General Mills sponsored this post, but the opinions are my own. It tickles me at how so much changes in your life when you become a parent. One area that never changed in my house as the kids got older was the transition to back to school. It didn’t matter if it was from a long weekend or summer break. The kids HATED getting up and ready for school. I can relate! I am not a fan myself!
As a parent, your super powers kick in and you have to figure our how to make returning to school easier for everyone. For my family, we take the team player approach in getting everyone out the door on time. We started with baby steps when they were in Kindergarten and added responsibility as they got older. Here are a few ideas on how to make returning to school easier for everyone:
Keep A Routine: My biggest mistake during a break was letting the kids set their own bedtime. My kids can stay up until 2:00 am if I let them. Even if I take their electronics away, they will get a flashlight and read in bed! This means they sleep past noon and the cycle continues! For short breaks, they keep their school bedtimes intact. For longer breaks, like winter and summer, I extend the time by 2 hours. Two weeks before school starts back, we go back to their school bedtimes.
Get Ready The Night Before: When the kids were younger, I would lay out two outfits and they chose their favorite. As they got older, they chose their own clothes. The hardest part of this for me was letting them wear those outfits that may not be the most fashion forward. Stripes with plaids..yikes!!! Have the kids make their lunches while you are preparing dinner. I have the crisper drawers filled with pre-bagged fruits, veggies, sandwiches, etc. The kids just grab what they like and put them in their lunch bags. We also pack backpacks and leave them by the door.
The Mornings: As soon as I wake up, I check the traffic on my phone. This way, if there are any delays, I can plan how t re-route my drive before I get stuck in a huge traffic jam. Now that Caitlin is in college, it is more important than ever not to be late. Those professors are strict!! While they are getting dressed, I put out the cereals bowls, milk and their favorite cereal, which is Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios from Walmart.
While they eat, I am warming up the car. After the kids eat, they feed the cats, walk the dog and feed him. Poor Elvis! He wants some of those delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios from Walmart! Next, the dishes go in the sink, backpacks are grabbed and we are in the car, heading for school. From start to finish, we are out the door in less then an hour.
I have to tell you, this first semester was tough! Caitlin started college and it was a huge adjustment for everyone. Henry is doing his high school work as we home school. That too was something we had to adjust to. Because Caitlin isn’t driving and we have one car, not only do I chauffeur her back and forth to school, I do the same with my husband. Pairing that with working from home full time and keeping the house going, I am a bit of a superhero! And as we know, superheroes use their super powers, right? One of mine is making sure my family eats well, even when we are in a hurry.
Why do I feel so great about my kids eating the General Mills cereals from Walmart? Because I know my kids are getting a breakfast that is yummy, good fro them and so easy to prepare. Their favorite Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios from Walmart offers whole grain oats as it’s 1st Ingredient. There are also no artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources.
With the all new General Mills cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shreds, Peanut Butter Chocolate Shreds, Lucky Charms Frosted Flakes, Banana Nut Cheerios and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios from Walmart, breakfast time just got tastier and easier! Taking a shortcut that doesn’t take away from my family’s ability to thrive is high on my list. Serving them a cereal I trust is a breakfast shortcut I am 100% happy to take! Even Caitlin takes shortcuts! She studies for her upcoming test while she fuels her body and brain! Smart kiddo, huh?!
I am so thankful to have a Walmart just a few miles from the house. We shop there at least three times a week! I love their prices and their availability of the products I need. Now I love their easy and free Grocery Pick-Up service. I can order online, reserve my pick-up time and they deliver my groceries TO MY CAR! Yassss! Just another superpower of mine…brilliance! Another superpower is to let the kids make their own snacks. What does Caitlin choose? Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios from Walmart.
Next time you are buying a General Mills cereal at Walmart, be sure to check out the new merchandise offer! Buy 5 items, scan your receipt with the Box Tops Bonus App and earn 50 Bonus Box Tops! Help earn cash for your kid’s school!
When you try the New General Mills cereals from Walmart, which will you try first? Will you head to your local store or order them online? Please share!
