The start of a new school term brings alarm clocks, packed lunches and busy mornings back into family life.
Settling back into a more structured routine after the freedom of the summer holidays can take a little adjustment. The good news is that a few simple habits can help make the transition feel easier for everyone.
Ease back into a bedtime routine
If bedtimes changed over the summer, try gradually bringing them forward again. Moving bedtime by 10 or 15 minutes every few nights can feel much gentler than trying to reset the routine all at once.
A calm bedtime routine can also help children recognise that it’s nearly time to sleep. Try dimming the lights, putting screens away and choosing quieter activities such as reading, drawing or listening to a story.
Start the day with breakfast and fresh air
School mornings can be rushed, so it helps to have a few quick breakfast options ready to go.
Porridge topped with fruit, eggs on toast, yoghurt with oats and berries, or nut butter on wholegrain toast can all make satisfying starts to the day. Choose whatever works for your child and your family. You don’t need to create something elaborate every morning.
Getting outside in the morning can also help everyone feel more awake and ready for the day. This might simply mean walking to school, eating breakfast near an open door or spending a few minutes outside before leaving home.
Keep lunchboxes simple
There can be a lot of pressure to create the “perfect” school lunchbox, but variety across the week matters more than perfection at every meal.
A simple lunch might include:
- A sandwich, wrap, pasta or other starchy food
- A source of protein, such as egg, cheese, hummus, beans, fish or chicken
- Some fruit or vegetables your child is comfortable eating
- A yoghurt or another suitable snack
- A bottle of water
If your child is a selective eater, try including one familiar favourite alongside something newer. It can take time for children to become comfortable with different foods, so gentle, repeated exposure is often more helpful than pressure.
Remember to check your school’s guidance regarding nuts and other allergens.
Make family meals easier
The return to school often means less time for cooking, so having a few easy meals in mind can make busy evenings more manageable.
Soups, stews, mild curries, pasta sauces and traybakes can all be prepared in batches and adapted to suit the family. Bone broth is another useful cupboard staple and can be used as the base for soups, risottos, sauces or cooking grains, adding extra flavour without creating another complicated recipe.
We stock a selection of broths and nourishing store cupboard ingredients at Wild Oats to make everyday family meals a little easier.
Choosing a children’s supplement
Food should always provide the foundation of a child’s diet, but some families also choose a children’s vitamin suited to their age as part of their routine, particularly when a child eats a limited variety of foods.
Children’s supplements are available in different forms, including liquids, chewables and gummies. Always check the recommended age and serving instructions, and avoid combining products containing the same vitamins unless advised by a healthcare professional.
At Wild Oats, we stock a selection of children’s vitamins and everyday wellbeing products. Our Natural Remedies team can help you compare the available options in store.
Keep the transition gentle
Returning to school doesn’t need to mean changing everything at once. Earlier nights, simple meals, time outdoors and a little space to unwind after school can all help the household settle back into its rhythm.
Start with one or two changes that feel realistic for your family. A supportive routine doesn’t have to be perfect. It simply needs to work for you.
