Best Back to School Tips

It's either the best time of year, or the worst, depending on your perspective.  That's right, the kids are heading back to school!  Before the squeals of glee or tears of dread escape, we've scoured the interwebs for the best tips on managing the craziness of the first week.

1. Collect some healthy and quick lunch and snack ideas. There are tons of great nut-free ideas on the internet!
   
   
   
   
2. Figure out your morning plan. Mornings are the worst if you are not organized! Plan to get everything organized the night before to make your mornings less stressful. Choose outfits, pack lunches/backpacks, and plan breakfast the night before. Have your keys, wallet, cell phone etc. ready by the door so you're not stranded searching for important items right before you have to leave. I have a bin where I keep "important" items I don't want to forget on a table near my front door.  I especially love the idea of setting up a "family launch pad" to really organize those hectic mornings!
3. Start adjusting your family schedule now (if you haven't already).  Children thrive on routine, and starting a predictable schedule during the summer can help ease them into the school year.  This is the time to adjust bedtime so they're getting to sleep early enough to get up in the mornings!  It might mean cutting back on some evening activities, but it'll be worth it when you don't have gremlins in the morning!
4. If your child is starting at a new school, see if you can go in early to meet the teacher and get a tour of the school. If you are unsure, make sure you call ahead to find out exactly what documentation is needed (i.e. immunization records).
5. Practice compassion and emotional intelligence at home, to prep for school interactions. Sadly, bullying is a common occurrence in schools today. Try out some of our tips, and get a conversation started with your kids!

   

   Obviously super excited about starting school.  Or about her mother making her pose for a photo.

6. Shop and prep school supplies and labels. This was always my favourite thing to do as a kid...and even now! If you are on a budget, dollar stores are a great place to buy everything you need (yay for Dollarama!).  Get your kids involved so they're more invested in taking care of their supplies!
   
7. Take your annual photo to commemorate the year.  There are lots of cute ideas out there! If you want to keep it simple, just have your kid hold up a sign with the grade they are starting.

   

   Tip!  Have your child hold up a blank piece of paper and add the text in after!

8. Make up a fun tradition to start the year. Maybe a family trip to the local ice cream shop to celebrate the first day of school? 
9. Organize your space. Plan to post a large family calender in a visible location so you can track activities/events easily. Make sure to update it regularly and plan to review it daily so you know exactly what is going on (you don't want to be that parent that forgot to send in the field trip form, do you?). Set up a homework station with accessible school supplies and carve out a time each day to review what your kids did in school (it's also a great way to keep the lines of communication open). Keep backpacks, lunch boxes/containers in the same location so you are not wildly searching for things.
10. Remind children of traffic and bus safety. Review schoolbus safety including use of seat belts, crossing the street safely, and the names of people who are allowed to pick them up from school etc.
    

Hope the back the school transition goes smoothly for everyone and good luck to all those mamas who have little ones starting kindergarten! We will be in the same boat next year...yikes!

What are your best tips for prepping for back to school?  Let us know so we can start preparing ourselves now!

Instilling Compassion & Empathy in Younger Children

When I was pregnant with my first child I remember dreaming about what character traits I would want her to have. Compassion was the first thing that came to mind. The world would be a much better place if everyone had even an ounce more compassion inside of them.  How can we instill compassion and empathy in our children? Cognitively, empathy takes time to develop. However, there are ways to start planting the seeds of compassion at a young age. My daughter is only 3 and it is amazing to see how empathetic and compassionate she is becoming with each passing day.

Learning About Emotions
Our post on feelings is a great place to start! Teaching children to express their emotions and to learn to read other people's emotions is the first step to developing empathy and compassion. My daughter has learned how to read other people's facial expressions. If she sees me grimace, she will often say, "Mommy, what's the matter? Are you sad? Do you need a kiss?" Take opportunities to talk about how your children feel in different situations, and ask your little ones how they think others are feeling.

Giving To Others 
Use every opportunity you can to teach your child the importance of giving to others. The act of giving to another teaches selflessness. Have your child participate in making or picking out birthday/special occasion presents for friends and family members. If someone is sick, have your child make them a card. If you pass a homeless person on the street, give your child some money to hand to them. If you see a hungry squirrel in the park, encourage your child to give it some food. Make sure you explain why you are doing these nice acts. For example, "Your friend isn't feeling well, so it will make her so happy if you make her a special card," or, "Grandma's birthday is coming up and she would be so happy if you made her a craft."  You are teaching your child that it is important to serve and help others, and make other people and creatures feel good!  :)

Painting a picture for Grandpa's birthday!

Observing the World 
Help your child understand that other people/creatures have feelings by pointing things out as they interact with the world. For example, if you see another child fall down and start crying in a park, point it out to your child and say, "Oh dear, she fell and hurt herself.  She's crying because she's sad, so let's see if she needs a hand."  Or if you're on the subway and a person with a cane comes in, you might say, "That man looks tired and it might be hard for him to stand up.  Let's see if he would like to sit down to rest."  Your child will start learning to notice others around them and think of ways to help. Just today my daughter was sitting on a seat in the subway while I stood beside her and she looked up and said, "Mommy, would you like my seat?"  You could even make this a game and see who can come up with more ways to help others you see around you!

Role-Playing 
Putting yourself in someone else's shoes is empathy in a nutshell. Role-playing is a great way to introduce your child to this concept. For example, after reading a story, have your child pretend to be a character in the book. Pick out characters that go through various difficulties. My daughter's favourite book is about a bunny that wishes she had friends (Snow Bunny's Christmas Wish by Rebecca Harry). I have my daughter pretend to be Snow Bunny who is lonely and asks Santa for friends for Christmas. After we are done playing, we talk about how we can make someone like Snow Bunny feel better. I have watched her transfer this learning to a real life situation when there was a little girl alone in the playground. My daughter said, "Mama, she looks lonely.  I will be her friend," and off she went to play with her. It was definitely a proud mama moment! <3

Role Modelling 
You are your child's role model. They are watching your every move. They will copy the way they see you interacting with the world. Holding doors for others, offering your seat in the subway, helping an elderly person cross the street, stopping to check on an injured animal, making food for your sick neighbour, etc. are all actions that teach your child compassion. Role-modelling is the single most powerful tool you have to teach your child. Use it well.

Reading about Compassion and Empathy
Books are amazing for teaching your little ones about all sorts of things, so why not use them to instill compassion in them?  Here are some of the books we read or stories we tell our children (no affiliate links!  Just books we love!):

• The Three Questions
• The Berenstain Bears Think of Those in Need
• The Hundred Dresses (for grade 3 +)
• The Giving Tree
• Under the Lemon Moon
• Bear Feels Sick
• My Brother Charlie
• The Lion and the Mouse
• Zen Shorts
• Sneetches on Beaches

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Tip! Make up your own stories where your child is the main character performing altruistic actions. For example, my daughter loves the story where she is a caring princess that saves orphaned baby animals in the magical forest. She really enjoys acting out the story while I tell it to her.

How do you instill compassion/empathy in your child? Please share your ideas with us so we can work together to raise children that will make a positive change in this world!

Money back on groceries...without clipping coupons!

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I love free money.  I just got a cheque in the mail a few days ago for $22.50 because I went grocery shopping!  Ha, okay, there are obviously a few more details, so today I'll be sharing about how you can save money on groceries with three easy-to-use apps, plus some other tips.

Cha-ching!

Way to save money #1 and #2: Flyer apps and price-matching

Download the Flipp or Rebee app!  These two apps basically allow you to browse all the current (and some upcoming!) flyers from your local stores.  They have a quick search function, so you can search for a particular store's flyer, or for a certain item.  For example, I'm constantly looking for the lowest price on bacon because come on...bacon!  I just type in "bacon" into the search field, and the app shows me any items listed in the flyers that include the word bacon!

But wait, it gets better!  You can make your grocery list by selecting the items as you browse the flyers.  In the Rebee app, you just press and hold the item, and then add it to your list.  My Rebee grocery list shows items by store.  Once you've made your list, you can figure out who has the best deals on your grocery items.  Or, if you're like me, you use this list to go a step further.

A step further to be that person.  You know.  That person who might hold up your grocery checkout because they're price-matching.  I hate when people price match a bajillion items, but I love price-matching myself.  I know, it's hypocritical.  I usually go to Walmart, No Frills or Superstore to do it.  And before you all judge me for holding up the checkout, I try to go when it's really empty if I know I'm going to be price-matching more then a few items.

If you're not familiar with price-matching, it basically saves you gas and time because it allows you to buy items at one store for the lowest advertised price in that week's flyers (from any store!).  For example, after I find the lowest price on bacon from, say Loblaws, I go to my Walmart and grab that same brand of bacon.  When I'm checking out, I bring up the Rebee app on my phone, tap on the bacon from my grocery list, and show the cashier the flyer from Loblaws.  Whatever price Loblaws has listed is what they charge me.  I usually save up to $3 on bacon.

But what you really want to know is how I managed to get a cheque mailed to me, right?

Way to save money #3: Checkout 51 app

Download the Checkout 51 app!  This app works like PC Plus points, if you're familiar with those, or you can think of it as virtual couponing.  Basically, you'll have a personalized list of offers each week that you can get money back on.  For example, my list is full of Canada Day BBQ items, as well as toiletries, baby food items and household cleaning products.  Below each item, the app shows you how much money you can get back if you purchase the item.  Rebates range in price from $0.50 to a few dollars.  Once you purchase the item, you just scan in your receipt, and if it's approved, you start collecting the money in your account.  When you hit $20, you can request a cheque. This app also allows you to "star" your favourite offers, so you can remember to buy and claim them.  Oh, and offers can run out because lots of people claim them, so try to scan your receipts right away.

If you use this app in conjunction with the flyer apps and price-matching, you can really save a bundle!  One week, I succumbed to a frozen Delissio pizza craving because I ended up being able to purchase them for $1.50 each after taking into account my Checkout 51 rebate!

Uh, just be careful, because this app can also make you impulse buy things you normally wouldn't.  See frozen pizza example above.  And I'm seriously conidering buying a tub of Breyer's ice cream this week because I can get a dollar back.  Sigh.

Bonus! Way to save money #4: Keep a list of lowest prices

If you're like me, you might have trouble remembering what a good price for certain grocery items is. I'm blaming my terrible memory on baby brain, but it could just be laziness.  Either way, you can keep a handy list of most of your grocery and pantry staples and the lowest price you pay for them.  For example, the lowest price I've ever paid for a container of (non-organic) strawberries is $1.88.  I'd add that to my list, so that I can use it for reference when I'm looking for a good deal on strawberries.  I might think that $3.00 is a great deal, but my handy list would remind me that I can do better.  I used to call my mom for these price references, but I figured I should develop some independence sometime, right?

What do you do to save money on groceries?  Or have any questions about the tips above?  Leave them below!  Hope you can put some (or all!) of these tips to use as you do your grocery shopping for Canada Day (seriously, so many BBQ offers in the Checkout 51 app)!  Have a great Canada Day week, everyone!

Note: All apps above are available for both iOS and Android.  And nope, no sponsorship.  Just love how these apps are helping me save money.  And get free cheques in the mail!  #winning

Heart to Heart: Seventeen Things Any New Parent Should Know

1. Don't get used to anything. Baby sleeping through the night at 6 weeks? Don't hold your breath, these little monkeys change minute to minute. So throw those expectations out the window! With expectations comes disappointment. Expect change and accept that it is a natural part of development. 
   
2. Don't be a hero. If you need help, ask for it. Recognizing you need help and having the courage to ask for it is an important part of parenting. Seek out help from family, friends or consider hired help (i.e. House cleaner) if financially feasible. Feeling overwhelmed and frustrated will make you miserable. You will be a much happier parent if you get the help you need. Happy parent = happy kid. 

   

   Special time with grandpa means break for you!

3. Laugh often (it sure beats crying). Fifth explosive poop of the day? Laugh that sh*t off! A friend will totally find it hilarious if you text them saying you're having the sh*ttiest day in history. Try to find the humour in your everyday parenting adventures. 
   
4. It's okay to feel frustrated; you're only human. Oh there will be good days and bad days! It's totally normal to feel frustrated on those not so good days. Find the right outlet to release your frustrations. Blogging is one of my outlets. Wine is another...kidding, kinda;) 
5. Go with the flow. Just like birthing plans need a lot of flexibility, so does everyday life with small children. Things will happen and you need to be able to adapt very quickly. Like the time my kid pooped her pants in the playground for the second time and we had to rush home. 

   

   uh oh, what is she up to now?

6. Remember this is only a very small period in the grand scheme of life. This is what keeps me going everyday. I actually find myself stopping to savour some moments (those rare moments when the stars align and your children are being angels) because I know I will never have this time again.  

   

   Time really does fly...sigh.

7. Follow your gut. You know your children and your family better than anyone else in the world. If something doesn't feel right, listen to your instincts. You truly are the expert when it comes to your child. 
8. Don't spend your energy worrying about what others are doing. There will always be that parent trying trying to "one-up you" on Facebook. You know, the "just fed my kid healthy chia seed pudding for snack"...oh wait...that's me. Haha! No,  but seriously, you are doing your best for your child and family and that's all that should matter. That being said we should also avoid being judgmental of other parents and their decisions. How others choose to parent their children does not impact us. Like seriously, that mother choosing to breastfeed her four-year-old has absolutely zero impact on me. We should be respectful of one another; we're all parents unified with the common goal of caring for our children. 

   

   We are all doing our best to care for our children <3
9. See the world through your child's eyes and live for the moment. Everything is so new and almost magical to little children. I love watching my three-year-old daughter's eyes widen in amazement when she experiences something new. I used to get frustrated walking to the store with her because it would literally take what felt like hours to get down the street. She would notice every little detail: the purple flowers budding in the neighbour's lawn; the chubby robin looking for worms; the leaves changing into autumn colours. All details I stopped taking the time to notice. Now I stop and take the time to experience the world with her; and it's made me learn to appreciate the beautiful world we live in. 
   
10. Slow down. So what if you're going to be 15 minutes late for that play date or for gymnastics class? Rushing is only going to lead to frustration. There is nothing worse than rushing in the morning with little kids. If you need to get somewhere important (i.e. work) then be sure to plan ahead. Otherwise, slow the heck down! 
11. Kids are meant to get dirty so embrace it. Kids learn through hands on activities. Let them attempt to shovel that yogurt into their mouths (that will inevitably end up all of the highchair, floor and even possibly the ceiling); or finger-paint all over the kitchen table (covered with a plastic table cloth of course) to their hearts content. If my kids look dirty at the end of the day, I know it was a great day!

    

    Mmmm...messy watermelon all over the picnic blanket.

12. Educate yourself. Is your toddler throwing another seemingly irrational tantrum? No, he/she is not possessed (although it really does appear that way). Cancel that exorcism because tantrums are a part of normal child development. Understanding the phases of child development makes it easier to empathize and sympathize with your child. 

    

    Melt down because her kite didn't fly high enough.

13. Take a step back. As long as your child is in a safe environment there is no need to hover. Let them explore their surroundings. They are naturally curious and we should be cultivating this behaviour. Play date conflict between toddlers? Stand back and see if they are able to work it out on their own. Obviously intervene if things are getting out of hand! 
    
14. Utilize your resources and connect with other parents. We are truly lucky to have access to so many parenting resources in our communities. Early Years Centres, public libraries etc. are all great places to get information and to take your kids for programs. It's also a perfect way to meet other parents in your community. And villagemommy.com is a free service that matches you with local like-minded mommies within walking distance! 
15. Get out. I find I get a little squirrelly if I don't get out with the kids daily. There is always some drop-in program available if you know where to look. Or just head to the park if it's a nice day. Kids are way better behaved with some fresh air in their lungs. 
    
16. Take care of yourself. This is a tough one. I know I certainly stopped putting my needs first since kids came along, but recently I found myself taking a step back and reevaluating my lifestyle. I rarely eat proper meals because I'm too busy making sure the kids are fed well. I stopped exercising because I can't seem to find the time or I'm too exhausted. And yet, nutrition and exercise are the two things that should not be sacrificed. If I'm not healthy, I can't look after my kids, it's as simple as that. They are relying on me to be healthy. I'm now making it a priority to eat well and exercise. 
17. Your time is sacred so use it wisely. Now is the time to rid your life from anyone or anything that wastes your time or sucks up your energy. Learning to say "no" is an important skill and there is no better time to use it.
    

What advice do you have for new parents? Let's create a supportive, loving community where we have each other's backs! Let us know what you wish you could tell new moms!