5 Steps to a Successful School Year

Ahhhh…..it’s that time of year again; back to school time. The kids are heading back into their classrooms and the chaotic schedules are set to begin. Both of my children love going back to school. Between seeing old friends, making new ones and getting involved in every activity available, they see this time of the year as the peak of their social life. So I guess it would be a given to say that they don’t want to miss a minute of any school day. Knowing this, I’ve made it my mission to do everything I can to ensure a happy and healthy school year for both of them. And in our home, that means following a few simple steps that help us achieve a successful school year!

Now, trust me when I say that I know as a mom, there is so much that goes into a successful school year; the right supplies, the right clothes, even participating in the right activities. But for all of that to happen in our lives, we have to get back to the basics when it comes to school year success and for me, that means making sure my boys stay healthy. Now, I know what many of you are thinking…there are germs out there, mama, just get over it! And you’re right. But by following five simple steps every day, we’re in a routine that gives us the best chance for keep the school year going without a hitch…or a sneeze!

Step 1: Start Each Day with a Balanced Breakfast

I get that grabbing something quick is tempting…but here’s the thing; quick can be healthy. It’s easy to add some low-fat cottage cheese and nuts to a bowl and pair it with an apple and orange juice.

It’s simple to whip up oatmeal with blueberries and a glass or milk. And it’s smart to start the day with a balanced breakfast that gives your kiddos a solid foundation to build the rest of their school day on.

Step 2: Get the Most from Their Multivitamin

I’m gonna be honest…this is probably the most important step in my successful school year routine. Because while I can feed my kids right, I know as a mom they they can still fall victim to key nutrient gaps. What that means is no matter how hard I try, I’m still not getting all the vitamins they need into them each and every day by food alone. But with Nature Made® KIDS FIRST® Multivitamin Gummies, I can fill in those gaps† and give them the vitamins I know they need in a form that they can’t get enough of.

We recently discovered these multivitamin gummies on a trip to Target and I instantly knew we were onto something great. First, they are from the brand that I trust and have been taking for years! To me, that means quality that’s proven in my own life. But even better, Nature Made® KIDS FIRST® multivitamin gummies provide an easy way to give my kids 12 essential nutrients for age-specific nutritional support, including vitamins A, C, D, and E, B vitamins and minerals like iodine and zinc† in a form that they love.

As if adding all those vitamins to their daily routine wasn’t enough, Nature Made® KIDS FIRST® multivitamins come in a form of gummies that boast all natural fruit flavors and colors derived from natural sources. That means my boys get all the good stuff they need† with none of the synthetic dyes, preservatives or yeast that they don’t.

But truly the best part about Nature Made® KIDS FIRST® Multivitamin Gummies is that my boys love them. There are no more days when vitamins are left sitting on the table or bribery is needed to make them disappear. Instead, my kids actually ASK for their vitamins because they taste delicious.

That makes me do the happy mama dance each and every morning because I KNOW that I’m doing one simple thing that will help them have a successful school year full of days of learning and play!

And since their choice of vitamin from Target is also MY choice, it means that I can rest easy knowing that I’m giving my whole family the best possible foundation to build strong bodies on.

Step 3: Offer Healthy After School Snacks

Maybe it’s because I’m a boy mom, but as soon as that school bell rings my guys are asking what’s for snack. While I like to offer a variety of options, it’s important to me that their snacks consist of fruits, dairy products and whole grains that not only satisfy their always growing appetites but also help to keep them healthy.

It’s an easy way for me to ensure that they are fueling their bodies with foods that are good for them and that will help them continue with their school year success.

Step 4: Make Activity a Part of Every Day

Once snack time is over, it’s time to get active. I know, they’ve been going all day. But outdoor fun not only helps strengthen their bodies but it also gives them a dose of Vitamin D from the beautiful sunshine. We like to keep things light and shoot ball or play a game of catch.

Often we walk to the end of our development to meet daddy as he comes home from work and get a little exercise along the way. And while some days we’re only outdoors for an hour and other’s it’s the entire afternoon, making active time a priority is essential to our back to school routine.

Step 5: Ensure There’s Plenty of Time for Rest

While I know that their waking hours are super important, one of the most important rules in our home is in regards to bedtime. Now, you may think it’s because I’m a mean mama. You may wonder if I’m joyously anticipating quiet (OK, sometimes I am in truth). But the real reason is that a good night’s sleep builds the foundation for healthy and happy days.

By ensuring that both of my boys are in bed on time and get plenty of rest, I’m building a foundation that will serve them well, one night at a time.

While I know that I can’t protect my kids from everything, I love knowing that just a few simple steps each and every day help to give them the most successful school year possible. As a mom, that means that I can feel like I’m doing things right when it comes to my kids by simply making smart decisions and adding Nature Made® KIDS FIRST® Multivitamin Gummies from Target to their daily routine.

Now, it’s your turn! Whatever you’re doing to ensure a successful school year for your kids, keep doing it! But most importantly, be sure to add Nature Made® KIDS FIRST® Multivitamin Gummies from Target to their daily routine. With a taste they’ll love and the vitamins their growing bodies need†, it’s the perfect way to start each and every day.

Tell me, who do you know that would benefit from adding Nature Made® KIDS FIRST® Multivitamins to their daily routine?

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.