It feels like school just let out, but we’re all back to back-to-school shopping and getting our kids ready for a new year. But take note parents: school supplies aren’t all you’ll need to get prepped for a year of learning, specifically if you have an incoming kindergartner.

The journal Pediatrics has just published a new study that addresses the impact of sleep on children adjusting to formal schooling (aka kindergarten) and it’s pretty important. After studying 221 families over the course of four weeks, researchers found that those with 10+ hours of sleep nightly consistently “transitioned more successfully to K than children with less-regular sleeping patterns.”

Furthermore, establishing those sleep patterns a good five to six months ahead of the start of kindergarten is essential. That’s right, it’s time to get on your sleep train A-game.

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You may be thinking, this isn’t new info. And sure, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) does suggest that kindergarteners get 10 to 13 hours of sleep daily. However, their guidance is over the course of the entire day and includes naps.

On the flip side, this study “suggests that the more consistently at least 10 hours of sleep occur during the night, the better is children’s adjustment.” Which makes sense, considering naps in kindergarten are usually no longer a thing (RIP 80’s nap time) and there’s no way to make up sleep if a child doesn’t get enough––because they’re in school.

The study used teachers who rated children using a variety of scales and found that those with more 10 or more hours of sleep were ranked more favorably. This included ratings on aggression, social competence, student–teacher relationships, classroom learning behaviors, school readiness and ADHD behavior. In a nutshell, when kids get the right amount of sleep everyone is happy and they are set up for success.

Even though school is around the corner, there’s no time like the present to set up a great bedtime routine. Grab a stalk of bedtime books, set a relaxing podcast and don’t forget a fun alarm clock to make waking up for school fun (well, as fun as it can be).

 

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Ah, mornings. While days off of school and work can be cuddly and leisurely, weekdays can be the exact opposite. Avoid morning stress and the constant cries of “We’re late!” by giving your kids a morning routine they can follow. While nothing is going to be perfect, here are a few tips that are sure to help. 

1. Set an Alarm

Setting a consistent bedtime each night is a precursor for success in the morning. To help kids establish a regular wake-up time, an alarm clock that they can use and set themselves is a thing of beauty. (Here are 18). If a blaring noise or music will just make your kid grumpy, consider a gradual-light alarm that slowly increases the light in the room for a more natural “waking up in the sunshine” feel. 

2. Make a Chart 

It can be as simple as a list on a piece of paper taped to their door or a magnetic routine chart in a place they'll pass every morning, but having a visual cue will help bleary-eyed kids remember what is next. Don’t underestimate how simple and straightforward it can be. Example: 

  • Brush Teeth
  • Wash Hands
  • Wash Face
  • Put in Contact Lenses
  • Eat Breakfast
  • Grab Lunch
  • Find Boots 

3. Make it Simple for Them to Stay Healthy & Hygienic

Good hygiene is important to every parent. Keep contact lenses and solution, washcloths, toothpaste refill, hair grooming supplies, hand soap refills, etc. on a shelf where kids can easily reach what they need. 

Some products are inherently easier to keep clean and sanitary. For example, if your age-appropriate child wears contact lenses, single-use lenses like MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses mean your little one won’t need to clean lenses each night. You may be surprised to hear that 42% of children aged 5 to 19 have myopia¹, also known as nearsightedness. MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses not only correct vision immediately², but are the first and only soft contact lenses designed for myopia control and are FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8 to 12 at the initiation of treatment.³†

4. Get Things Ready the Night Before

Ever noticed how morning seems to go by really fast, especially when you’re trying to get to school (and work) on time? Don’t leave everything to those precious early minutes. Have your child help as you get things as grab-and-go as possible. Here are a few things you can do: 

  • Pick out clothes the night before, including finding shoes. 
  • Make lunches. 
  • Pack homework into bags and backpacks and then leave near the door or another easy-to-see place.
  • Prep breakfast (overnight oats anyone?) or have healthy grab-and-go options if possible. 

Try doing this as part of your bedtime routine. Have the kids put on their pajamas and run around getting things ready or prompt them 15 minutes before bedtime. 

5. Get Yourself Ready First

You may have heard this one before but we’re going to say it again. Get up 20 to 30 minutes before your kids need to wake, and take that time to get yourself ready. Whether that’s stretching, having coffee, spacing out, showering or just getting dressed, if you have a jumpstart on your own morning routine, you won’t be as stressed about theirs. And get your stuff ready the night before, too, if you can. 

—Amber Guetebier

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Indications and Important Safety Information.
Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
†Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
¹ Theophanous C, Modjtahedi BS, Batech M, Marlin DS, Luong TQ, Fong DS. Myopia prevalence and risk factors in children. Clin Ophthalmol. 2018;12:1581-1587. Published 2018 Aug 29. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S164641
² Rah MJ, et al. Vision specific quality of life of pediatric contact lens wearers. Optom Vis Sci2010;87(8):560-6.
³ Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.

Starbucks holiday drinks and cups are here!

The day is finally here! Halloween is behind us and the holiday season has officially arrived—made official by the fact that Starbucks just announced the return of its iconic holiday drink lineup. Who wants to hit the drive-thru ASAP?!

This year is extra festive, since Starbucks is celebrating 25 years of its iconic holiday cups. To celebrate, the coffee chain is bringing back some of its most beloved designs, which are sure to look familiar to coffee fans all over the world.

And starting today, you can officially grab your favorite festive drinks at any U.S. Starbucks location. This year’s offerings include familiar favorites like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, and Chestnut Praline Latte. There’s also a cold brew option for those of us who think iced coffee should be a year-round staple. And always inclusive, Starbucks brought back their first non-dairy holiday latte that debuted last holiday season.

Tis the season to be properly caffeinated. Here’s what’s on offer at Starbucks, starting today.

Peppermint Mocha

One of the most-loved drinks on Starbucks' holiday menu, the Peppermint Mocha is turning 20 years old this year!

Caramel Brulée Latte

Caramel Brulée sauce and topping combine with steamed milk and whipped cream to make this decadent drink.

Chestnut Praline Latte

A beloved holiday favorite, this drink features flavors of caramelized chestnuts and crumbled pralines.

Toasted White Chocolate Mocha

Topped with holiday sugar sprinkles and white pearls, this toasty, chocolatey drink might be the prettiest one on the Starbucks holiday menu.

 

 

Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

For those who don't drink dairy, Starbucks brought back the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, the first-ever non-dairy holiday drink that debuted last year.

Irish Cream Cold Brew

For anyone who thinks cold brew is a year-round drink, Starbucks has a holiday menu entry just for you: the festive Irish Cream Cold Brew.

Alongside all the holiday drinks, Starbucks also brought back festive snacks and treats.

Chocolate Pistachio Swirl

New this year is the Chocolate Pistachio Swirl, which features a creamy filling swirled into buttery brioche dough.

You can also still snack on all your classic holiday favorites, like Snowman Cookies, Reindeer Cake Pops, Sugar Plum Cheese Danishes, and Cranberry Bliss Bars.

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Sometime over the summer, parents usually hear the very first, “How many more days until Christmas?” query. You’ll laugh and say, “Not for a while, buddy” as you toss bathing suits into the laundry basket. But as the days go on, the questions keep coming. Vague answers aren’t quite cutting it for your eager kiddo. The Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch can be a gamechanger for Kriss Kringle-obsessed kids—because every parent could use a Robot to get us through the holiday season, #amiright?

This fun, interactive smartwatch features an intuitive, kid-friendly interface that helps kids learn to tell time and keep track of it. They can use a stopwatch, timer, alarm clock, calendar and set reminders—perfect for keeping tabs on the days until Santa comes down the chimney.

And should they need a little distraction from focusing on the best-holiday-of-the-year… they can keep busy and engaged with a variety of learning, arcade and fitness games. The pedometer, dance activity game and augmented reality Walk n’ Wonder game will keep their body moving while they dream up their wish list!

And speaking of wish lists, here’s how the cool Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch can help your kiddo get creative while building a list of must-have gifts!

Another reason your kids will want this smartwatch? The Tobi robot character speaks gibberish, giggles and has more than 100 expressions. Featuring moving arms and legs, this built-in interactive robot is here to help children learn, manage important tasks (like a Christmas countdown!), and have tons of fun every day.

Buy the Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch here!

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Does it feel like you’re always sharing your phone, tablet or smartwatch with your kids? (“What’s the weather?” “Can I play a game?” “Ooh, pictures!”) With tech at every turn, it’s no surprise that kids love gadgets and gear just as much as us grownups. The Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch is the perfect device to ease children into the digital world. Here’s why:

1. There’s an Interactive Robot to Share in the Fun

Children have a blast interacting with the Tobi robot character who speaks gibberish, giggles and has more than 100 expressions. With moving arms and legs, this interactive robot is here to play, learn and laugh with your kiddo. Kids will wow their pals with the cool wristband and illuminating LED lights, too!

2. They’ll Be Motivated to Be Active

There are a variety of fitness games to earn rewards. The pedometer, dance activity game and augmented reality Walk n’ Wonder game encourages kids to move their bodies (and have fun while they’re doing it!).

3. Creativity Is at Their Fingertips

Finally—your kids can capture pics and videos that won’t overtake your photo library. The dual cameras film videos and take pictures with a motion-activated selfie-camera. Kids can even customize their photos with decorative stickers and borders, store up to 3,000 640 x 480 pixels photos or 30 minutes of 320 x 240 pixels video and transfer their masterpieces right to your computer.

4. Tobi Is a Partner in Learning

The Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch not only teaches kids to tell time, but helps them learn to manage their time with the stopwatch, timer, alarm clock, calendar and reminders. There’s a calculator and learning games galore. When kids want to have fun with friends, they can play head-to-head games like Tic-Tac-Tobi against other Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatches.

5. It’s Easy to Use

Intuitive for kids 6+ years old and easy for parents to monitor, the splashproof Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch has features both children and adults appreciate. The kid-friendly touchscreen and adjustable wristband are simple for to navigate. Parental controls set limits on screen time and approve wireless connectivity connections. Another awesome perk—it can be used as a remote control with the Tobi™ 2 Interactive Karaoke Machine or Tobi™ 2 Director’s Camera (both sold separately).

-Jessica Solloway

Imagine you could hire an assistant to teach your kids to tell time, play learning games with them, help them with time management and encourage them to be active. Welcome to the future! Screens are fun, but a smartwatch? Now that’s just cool. Combine the intelligence and interactive features of a smartwatch with a personality-packed robot character, Tobi, and now you’ve got the hot new toy for kids ages 4-8! Read to learn why your kids will be begging for this smartwatch soon (and why it’s so worth it!).

The future is here—get your Tobi Robot Smartwatch now!

What Is a Tobi Robot Smartwatch?

Tobi Robot Smartwatch is a full-function smartwatch designed just for kids. It has everything you’d expect in a watch (clock, stopwatch, alarm clock) along with tons of cool surprises like two cameras and built-in games! Everything about the watch screams “kid friendly”, from the easy-to-use touchscreen to its durability to a super-simple micro-USB cable charger. 

Wow. Tobi sounds cool. Why is Tobi Robot Smartwatch so cool?

Glad you asked! Here are four things that really makes this technology a must have:

1. Exciting Games

Banish “I’m bored” from your kiddo’s vocabulary with the help of fun games that come preloaded on each Tobi Robot Smartwatch. There’s an augmented reality Search & Seek game, learning games and dancing activity game, to name a few! While they play, they’ll also unlock interactive rewards that add to the fun and encourage them to play longer.

2. Camera Fun

Get your phone back by giving your kids their own way to safely take photos! Tobi Robot Smartwatch has two built-in cameras that let kids take selfies, record video and take photos, and even lets them add silly stickers to their photos—all on their smartwatch! You can download the photos and videos using the micro-USB cable charger, but Tobi Robot Smartwatch has room for 3,000 photos or 30 minutes of video all on its own. 

3. Active Play

Tobi Robot Smartwatch has a motion sensor and built-in pedometer so your active kid can see just how much they move each day. For a little motivation, Tobi Robot Smartwatch also has a dance activity game and a fun, interactive robot that’ll encourage your kids to move more!

4. Customization and Creativity

Now that they've seen you swap the background on your electronic device, your child wants to do the same. Luckily, Tobi Robot Smartwatch lets your child personalize their smartwatch with over 50 watch faces to choose from! Along with customizing their photos with fun stickers, they can also decorate Tobi’s virtual room with creative decorations and can discover more ways to make their smartwatch one of a kind. 

Oh, did we mention that it’s also splashproof and durable enough for kid’s tough play, indoors and out? 

The future is here—get your Tobi Robot Smartwatch now!

 

– Jamie Aderski and Kenzie Kramer

Struggling is waking up every morning to your alarm clock, the sound of a crying baby, hours before you expect it.

Struggling is thinking about all the things you need to accomplish that day and feeling your chest tighten a little.

Struggling is trying to keep it together, so they don’t fall apart.

Struggling is making it down the stairs before the kids roll out of bed just to realize you forgot to make that last minute trip to the grocery for milk last night.

Struggling is crying in the bathroom while the shower runs, clutching a cup of coffee, and watching tiny little fingers reach under the door.

Struggling is trying to get the kids buckled into the car with both of them kicking, crying and arching their backs while your neighbor watches from across the street.

Struggling is cussing under your breath because your five year old tells you he forgot to brush his teeth on the way to school.

Struggling is dropping your baby off at school for the first time and watching him walk into that building like the big boy he is becoming.

Struggling is the mental list in your head that you try to write down but always forget something.

Struggling is trying to potty train your toddler who continues to pee all over the carpet.

Struggling is a 12-hour road trip for family vacation with two kids in the back seat that won’t stop poking each other.

Struggling is trying to take your family out for a semi-nice dinner but having your toddler throw a fork at an innocent bystander. So you get the rest of your meal to go.

Struggling is trying to set a good example and be a role model then accidentally dropping an F-bomb in a moment of weakness.

Struggling is trying to pee in any public place with a kid in the stall with you, touching everything then trying to sit in your lap.

Struggling is saying that your kids can’t have screen time but knowing that you won’t be able to fold a piece of laundry without it.

Struggling is having to try and pump while you are at work in the closet that your office has designated as the “Pump Room” and worrying that someone will walk in on you.

Struggling is pushing for hours and hours during labor only to find out your baby has a huge head and you need a C-section.

Struggling is trying to keep yourself together when someone visits you and your two day old baby and all you want to do is cry.

Struggling is having to put yourself on the back burner for longer than you expected so you can tend to a tiny person depending on you for life.

Struggling is me. And you.

I am all of these things. You might not be all of them but I am sure you can relate.

All moms struggle. It is so much harder than they tell you it is going to be.

But it’s okay. You have got this. I promise.

If it wasn’t hard, it might not be nearly as worth it to see your baby smile for the first time or hear their giggle every time they see you.

If it wasn’t worth it, I wouldn’t be writing this.

Gosh, it is such a struggle. But I love my tiny alarm clocks more than life itself.

I know you worry that you are messing it all up. That they might not turn out how you imagined.

But you have to take that risk to gain the reward of having your babies kiss and hug you and telling you they love you.

That is when you feel the struggle melt away. It might only melt away for a minute, but that minute is worth all the struggles in the world.

Until next time,

—Jamie

I am a full time working mom with two little boys, Henry and Simon. I write about real life and real life gets messy. Contributor for Motherly, HuffPost Parents, Scary Mommy, Today Parents, Love What Matters and Her View From Home. 

Morning routines are everything when it comes to getting out the door without letting the morning madness get to you. And, let’s face it. From your alarm clock waking you up at the crack of dawn to making sure your kiddos are fed and out the door on time, things can get stressful. 

However, with a little planning, and a solid morning routine, you can transform how your family handles the morning rush. Read on because we’re sharing 7 tips on how to establish a morning routine for kids that may set the tone for a more positive and productive day. 

1. It All Starts with Sleep 

While we may be talking about morning routines, a seamless morning routine really all starts with how your kid’s slept the night before (and you too!) Hitting the hay earlier and setting your little ones up for a solid night’s sleep is the number one step to hit the ground running with a much smoother morning routine. 

Think about it this way. When your child is overtired, nothing seems to run smoothly, right? So, make sleep a priority. 

As a general rule of thumb, The Sleep Foundation says that toddlers (ages 1-2) need 11-14 hours of sleep. Preschoolers (ages 3-5) need 10-13 hours of sleep, school-aged children (ages 6-13) require 9-11 hours, and teenagers (ages 14-17) should be getting 8-10 hours each night. 

Here are a few tips to help establish a better evening routine to set your whole family up for a smoother morning. 

  • Have a predictable evening routine. 

  • Try using noise machines to block out outside noise. 

  • Consider using blackout curtains to set the tone for sleep. 

  • Get the kids into bed early enough to make sure they are getting the amount of sleep their growing bodies need. 

2. Plan Ahead 

Planning is key to avoiding chaos, so consider planning ahead a bit before your busy morning starts. If you can carve our just ten minutes to plan ahead the night before, you will feel so much less stressed when the morning rolls around. Have lunches to pack? Try getting everything out and ready to go the night before. Need to pick out clothes for the kiddos? Try setting those out the night before. 

Crossing just a few things off of your to-do the night before will ultimately save you tons of time during the morning rush. 

3. Claim Your Own Power Half Hour 

If you can manage it, try waking up just a little earlier than the rest of the house, and get some “me time” in! Make the first half-hour of your day your power half-hour to focus on you. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy it while it’s actually still hot. Listen to your favorite podcast, or roll out your yoga mat and get a quick yoga flow in. Doing something for yourself before you dive into your morning routine will help you feel more centered. Hint: A more centered parent equals a smoother morning! 

4. Ease into That Wakeup Call 

Think about how you feel when your blaring alarm clock goes off at the crack of dawn. For many of us, we dread that wakeup call. So, ease into your little one’s wakeup call. If they have a hard time rolling out of bed in the morning, ease into it. Try playing some gentle music, lay in bed with them for a few minutes talking about the plans for the day, or simply offer a hug and some positive words to help your kid’s wake up on the right side of the bed. 

 

5. Get Your Children Involved in the Routine

If your children are old enough, consider getting them involved in the morning routine. This will help foster some independence, but also make them more excited about waking up and diving right into the morning routine.

Consider making a routine chart of what everyone is responsible for each morning, and everyone gets to check their tasks off when they are complete. This example from The Zebra includes a printable morning and routine chart for your family to help them get out of the house on time. 

6. Get Nourished 

Setting the tone for a productive day also starts with nourishing the body. Kiddos (and adults) need something wholesome that’s rich in protein and healthy fat to stabilize blood sugar and help kids stay full until lunchtime. So, consider offering things like eggs with a side of fruit and a piece of toast with mashed avocado or almond butter. Or, on the days you’re in a rush, blend up a kid-approved smoothie.

7. Be Flexible 

As parents, it may seem like we’re always having to bend and flex. Our kid’s needs are ever-changing, and being able to be flexible in your morning routine is just another way to challenge that inner parent patience we all have to muster up. Being flexible when things don’t go exactly as planned will help you bounce right back, instead of letting the morning rush get the best of the entire house. Just remember that not all is lost if your morning routine is slightly thrown off track. Just roll with it! 

A Sample Morning Routine for Kids 

Want to see what a sample morning routine put into real-time looks like? Here’s an example of a morning routine that can be tweaked to work for you. 

The Night Before

8:00 PM: Light’s out for kiddos

8:30 PM: Lay clothes out, get lunch ready

Morning 

5:30 AM: Parent power half hour 

6:00 AM: Kiddos gentle wake-up call 

6:30 AM: Morning schedule

7:00 AM: Enjoy a nourishing breakfast 

7:30 AM: Out the door for a positive and productive day! 

With a solid morning routine, you will quickly see just how powerful they can be for getting out the door and seizing the day. 

I declared my dream of being a mom at the age of five years old on my kindergarten graduation day when answering the age-old question "what do you want to be when you grow up?" Many years later, it still seems like the best job in the world. 

If giving your kids’ rooms a makeover is on your summer to-do list, you’ll be excited to learn that Target’s Hearth & Hand with Magnolia is debuting a brand new collection full of amazing items perfect for a kids room reno.

The collection features over 60 new items including bedding and decor. Here are a few of our favorite items perfect for a kids bedroom makeover.

Double Weave Dot Yellow Quilt

Brighten any kids' room with this beautiful, lightweight quilt perfect for summer nights.

$59.99

Give, Save, Spend Piggy Bank

Save up from those summer lemonade stands in this stylish and functional set.

$24.99

Kids Alarm Clock

Getting up in the morning is always more fun over summer break, especially with this sunny little clock.

$14.99

Globe Nightlight

Send the kids off to sleep dreaming about traveling the world with this glowing globe by their side.

$19.99

National Park Wall Art

Inspire your next family vacation with these dreamy National Park art prints.

$24.99

Wall-Mounted Bookshelf

Summer reading picks never looked so good than on display on this rustic shelf.

$34.99

Hinged Picture Hanger

Display all that gorgeous art work in style with this clever wall-mounted hanger.

$19.99

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Target

 

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