September has arrived and a new school year is unfolding right before our eyes! And, as a lunchbox staple since 1981, the Quaker brand wants to remind Canadian parents that they’ve got this and show support as they start a new year. Teaming up with Andryanna Gonko, parenting expert and the host of The Juggle is Real Podcast, Quaker Chewy granola bars are not only serving up lunchtime snacks, but also insight and advice. We chatted with Andryanna to learn more. —Noa Nichol
Hi Andryanna! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.
I am an educator, self-care advocate and the host of The Juggle is Real Podcast, where I share how to live a more mindful and intentional life as a working mom of three boys. My mission is to show busy parents how to lessen their loads and enjoy the juggle of work and family with less stress and more ease. I believe that self-love is at the root of all personal development, and it guides me to help others in their own journeys.
Back to school marks a big transition complete with an assortment of changes; what are some of the challenges around this, and how can we better prepare (the whole family) for back-to-school season?
The busy back-to-school season signals a transition for the whole family! Children are not only entering a new grade which can be exciting and overwhelming, but parents are also entering a new phase of watching their kids grow up – which can feel like unknown territory. That said, preparation in advance and setting realistic goals would help everyone navigate this! Preparation in advance means we don’t need to be everything at once, but alleviating some common frustrations and building your child’s confidence can help them adjust to transition periods. This can be done by practicing independence with them by getting them to do things like:
- Packing/unpacking their school bags with the supplies they need
- Choosing lunch containers that they can open and easily use themselves (and enjoy using!)
- Adding a little love and encouragement to their lunchbox, through their favourite snack like a Quaker Chewy granola bar for example
Any advice around setting realistic expectations for parents and children? How about top tips for communicating with our kids?
Parents should realize that the school year goes from September to June, and we won’t have it ALL figured out by the first day of school. Instead of putting this pressure on ourselves to have all of the supplies, outfits and snacks perfectly organized, parents should allow themselves some grace to tackle these tasks over the first few weeks so it doesn’t get overwhelming. We all have full plates, so it can feel easier to add one or two items every week instead of piling it all on now. As for children, there will be a lot of big emotions that run the gamut during the beginning of a new school year. It’s a big milestone for your kid(s), and whether they’re nervous or afraid; excited and eager; or a little bit of everything, we can give them some grace as well. Most children will be VERY tired as they are starting this new routine, and they may be a little more on-edge than usual during the first few months of school. This is very normal. Their growing bodies work hard all day to listen and follow the rules, so when they get home at night, they are pooped. Be patient and try not to overbook yourselves at night if possible. Kids may not share a lot about what is happening at school. This could simply be because they are too tired to talk, they don’t really remember, or they have a hard time processing all the moments into clear thoughts. The beauty of technology today is that most teachers will share pictures about what is happening in the class and parents can use these as conversation starters. I’ve learned that asking open-ended questions like ‘how was your day?’ leads to vague responses, but giving them some time to process the day and then asking about specific parts like ‘who did you play with at morning recess?’ can lead to more details and eventually opens up the floodgates of conversation, usually at dinnertime.
Self-care is often associated with adulthood; what about kids, and how can it help ease the transition back to school?
Starting a morning and bedtime routine can ease the transition back to school, and ‘sandwiches’ the day with care. Children thrive on structure, so starting the day with a routine can make the rest of the day flow with ease. It can be as simple as having breakfast, getting dressed, brushing teeth and 15 minutes of a favourite show, but consistency is key. Visual queues with a chart or written lists are helpful and will boost their independence, too. Ending the day with a solid bedtime routine is equally important. Good nights lead to better mornings, so setting kids up for success at school starts the night before by making sure they get the sleep they need. Managing expectations with clear visual and verbal communication is key here again. Having a bedtime routine chart is so helpful – and involving kids in creating that chart or deciding on the order of their tasks is even better. Including bedtime associations like a special nightlight, favourite books, or a weighted blanket can also make bedtime more comforting.
What about healthy school snacks and lunches; how do they play into this transitional time, and what are your nutritional tips?
It’s always important to send your children to school with a balanced lunch to help them take on the day, but we know children are excited about the snack option too! One way I show love in my son’s lunchbox during the day is by adding one of his favourites – a Quaker Chewy granola bar – it’s an easy win that I know will put a smile on his face. Providing options in a variety of food groups gives children the ability to decide how they’re staying fueled during the day, which further adds to their independence.
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