10 little ways to make back-to-school easier {issue 47}

Plus, 6 restaurant rules for cooking with kids.

August 26, 2021 No. 47 The mornings are getting an itsy-bit cooler, so I'm taking my coffee and cinnamon toast outside. It's that very necessary corner of my day with absolutely nothing on the to-do list. How are you easing into your day? —Thao     10 Little Ways to Make Back-to-School Easier Returning to school also means saying goodbye to weekday movie nights, sleepovers with friends, and impromptu hangouts at the local ice cream joint. But with school opening, kids also have the opportunity to learn about interesting ideas, make friends, and explore fun new extracurriculars.   Parents may welcome the routine, but also have reservations about reentry. That's understandable! While the transition can be daunting, we can also take some tangible steps in our homes to help. We spoke to parents, mental health experts, and teachers for their best ideas on creating simple systems that set families up for back-to-school success. read more > cubby ❤️ Soothe your baby with this sweet humidifer and aromatherapy combo by Lalo and Canopy. The parts are dishwasher-safe, and it comes in four soft shades, perfect for a nursery. Especially great for small spaces!   live     This Small-Space Organizing Hack Gets My Kids Out the Door Fast My philosophy: get your system together, and let it work for you. Here's how we did it. read more >     10 Stylish Kids Desks That Look Great in Every Room Art tables for littles all the way to multi-functional desks with cool Scandinavian design features. read more > eat     5-Minute After-School Snacks That Are Nutritious And let's not forget the kids' hungry descent on the kitchen after school. We've got you there too. read more >     6 Pro-Chef Restaurant Rules I Use When Cooking with My Kids The restaurant kitchen has got nothing on cooking with young kids. Here's what I do to make the whole process easier AND more enjoyable. read more > play     The Best Baby Gift I Received — I Send It to All My Pregnant Friends Now! It's an easy-as-can-be formula that lets you spend as much as you want — while still delivering a memorable gift for new parents! read more >     We Tried 10 of the Best Toothbrushes for Kids — Here's Our Very Favorite One I promise you: brushing teeth won't be a hassle with my new favorite toothbrush for kids. read more > cubby finds: snack stash stasher stojo waterproof bags compostable paper ask maxwell Now that school is reopening in my neighborhood again, I need a new lunch box for my kid. What's the best one you've found? —Holly Dear Holly (as well as a few others that have just asked me this question again),   Over at The Kitchn, they've spent a good deal of time testing and writing about lunch boxes, and I've tried them all. My main problem is that my daughter has not met a lunch box that she doesn't fall in love with (and quickly out again), so our house is filled with a graveyard of orphaned lunch boxes. Also, she tends to lose pieces somehow, so the orphanage just grows.   Want more choices? Let me share the wealth of our whole team here. read more > Maxwell Ryan is a father and was an elementary school teacher in NYC before founding Apartment Therapy. He'd love to answer your question: askmaxwell@cubbyathome.com ( trust us ) Pioneer days Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences  View this email in your browser  Apartment Therapy is full of ideas for creating a warm, beautiful, healthy home. If we've inspired you, we may receive a share of purchases made through this email. Apartment Therapy Media 270 Lafayette Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10013 ABOUT | CONTACT US | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE