Back-to-School Survival Guide: Tips for Moms and Kids

School's back in session, and while the kids are gearing up for new adventures, we moms often find ourselves juggling a mix of excitement and exhaustion. The transition from lazy summer days to the structured school routine can be overwhelming. From the early morning rush to making sure everyone’s homework is done, it sometimes feels like there's hardly any time to breathe.

But don't worry, you're not alone. Every mom goes through this phase, and with a bit of planning and some helpful tips, you can make this transition smooth and enjoyable for both you and your kiddos. Think of this as your ultimate back-to-school survival guide—a collection of tips and tools designed to help you keep your family healthy, organized, and happy.

Whether it's boosting your family’s immunity to fend off those seasonal bugs, finding moments for yourself amidst the chaos, or setting up routines that make mornings less hectic, we've got you covered. Let’s make this school year the best one yet!

HOW TO BEAT BACK-TO-SCHOOL SICKNESS

First up, let's talk about keeping everyone healthy. You know those germs are coming home with the kids, so it's essential to get ahead of the game. Stock your holistic medicine cabinet with these must-haves:

Herbal ABX: The Natural Defender

Packed with antimicrobial herbs, this blend is your first line of defense against respiratory infections, UTIs, gastrointestinal issues, and more.

Herbal ENT: Breathe Easy

Perfect for relieving nasal congestion, sinus pain, sore throats, coughs, and earaches, thanks to its powerful Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs.

Yinchiao: Your Health Shield

An essential at the first sign of cold or flu symptoms like fever, headaches, and sore throat.

Having these on hand means you're ready to tackle any illness head-on, ensuring your family stays healthy and happy.

TIPS FOR KEEPING KIDS HEALTHY DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR

We all want our kids to have the best school year possible. Here are some tips to make sure they’re set up for success:

EMF Protection: In today's digital age, our children are constantly surrounded by electronic devices, from tablets and smartphones to laptops and gaming consoles. These devices emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which can have negative health effects over time. 

Using a Faraday bag helps block positive ions from EMFs, reducing exposure to harmful radiation. Protecting your child's device with a Faraday bag can minimize these risks, leading to better sleep, improved concentration, and overall well-being.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses: With increasing screen time—from doing homework on computers to unwinding with TV shows—our kids' eyes are under constant strain. Blue light emitted from screens can cause digital eye strain, leading to headaches, fatigue, and even long-term vision problems.

Blue light blocking glasses filter out harmful blue light, helping to reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality by regulating melatonin production. Incorporating blue light glasses into your child's daily routine ensures they can focus on their tasks without the discomfort of eye strain. 

A pair of blue blockers with clear lenses is easy to find on places like Amazon and are great for daytime use. You’ll want to use ones with amber lenses like these for unwinding in the evenings.

Grounding Techniques: For kids nervous about going back to school, teach them simple grounding exercises like deep breathing or walking barefoot on grass to help calm their nerves. These techniques can help them manage anxiety and feel more centered.

They even make little grounding bags you can put in your kiddo’s backpack for deep grounding and protection against EMFs.

Healthy Lunches and Grocery Hauls: Plan nutritious meals that they'll enjoy and that fuel their bodies for the day ahead. Get them involved in a fun grocery haul to pick out their favorite healthy snacks. Involving them in the process not only makes them more likely to eat what’s packed but also teaches them valuable lessons about nutrition.

Here’s a link to the blog post where I share my favorite finds at Costco.

Nightly Routine: Lay out outfits and pack backpacks the night before. Make plenty of time to pack lunches either the night before or in the morning so you’re not rushing. Everyone always talks about how important it is to have a morning routine, but having a consistent nightly routine helps mornings run smoothly and reduces last-minute stress.

Giving yourself enough time to do these things isn’t just practical—it’s a form of taking care of yourself too. When you're organized and prepared, it reduces stress and sets a positive tone for the day ahead. Plus, it allows you to spend quality time with your kids without the chaos of a rushed morning.

TAKING CARE OF YOURSEF AS A MOTHER

Now, let’s focus on you. It’s easy to feel out of whack and like you’ve lost yourself in the hustle and bustle of back-to-school season. This is the perfect time to get back on track and prioritize your well-being. Here are some wonderful treatments at Magnolia Wellness that can help you feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle anything:

Facial Rejuvenation: Facial rejuvenation treatments are more than just a beauty regimen—they're a way to restore your skin's natural glow and vitality. These treatments can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, leaving you with smoother, younger-looking skin. There’s nothing like a  refreshed face to boost your confidence and help you feel revitalized.

Learn more about Facial Rejuvenation here.

Microneedling: Microneedling is a cutting-edge treatment that stimulates your skin's natural healing processes. By promoting collagen production, microneedling can improve skin texture, reduce scars, and enhance overall skin tone. This treatment is ideal for moms looking to achieve a radiant complexion and regain their youthful appearance.

Learn more about Microneedling here.

Massage: A relaxing massage isn’t just a luxury but a necessity for relieving stress and muscle tension. Massage therapy can improve circulation, reduce anxiety, and promote overall relaxation. Explore the different types of massages available and find the one that best suits your needs in this blog post here.

Book your massage online here.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient practice that can help balance your body's energy, alleviate pain, and reduce stress. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, stress, or fatigue, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to wellness, ensuring you feel more grounded and energized.

Book your appointment for acupuncture here.

These little acts of TLC can make all the difference, helping you feel more grounded and recharged. Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary. When you feel good, you're better equipped to take care of your family.

So, here’s to a fantastic school year filled with health, happiness, and a touch of rejuvenation for you, too!