We don't make the rules, but they say we must go. So here's the ultimate guide to back-to-school essentials!

Here's what you need...

Suit 'em and Boot 'em - the gear edit

Here's what we're wearing!

(click image to open link)

Easy on/ off footwear:

Comfort: To have and to hold

Weighted cuddle buddies are good for mood and attention. They are beneficial for tactile seeking and soothing. They also support social-emotional learning, transition and travel, hugs, and sleep.

Kevin and/or Carl make the perfect little gift to make your young loved ones feel cozy, comfortable, and safe. Named after our very own lovable pups, this weighted stuffed animal uses gentle pressure to soothe children of all ages. It provides the comfort of a real adorable little dog friend. He also makes a great buddy! Kevin and Carl, his brother, are a part of our family. They can now be a part of yours.

All sale proceeds go towards supporting the LittleWins community. 

• A weighted vest with secret pockets inside, too! For all the small sensory gadgets one little can hold.

The Sunscreen we live by.

• Supergoop →
  • Made by a mom who gets it. It comes in all sorts of formats: lotion, spray, and powder so that there is at least one style that works for each child. Sunscreen is essential, but with 4 kids who do not necessarily like putting it on, I understand the struggle. Trying out countless products, the only one they will use is Supergoop. In particular, they like the “Unseen Screen” which is a clear formula that is not sticky and does not leave streaks. It also does not have a greasy feel and truly is “Unseen” on the body. For adults, there are countless tinted sunscreens, setting sprays, primers, body glow and more so you do not have to choose between your makeup routine and sunscreen. Right now you can get 10% off your order, the perfect time to snag some before the school year begins. My kids love the unseen, in particular.
  • https://supergoop.com/collections/kids-family-sunscreen

Water bottle:

Go-Go Gadget, hands-free drinking system. Well done https://www.giraffebottle.com/

EaZyHold:

A universal cuff for all ages that aids in holding tools for daily life! Check them out: https://eazyhold.com/

Stuff your bag with fidgets to prepare for a calm outing with your kids. Have a bundle of fidgets for them to choose from to keep their hands occupied while traveling or sitting in a waiting room. Fidgets have been proven to help kids calm and focus in a world full of distractions. Buy five fidgets or more and get a handy tote bag for free! Shop HERE

Recipes we like for a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast:

1. Homemade buttermilk pancakes: You think, “Wait, you said quick and easy.” Yes, these pancakes are top-tier. They are a hit every time, even after 10 years of eating them. You can store them in the fridge for a few days. You can prep the mix one night. Then, you will have it ready to pop on the stove for a few mornings. Quick, easy, and highly customizable. Watch this ridiculous video I made years ago because they still love them.

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1. Beth’s famous crepes: it all started a few years ago when Beth was tasked with making crepes at 7am

Steps: 

• Pour 5 huge tablespoons of flour into bowl
• Create a hole in the center of the flour bowl
• Add egg to flour
• Slowly add in milk while stirring until the consistency of melted ice cream
• Pour mixture into pan and flip when the bottom is golden

Enjoy :)

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3. Chocolate muffins - As pictured above- LittleWins Style: who doesn’t love a chocolate chip muffin for breakfast? We do, but we also love eating breakfast, which fuels us for school and work days. We use chocolate protein powder. We also add cocoa powder to make it extra chocolatey. This method still provides us with the nutrients we need. The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of flour. that's where we split that 3/4 with protein powder and cacao powder. Bingo.

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4. Cereal bar galore! By Friday or even Thursday, the week has taken a toll on all of us. We need the easiest breakfast while reaching the top-tier level we’ve been at all week. What do we do? Make cereal cool. Have a few options on the table, bowls and spoons prepped. The next day, simply grab the milk(s) and fruit, and boom! A fun breakfast awaits. Kids can pick one flavor or mix a few to create a fun bowl. This meal is not complicated to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Cereal (as many or as few as you would like)
• Milk 
• Fruit

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5. Egg bites are another highly customizable choice. Our favorites are bacon and cheddar, but you can add veggies, sausage, potatoes, or anything else.

Ingredients: 

• As many eggs as you would like, cups
• Any toppings you would like in your cup - make sure everything is cooked to your liking before placing in the egg mixture 
• Salt, pepper, and any other seasoning you desire 

Recipe: 

• Crack all eggs into a bowl 
• Add in toppings 
• Grease a muffin tin
• Pour egg mixture into muffin tin 
• Place in 350*F oven for 12-18 minutes 
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge and simply microwave for 30 seconds to reheat!

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Bedtime stories we're reading:

The best way to end the day and calm little minds is with a story. No matter the age and stage, we have great recommendations for you. Ranging from classic picture books to goofy chapter books, check out the list for your next read:

• Escape from Mr. Lemoncellos Library - Chris Gaberstein
• The Day the Crayons Came Home - Drew Daywalt 
• The Lorax - Dr. Seuss
• Dragon's Love Tacos
• Harry Potter- all of them.

Reminders:

Here are a few friendly reminders from team LittleWins. It's that time of year again for school physicals. It’s also time for eye exams! Do not wait until the last minute; appointments are booked up, so schedule yours today.

Remember, as we enter the next school year with new classmates and friends. We need to talk to our children about differences. Check out our blog for tips and tricks to make sure this school year is the best! When in doubt, just say hi:) https://littlewins.com/blog/teaching-children-about-diversity-essential-tips-for-parents

Is your school ADA-compliant? Review this blog to refresh your memories on what it means to be ADA-compliant, especially in schools. https://littlewins.com/blog/ada-anniversary-ensuring-equal-access-and-accommodations-for-all

The morning before school is hectic, no matter how much you prepare. Hopefully, these few tips and tricks will help you get out the door a little easier each day:

1. Pack lunches the night before. Making breakfast and getting kids ready is challenging. Packing snacks and making lunches at the same time adds to the difficulty. We like to pack them while preparing dinner, in the cooking mindset, with many ingredients already out.
2. Slice the fruit and place it in a dry container with lemon or lime juice. This preserves the fresh fruit and eliminates the classic “brown apple” in the lunch box.
3. No matter what time it is, put the clothes in the dryer before you sleep! You will thank yourself in the morning. All you have to do is pull the dry clothes out. This is better than running a whole drying cycle before anyone can get dressed. Especially if you have children like me who like to wear the same unique item every few days.

Finally, the last tips and tricks we have for you are about the things we do not want to think about. We also have concerns about lice and sickness.

1. Lice is the real deal, and if it hits, wow, is it a setback. Unfortunately, with kids, there is always the chance of it hitting home. A few preventative tips include:
   • Every once in a while, I use tea tree oil shampoo to repel the bugs from invading. I spray my kids' heads to toes with this and then cross my fingers.
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2. Additionally...Put your contact information in their backpacks
3. Throw a handwritten note to them in every once in a while and an extra snack even more often.
4. Sneeze in your sleeve and handsani is king.
5. I remind them that they can tell me anything and ask me anything. If not me, then who?
6. Don't be afraid to learn new things; take deep breaths.
7. Wash your hands and be kind; rewind. :)