’s school work?

• How do teach my kids to organize?

I have learned lots raising this boy and my two girls. I’m still learning. And whether you’re a new mom or a few years in, my hope for you is that through some intentional, thoughtful planning, you can create the best space for your kids and for you to be the best mom you can be.

Image: Paige Severance (and her cutie twins!)