Momma Told Me: #MyGoodLife Begins With An After School Schedule And Time To Connect #Shop

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#MyGoodLife Begins With An After School Schedule And Time To Connect #Shop

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Survive Back To School with an age-appropriate schedule and timeto connect. #MyGoodLife #CollectiveBias #Shop
Momma Told Me: Independent doesn't mean alone.

The saying, it takes a tribe to raise a child. It's true. But it's even nicer when the child can be part of the tribe and help raise them-self. No, no, I'm not talking about leaving the eldest with your youngest and taking a weekend off to drive up to Napa; I'm talking about the accomplishment and pride that comes from watching your baby mature and grow into a responsible little human. As we steam-roll closer to the 'teens' every day, I'm always delighted to see the childlike wonder sparkle between the glimmers of a beautiful, smart, young lady Sabrina has become. And, as she prepares for middle school this year, I know that our already hectic schedules will only grow more so as she joins drama club (I can't wait to hear about those adventures) and continues to hone her afternoon skills of flute and bowling.
Letting your child choose nd prepare their after school snacks helps build responsibility and confidence.  #MyGoodLife #CollectiveBias #Shop
We have a few traditions in our family associated with back-to-school. One of them usually entails shopping a good month before the end-of-Summer rush (when the office supply aisle doesn't look like Armegeddon is imminent.) Another is to discuss the new additions to the upcoming year's chores and responsibility. This year there's been talk of opening a starter savings account, to build responsibility with money, and even instituting an allowance for taking on chores that are not exclusively hers. For example, there was a very long debate as to whether an individual should receive an incentive for making their own bed, or not. This was promptly ended with her mother asking, "So, who pays me to make my bed then?"
Hot Pockets and Juicy Juice are a snack combo the entire famiyl loves. Thank goodness I can buy a 12 pack of Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets at Walmart- they disappear quick after schoool!  #MyGoodLife #CollectiveBias #Shop
Unfortunately, the end of this Summer has been quite hectic, indeed. Her brand new baby brother (complete with new baby smell) was born 11 days ahead of schedule and grandma, and 13-year-old, uncle flew down to help out for the remainder of August. And, with a new puppy afoot, and uniforms to be bought, these past two weeks have flown by, and the first day of school is here. Thankfully, one of our focuses this year was helping Sabrina make choices about her afternoon snacks. Everyone knows to stay out of the way of a hungry child after school! We've even worked out a schedule.
Get into a back to school routine a week before school starts!  #MyGoodLife #CollectiveBias #Shop
When Sabrina gets home from school she'll have 30 minutes to make herself a snack of her choice- in this case they happen to be Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets and Juicy Juice 100% Fruit Juice. Then she heads downstairs to burn off the remaining energy from her end of day with some sort of physical activity. This helps her reset her mind and focus after a strenuous day at school. And, whether it's the hulu hoop, her favorite scooter, or roller skates, we're glad to know she's getting outdoor active time that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Then it's right back upstairs to sit down and dig into homework in a quiet room with no distractions.
Make sure children get outside and unwind after shool. Do this before homework to help bring back focus, and make sure to include a snack!  #MyGoodLife #CollectiveBias #Shop
Sabrina enjoys being able to pick out her favorite Hot Pocket from the 20+ varieties on hand at Walmart, but I love being able to save time and money with the 12 count value packs. We compromise and take turns choosing our favorite Nestle products- and spending time shopping for groceries as a family, and working on communication, is a priceless opportunity! I even let her try out her stirring hands in the kitchen with some creative and quick recipes found on the Nestle Flavorful Moments hub; I know they're bound to be good, because they were created by busy moms and caregivers just like me!
Go over your child's homework, no matter their age. This creates time to open a dialogue about your child's school day, and helps your entire family connect!  #MyGoodLife #CollectiveBias #Shop
After homework is completed, it's time to sit down with her father and go over what was learned in school, and proof-check all of the day's assignments. Sabrina knows her dad is a big softie, so she likes to cuddle with mom and the new puppy for an adorable overload that's hard to say no to! Smart girl! Talking about the day's lessons, and reviewing homework together is just another way to take a time out to connect, and show, while we aren't still in school with her, we care about and understand what she is going through. While we may not all be able to sit down and share dinner every night at a table (though we try) we always schedule this time to connect as a family.
Simple tips to help create time to connect after school. #MyGoodLife #CollectiveBias #Shop
Having a routine that engages your child and challenges their independence really can help keep a family running smoothly and make more time for flavorful moments. #MyGoodLife is made
up of a large family of friends, and children that teach me something new everyday. As we head into a new school year I know we will face many unexpected challenges, but we will stick with our plan and make sure we have time to connect and grow, no matter what!

How do you find time to enjoy the good life moments with your family?

What Daughter Says: Let independent practices help create time for your family to connect outside of responsibilities.



42 comments:

  1. Yum, I love Hot Pockets - my favorite kind is the pepperoni pizza variety.

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  2. Seriously no joke my after school snack in high school was Juice Juice & Hot Pockets! I'm 27 years old now and could still go for that every now and again! Its just a winning combo! = ]

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  3. My hubs is like a big kid, lol. He loves hot pockets. I have to admit, myself - the ham and cheese ones are awesome.

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  4. I love Hot Pockets - they are the best snack EVER. Don't tell anyone but I've been known to have one for breakfast!

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  5. Great little video. I want my kids to become more and more independent as well. My son is 11 and he still asks me to do everything. I usually push back on him to do things he is fully capable of.

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  6. We always chose Juicy Juice when the kids were little. I like that there is no added sugar.

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  7. My boys LOVE Hot Pockets! They are a super easy snack and they are so tasty!

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  8. Hot Pockets are a great way to let kids start making snacks on their own. Plus they're darn tasty!

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  9. Great ideas. I just bought some Hot Pockets because I knew when my 2nd grader got out of school she'd like to have it as a snack, like I did when I was a kid.

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  10. Luckily I have one more Pepperoni Hot Pocket in the freezer, I think I will be eating that for lunch! I love them, they make for a quick meal!

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  11. Love hot pockets. SO does my family so I tend to hide a few for myself for safe keeping.

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  12. We use a lot of Juicy Juice in our house. With no added sugar it's a win. We use it to make smoothies as well because it adds great flavor and with fresh fruit keeps it healthy without a ton of sugar.

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  13. I am going to have to grab some Hot Pockets for my kids for an after school snack. I like that they are so easy for them to make themselves.

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  14. I love back to school posts! My boys like Hot Pockets too and they really are a convenient snack that is substantial and filling.

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  15. we love all natural juice at our house. we buy it all the time.

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  16. My girls like to occasionally enjoy Hot Pockets too! The pizza ones are sooo darn good!

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  17. Hot Pockets are delicious. They make the perfect after school snack for a ravenous teenager.

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  18. Hot Pockets are amazing. I eat those for an after everything snack!

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  19. Hot Pockets get a lot of action at my house. I've got three kids with three gigantic appetites.

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  20. Hot Pockets FTW! I LOVE those things. They're like Heaven in a flaky crust.

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  21. Hot Pockets used to be my favorite after school snack - so cool to see kids still enjoying them! #client

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  22. We eat a lot of Hot Pockets around here. The breakfast ones are great for a rushed morning.

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  23. I agree with you, you have to give them as much independence as possible before they leave home! This schedule is fantastic!

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  24. My son loves Hot Pockets! The pepperoni pizza is his favorite.

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  25. my 25 year old sister still loves eating hot pockets and juicy juice but now it changes to after work- not after school haha.

    And I have to say- I now want to do the hoola hoop that you mentioned it haha

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  26. You are such a good momma! I love how you think through all these things...allowing for independence, but still keeping everyone connect together. I love her style too...you may not want to tell her this, but it reminds me of my previous 80's style, complete with a bright colored bow (not sure if she'll see that as a compliment or not, but it is one!). My kids are fans of both Hot Pockets and Juicy Juice too, so I'm with you right there with those choices too. #client

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  27. My kids were just asking for some hot pockets for after school snacks to enjoy between school and dinner. And what great tips to ensure the family stays close even though school takes them away and keeps us all busy.

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  28. My son enjoys Hot Pockets as an occasional after school snack. He likes that they are easy to make when he is hungry after a long day at school.

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  29. My Teens love Hot Pockets, what an awesome snack item for after school...and my princess loves Juicy Juice....great combination

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  30. Afternoons are super-busy in our home between homework and after-school activities... I always need something quick and easy.

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  31. My oldest soun could live on Hot Pockets. We always have them in my freezer.

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  32. You are very organized and great tips for getting them on a good schedule! We are a big Hot Pocket fan! They are delicious!

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  33. We're all into Hot Pockets right now. They're perfect for after school. I just can't seem to keep the Juicy Juice in the house. The kids drink too much.

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  34. We keep a box of Hot Pockets in the freezer for busy days. Oh, and days when company is over. And days that we just feel like eating something yummy. So basically -- anytime!!

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  35. Haven't had a Hot Pocket in ages!! I'm from Mexico so our main meal happened as soon as we came home form school...so no snacking for us!! But hot pockets sound good :)

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  36. We love Juicy Juice in our house also. Here's to a great school year for kids and moms everywhere!

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  37. You will definitely find a variety of Hot Pockets in my freezer for my kids to grab when they come home from school. I have always been a fan of them too!

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  38. I will now be singing HOT Pocket all day.

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  39. OMG, I haven't had a Hot Pocket in ages. They are so tasty though. I don't think my girls have tried them either. We try to eat all meals together at our table, no electronics! :D

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  40. I haven't had hot pockets in a while. I love the breakfast ones.

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  41. I haven't had hot pockets in ages - but I remember them fondly. I too love the pepperoni one

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