07/16/2026
let‘s go back to the basics and 🧑🏫 teach our kids how to take care of themselves as they transition into a new school year:
👀 VISUAL SCHEDULES
- create a daily visual timetable with fun graphics (i.e., toothbrush, t-shirt, cereal bowl, etc.) so kids know what is expected
- use a morning checklist and afternoon checklist to reduce decision fatigue
🙌 POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS
- develop a morning positive affirmation or prayer/scripture routine before send-off
- place surprise affirmations and encouragement inside backpacks and lunchboxes
😴 SLEEP + NUTRITION SUPPORT
- keep consistent wake and bedtime routines
- reduce screen time at least one hour before bedtime
- provide a healthy breakfast and snacks (and don‘t forget the water bottle!) for power throughout the day
😌 little hammock™ CALM CORNER
- create a corner space where kids can retreat and unwind in after school
- keep the lights dim or completely off - maybe add some fun string lights
- stock it with quiet time items like books, fidget toys, or coloring book
- add a ’feeling wheel‘ poster or cards to help identify and label difficult feelings
🧘♀️ BREATHING/GROUNDING EXERCISES
- teaching simple techniques like balloon breathing or 5-4-3-2-1 grounding
- remind them to use breathing/grounding exercises when they feel overwhelmed
- do it with them - it‘s good for the whole family!
✅ DAILY EMOTION CHECK-INS
- discuss what happened during the day on the car ride home
- talk about a daily ‘high‘ and ‘low‘ point at the dinner table
🫶 SELF-CARE FOR PARENTS
- model calm routines and use your own stress tools
- build in buffer time in the schedules to avoid rushing
- pat yourself on the back for doing the very best you can
if you‘d like even ✨more✨ support, be sure to follow us for promos and giveaways 🥳 of our little hammock™!
LITTLE WANDERLUST | the ✨SOFTEST✨indoor hammocks for kids
