Back-to-School Made Simple: Healthy Habits for Happy Kids

3 days ago

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Written by Alexandra Ulmer

Back to School Healthy Lunchbox Tips and Non-Toxic Swaps

3 days ago

·

Written by Alexandra Ulmer

And just like that… it’s AUGUST. Whether your little one is starting preschool or heading back for another year, these simple swaps and routines will help ease the transition into fall with calm, confidence, and wellness.

🥪 Build a Better Lunchbox

Your child’s energy and focus start with what’s packed in their lunchbox.

We finally found a plastic-free water bottle that doesn’t leak or break! Bonus: lots of compliments on the playground for the cute design.
Choose silicone or stainless steel snack bags and lunchboxes — no endocrine disruptors here. We love trusty Stasher bags and stainless snack cups.
Focus on healthy fats and protein to keep blood sugar steady and moods balanced. Some of our favorites: homemade jello gummies, organic cheese sticks, steak quesadillas, and nitrate-free hot dog rice bowls with veggies.

💕 Ease Separation Anxiety

Back-to-school often brings big feelings for little ones. Try these gentle comfort rituals:

Send them with their favorite AU Baby blanket for naps. Our stain- and smell-resistant merino means you don’t have to wash it all year!
Slip a handwritten lunchbox note into their bag — small gestures make a big impact.
Draw a heart “love button” on their hand at drop-off and tell them it’s a way to send and receive hugs from you all day.

🌦 Choose Non-Toxic All-Weather Gear

School days mean rain, mud, and lots of outdoor play. Here’s how to keep them safe from hidden toxins:

Check out our guide to avoiding PFAS in rain gear, backpacks, and waterproof shoes.
Fluf backpacks use organic cotton and are tested free of harmful chemicals.
Terra Thread offers another safe cotton option.
Reima is our top pick for 100% PFAS-free rain gear.
When in doubt, call the company to ask what’s in their water-repellent coatings.

🍲 Make Family Dinner Easy

Evenings can be chaotic, but a few simple shifts make dinner stress-free:

Follow our Instagram Stories where we share what we’re cooking every night — always kid-friendly, whole foods focused, and nutrient dense.
If you work from home, cook dinner in the morning when energy is higher. It may need reheating, but it saves you from starring in your own episode of Kitchen Nightmares during the chaotic hours of 3–6 pm.
Don’t get stuck in a rut: use the Paprika app to save recipes and rotate your grains, meats, and veggies for balanced nutrition.