With school starting and homework
piling up, the structure and routine of the school year quickly replaces those
relaxed summer days we've all enjoyed. I believe the school year can go smoother
with a planned study space for students. Less stress..more
success.
Any area where your child studies
needs to be free of distractions: toys, phones, ipads, clutter, etc. It has always bothered
to see or know of a child who studies with their books in their lap. Everyone
needs a cleared flat surface to lay books and to be able to write. A bulletin
board nearby gives them a place for a calendar, school papers and
lists. Have a sturdy
place for the student to sit giving good support and with feet touching the
floor.
Studying, of course, needs to be
somewhere away from the tv or loud music. Be sure there is sufficient lighting so
the child doesn't get a headache from eye strain. Desk lighting is always the
best, but overhead lighting is good also. The spot where they study doesn't need
to be anything fancy, but having a good place to study will help your kids get a
good start to their school year.
Whether or not your child takes
their own lunch every day or just occasionally, try not to fall into the 'brown
bag rut'. It's great to have more control over what your child is eating. Taking a
lunch to school has taken plain ole peanut butter sandwiches to a whole new
level. Now there are wraps, pitas and tortillas available to send. Be sure they are
'100% whole grain" and the first ingredient listed is 'whole grain'. Try new
foods in lunches - whether for school or work. Watch for what's in season and vary
between fruits and veggies.
There's a real variety of 'cool'
ice packs to keep lunches cold. You can use hard ice packs (wrap in a paper towel
that can also be used as a napkin if need be) or the soft gel kind. If you
include a juice box in the lunch, freeze it first and as it thaws it will keep
the foodstuff chilled, and should be ready to drink by lunchtime. Gotta love those
kinds of practical ideas huh?
You can pack healthier
options, and most kids won't even know the difference. Replace chips with pretzels
or goldfish. Place them in ziploc snack bags - a great way to have perfect
single - serving sizes. Mix assorted snacks like dried cherries or
apples, raisins, yogurt raisins, banana chips, goldfish, cheerios and raisins to make
your own 'trail mix'. If your kids want chips, try a healthier baked
version.Multigrain Pringles are great.
Purchase items like
teddy grahams, granola or animal crackers to satisfy their sweet tooth.You can
also add apple slices.Toss apples in a mixture of lemon-lime soda for about 10
minutes, then drain. Store in snack size ziploc bags and be sure to squeeze all
the air out.This will prevent the apple slices from browning.It's much more
frugal than purchasing presliced apples from the store.
No matter what the
kids are taking in their lunch, a note from mom or dad can always brighten their
day, so parents: don't forget to add a little love note to your child's lunch or
backpack. Knowing you are thinking of them while they're gone helps boost their
self-worth and aids them in their school progress.
This is a healthy snack your family is sure to
enjoy.
CAFETERIA PEANUT BUTTER
BALLS
1 c. honey
1-1/4 c. natural creamy peanut butter
1-1/2 c. dry
powdered milk
3 c. quick or old fashioned oatmeal, uncooked
1-2 Tb. wheat
germ, optional
1-2 Tb. flax seed, optional
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips, optional
Mix
all the ingredients together with a electric mixer. Form into balls with hands
and freeze on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper until firm. Remove from
freezer and store in a large zip lock bag in the refrigerator. Yield:about 30 peanut butter balls.
CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BITES
2-1/2 c. quick or old fashioned
oats
1/2 c. crisp rice cereal
2 Tb. flax seed, optional
1 Tb. wheat
germ, optional
1/2 c. semi-sweet, white chocolate or
butterscotch chips
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c.coconut
oil, melted
1/3 c. honey
1/2 tsp. vanilla
extract
Preheat oven to 350. Spray mini
muffin pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except for
chocolate chips; stir with spoon until well blended. If mixture seems too dry, add
more honey or coconut oil. Add a little at a time until mixture sticks
together (but will not be like cookie dough). Stir in chocolate chips. Using a
small cookie scoop, place granola mixture in mounds; press mixture firmly with
your fingers or back of a spoon. Bake 12-13 minutes. Remove from oven and let
stand in pan for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from pan with knife and
enjoy. Store in airtight container or place in
ziploc bags and freeze to be tossed into lunches
later.
Who doesn't love PB & J?These cookie bars are a delicious treat anytime
of day.
PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY
BARS
1 c. butter, softened
1-1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 lg. eggs
2 c. (18 ozs) creamy peanut
butter
3 c. flour (I use half in white whole
wheat)
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1-1/2 c. (18 ozs) favorite
jam
chopped
peanuts, optional
Grease 9"X13" pan and line with waxed
paper. Grease and flour pan. Cream butter and sugar on medium speed for about 2
minutes.On low speed add vanilla, eggs and peanut butter; beat until well
combined. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. On low speed add to creamed
mixture just until combined. Spread 2/3 of dough into pan evenly. Spread jam over
dough. Drop remaining dough on top and press lightly. Sprinkle with chopped
peanuts if desired. Bake 30-40 minutes until golden brown. (Be careful not to
overbake or they will be too dry).
