Experience Gifts in Austin, Texas This Holiday Season

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As we rush into the thick of this holiday season, I often like to take a step back and make sure that my priorities remain intact. I see my inbox filling with email after email of sales, and my children's lists of "must haves" are growing longer by the minute. It's easy to get caught up in the chaos that surrounds this time of year.  I have made a conscious effort this year to give the gift of experiences rather than things. Whether you're searching for that perfect gift for a loved one or just need an escape for yourself, Austin has so much to see and do. Here are some of my favorite ideas for experience gifts in Austin, Texas:

Foodies
Texas, and even more specifically Austin, has such an array of great eateries. Do you have someone in your life who enjoys wining and dining? 

• Thai Fresh has some amazing food, but did you know that they also offer cooking classes? Jam, the personable talent behind the iconic eatery, leads a small group to make authentic Thai home cooking from scratch with the tricks and tips that have been in her family for generations. Participants can expect a hands-on approach and a fun atmosphere, along with a menu offering four delectable dishes.
• If you'd prefer to check out a winery, Wimberley Valley Winery has an a great selection of wines along with activities that the entire family can enjoy. Visitors are met with yard games abound and animals such as mini ponies. There is fun for the whole family, and you can also pick up some wine!

Activities

• The Blue Star Lite Mini Urban Drive-In adds a unique twist on going to the movies. This pop up boutique drive-in is the perfect place to watch some childhood favorites and is also a great gift for the movie lover in your life.
• Paramount Theatre is a classic theatre in downtown Austin that has an abundance of live shows to choose from, including musicals for the kids, as well as rock n' roll icons who make stops on their tours. You're sure to find a show for every person on your list. 

Travelers
While traveling is one of my passions, I also love a good staycation.  There is so much that Austin has to offer, and stepping out of our daily routine can be a great way to experience it all!

• The Four Seasons Austin has a variety of activities, including their new Taylor Guitars Concierge program, which allows guests to have access to Taylor guitars either in their room or out on the scenic lawn. Available guitars include a Baby Taylor, so if you're traveling with kids, they can also join in on the fun!  
• If you would rather get out of the city, Texas Hill Country is under an hour’s drive outside of downtown Austin and is home to Lake Austin Spa Resort. The scenic location is only the beginning of its magic. The spa boasts top-notch services, and it is easy to find an activity that interests even the most selective of recipients on your gift list this year.  

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What are your favorite experience gifts in Austin? 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Maddie started her career in advertising sales and client management. Now she is using that experience to help small businesses grow through their social media presence and online content. When she isn’t thinking about how to revolutionize each client’s brand strategy, you can find her playing with her two kids, cuddling with her dogs, or taking long walks down the aisles of Target.

Tips for Flying with Kids This Holiday Season

Thanksgiving and the holiday season is a time for us to gather with family and friends, eat delicious food, and celebrate all that we’re thankful for. Though the traditions and meaning behind holidays are important, there is no doubt that they can still be considered a stressful time of year. Traveling with kids requires a lot of headspace and patience, especially when you have younger kids who require tons of equipment like strollers and diapers. As a mom of three who has traveled across the country for family gatherings many times with kids in tow, here are some of my best tips for flying with kids:

Choose your plane times strategically. Do your kids still nap? Are they happiest in the morning? It might be worth the extra splurge, if applicable, to decrease your stress level and choose flights that work best for your family’s schedule. That way everyone is stress-free and well-rested during travel time.

Dress appropriately. Have you ever seen how tiny those plane bathrooms are? Now is not the time for elaborate buttons or zippers. Dress your kids in comfortable clothing that can be easily removed or swapped. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, and make sure that you have some socks for chilly feet -- not to mention that planes aren't the cleanest of spaces.

Babywear over dragging the stroller. Save yourself the hassle of going through security and having yet another item to drag to the gate. Check your stroller or even better, borrow one from a friend or family member while you’re visiting your destination. Wear your baby instead! You’ll be hands-free, and with less items to keep track of.

Bring the sanitizer. Airplanes are notoriously filled with germs. Make sure you travel with hand sanitizer so you can wipe down little hands during the flight.

Pack a Busy Bag with new toys. My daughter and I used to fly at least four times a year from coast to coast. I always ran to Target the week of a flight and bought her a bunch of new, low cost toys and other items to keep her busy. Our lineup for each flight included: a new coloring book, play-doh or clay, magnetic dolls, sticker books, a few new books that fit in her backpack, and one new movie. This was back in the era of portable DVD players! Now that we have iPads, you can just download a new movie or show series for the plane ride. You do not have to spend a lot of money to keep your kids entertained. Scope out the Dollar Spot at Target, rent movies on Amazon or iTunes to keep costs lower, and borrow books from the library!

If you can, get the baby a seat. I know that kids under two are free, and it’s amazing to save the money – but if you can swing it, having that extra seat is priceless. Having a space to keep my kids in their carseats helped make the flight much smoother, not to mention that it’s much safer. However, I have had to travel without an extra seat plenty of times, too, and we survived!

Prepare for any discomfort. Do you have a child who is prone to nausea? Consider chatting with your pediatrician about remedies you can turn to before and during the flight. Do your child’s ears pop? Make sure you’re stocked up on chewing gum, and request bottled water during take off and landing to swallow. Prepare for the discomforts of flight, because you never know which ones your child will be susceptible to.

Pack extra diapers, and don’t forget the trash bag. You just never know how many diapers you’ll truly need, and having a few plastic grocery bags and ziplock bags – just in case – might end up being the best decision you’ve ever made.

Stock up on snacks. Everyone has different philosophies on this. I used to treat any plane ride like a vacation, which meant letting my kids choose some fun junk food that I wouldn’t normally allow them to have. I found that this kept them quieter and well behaved, but some people find the opposite to be true. Do what works best for your family, but do anticipate that your kids are going to need a lot of snacks! It’s better to overpack and be safe on this one.

Remember that this too shall pass. Sometimes we do everything that we possibly can, and flights still go terribly. Maybe it’s a screaming baby or an overtired, whiny kid, but inevitably, some flights just won’t go your way. Give yourself grace and know that not only will you likely never see any of these people again, but you and your kids are human! Now go pour yourself a glass of wine and hand them off to the in-laws.

What do you think, Austin parents? Are you traveling with your kids this holiday season?

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a Content Manager and Brand Strategist, helping businesses with their social media presence, SEO, and brand strategy. When she’s not busy blogging or strategizing, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on her personal blog or Instagram.

The Best Pet Friendly Hotels in Austin, Texas

Whether you're heading down to Austin for a staycation or traveling from afar to our wonderful city, many people don't want to be without their furry friends. Where, then, can you stay? We are fortunate here in Austin to have a lot of great options around various parts of the area. Here is our list of the best pet friendly hotels in Austin, Texas:

Archer Hotel

3121 Palm Way, Austin, TX 78758

This beautiful boutique hotel is part of the fun, fashion forward DOMAIN Northside. The hotel accepts dogs up to 25 lbs on request. Do keep in mind that a non-refundable $150 cleaning deposit is required for your stay.

The Highlander Hotel 

6200 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, TX, 78752

Located in the Highland area of Austin, the Highlander has a fun, funky vibe that Austinites are loving. The fact that they're pet friendly is an added bonus!

Holiday Inn Austin Airport 

6711 East Ben White Blvd Austin, TX 78744

This beautiful, new, and affordable option is located near the airport with easy downtown access. Pets are allowed, but keep in mind that there is a $50 pet deposit per stay, plus an additional $15 fee per night.

Four Seasons Hotel in Austin

98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

This luxury downtown hotel sits on the banks of Lady Bird Lake, with resort-like features and gorgeous views. Dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals under 60 lbs are welcome. There are also a variety of complimentary add ons for your furry best friend!

Hotel Granduca in Austin

320 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Bldg. B, Austin, TX 78746

Located atop a hillside oasis on Bee Caves Rd and Loop 360, the Hotel Granduca is easily accessible to the Westlake area, as well as a quick drive to downtown. Pets under 50 lbs are welcome with a maximum of two total pets per stay. There is a $125 non-refundable fee for your pet, which is donated to a local shelter.

What do you think, Austin pet parents? Are you planning to stay at any of these hotels?

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a Content Manager and Brand Strategist, helping businesses with their social media presence, SEO, and brand strategy. When she’s not busy blogging or strategizing, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on her personal blog or Instagram.

Healthy Halloween Snack Ideas for Kids

 

Halloween is one of my favorite times of year. I love all things pumpkin, fall, and apple. Halloween and fall, in general, can also be a time of sugar overload since many people have festive Halloween parties and go Trick or Treating. Because of this, I like to create fun side dishes that are kid-friendly and healthy. If you're going to a Halloween pot luck this weekend, here are a few of my favorite healthy Halloween snack ideas for kids:

Frozen "Boo-Nana" Pops from Skinnytaste 

I love these simple treats. Though the recipe calls for white chocolate to coat the bananas, you don't have to follow that part if you're opting for a healthier choice. You can simple stick on some chocolate chip eyes and call it good!

Jack O' Lantern Clementines

Talk about easy! All you need are some clementines and a Sharpie. Draw on some cute jack o'lantern faces, and you're good to go.

Mozzarella Stick Ghosts from Midget Momma 

These are even easier. All you need is a Sharpie and some mozzarella cheese sticks. Draw a ghost face on each cheese stick, and voila! The perfect kid-friendly snack.

Candy Corn Fruit Cocktail by Family Fresh Meals

These are a huge hit at any Halloween party and give that perfect taste of sweetness without a sugar rush!

Dress Up Your Pouch, from See Vanessa Craft

It doesn't get much cuter than this. Kids love pouches, and what a fun twist on an already classic snack staple!

What do you think, Austin parents? Will you be trying any of these great Halloween ideas?

About the Author: 

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She helps businesses with their social media presence, SEO, and brand strategy. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on her personal blog or Instagram.

The Health Benefits of Homemade Pet Treats, From A Veterinarian

We all love to spoil our pets, and for many of them, treats are a part of this every day love. Sure, you can get pet treats pretty much anywhere, but what could be better than a treat made with lots of love, right at home? Did you know that there are also a lot of health benefits of homemade pet treats? What's more, these treats make great gifts for folks on a budget who have pet loving friends. You just whip up a batch of personalized pet treats, put them in a nice mason jar, and there you go -- unique and cost-effective holiday gifts!

One important health related benefit to homemade treats is that they can be sized specifically for your pet. You can certainly purchase treats of different sizes commercially, but it isn't great if your pet's favorite treat is way too big for her. From 2 pound Chihuahuas to 200 pound Mastiffs, homemade treats can be exactly the right size.

Another benefit is that you choose the ingredients. If you have a pet with a food sensitivity, you can be sure that the treats you give him will be safe for his stomach and skin. Anyone with pets who suffer from food allergies knows that finding treats and foods for your pet can be frustrating.

Here's a little peek into the science behind homemade pet treats, too! First of all, your pet's treats are not a balanced diet. All the treats your pet consumes in a day should account for no more than 20% of his or her caloric intake. Eighty percent of the calories need to come from an AAFCO balanced diet (the AAFCO statement is in small print on the back of all commercial foods that are balanced). What's not on the bag or can is the calorie content. You're going to have to do some math here, as well as some internet research. If you email me photos of your pet's food, as well as the recipe you use for your pet's treats (or photos of your pet's commercial treats), I will do the math for you and let you know how much you can give. I can be reached at info@doorstep-vet.com! Other than controlling calories, don't forget that there are some delicious ingredients our pets can't enjoy. Here are some ingredients that you'll want to avoid:

• Walnuts

• Raisins

• Chocolate

• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)

• Onions or Onion Powder

• Garlic or Garlic Powder

• Macadamia Nuts

Now, onto the recipes! Though I am not the creator of the recipes, I did review and approve them for pet safety. Follow these links to some safe and fun pet treats. Feel free to use cookie cutters and create fun, personalized shapes that also make terrific gifts.  Here are the recipes below:

• Dog Treat Kitchen

• Joy the Baker (for cat treats!)

• Martha Stewart (the last recipe called Martha’s Dog Food is not a balanced dog food, but also a treat)

I hope you and your furry friends will enjoy this adventure. Don't forget to stop by Joy the Baker’s page for a photographic journey of what it means to let your pet help to bake!

About the Author:

Casey Hill, DVM, cVMA

Dr. Casey Hill, the Doorstep Vet, graduated from veterinary school in 2010 at Virginia Tech. Upon graduation she moved to Austin with her husband, Christian, and two cats. Since that time she has been working to keep the pets of Austin happy and healthy. She has worked as a traditional cat, dog, and exotics practitioner but now concentrates on her housecall work with Doorstep Vet. Dr. Hill’s acupuncture training was completed in 2016 in Fort Collins, Colorado and she is excited to offer this valuable modality to her housecall patients. You can also follow her on Facebook!

Fall Fun: The Best Pumpkin Patches in Austin, Texas

Fall is a favorite season for many. When we think of fall, we often visualize scented candles, pumpkin everything, boots, and sweaters. Though Austin hasn't quite gotten the memo yet that it's no longer summer, there are still pieces of fall here that we can partake in with our kids. One of my personal favorites is visiting a pumpkin patch! Who doesn't love a good Instagram worthy fall themed photo, even if everyone is still in shorts? If you're looking for some fun pumpkin patches around Austin, Texas, here are a few of my favorites:

Sweet Berry Farm: Located in Marble Falls, Sweet Berry Farm is a great place to snap some fall pumpkin pictures. Admission to the pumpkin patch is free, but note that it is closed on Wednesdays. There are also other fun activities such as hayrides, a maze, horse rides, a scarecrow, and homemade ice cream.

Robinson Family Farm: This family owned farm located in Temple, TX has a pumpkin patch open on weekends. You and your family will be able to enjoy activities like a corn maze, animals, and arts and crafts. There is no admission fee, but you must purchase tickets or a wristband to partake in activities.

Barton Hill Farms: Located in Bastrop, TX, this little farm is open on weekends and boasts a 5-acre corn maze, as well as a giant sandbox. There's also farm animals and of course, pumpkins!

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm: Beginning on October 6th, this adorable farm hosts October Fall Fun. This includes a hayride, animals, playground, pumpkin decorating, and more.

Evergreen Farm: This farm has the total scoop on all things pumpkin. On weekends during the month of October, enjoy a pumpkin maze, pumpkin slide, pumpkin launcher, pumpkin golf, and other fun activities like a bounce house and a train ride.

Be sure to check each farm's website for hours of operation and admission prices, as well as for any details about events happening. Even though the temperatures are still higher here in Austin, we can still have a little piece of the season by visiting these adorable farms. Start a new tradition with your family and make the trip!

What do you think, Austin parents? Is one of your favorite pumpkin patches on the list?

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She helps businesses with their social media presence, SEO, and brand strategy. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on her personal blog or Instagram.

Should You Train Your Dog?

There are few relationships as incredible as the bond between dog and human. Most people couldn't imagine their life without their furry best friend, and training your dog not only helps strengthen your bond, but also serves as a great experience you can partake in together. Dog training can help eliminate unwanted behaviors and even help protect your pet from potentially hazardous situations. Should you train your dog? The short answer is yes! Here are some great reasons why:

1. Training enhances communication. Training teaches your dog to be more in tune with both your verbal and physical cues, such as commands and hand signals.
2. Training keeps your dog safe. Teaching dogs the basic commands such as sit, stay, and heel helps keep your dog out of danger because you will be able to tell her to stay in place instead of running into a busy street or chasing a car. If your dog accidentally becomes loose, you will also be able to call to her and have her return safely because she is accustomed to following your commands.
3. Training strengthens your bond. Dogs naturally fall to an alpha to look up to, and training allows you to better communicate and be on the same wavelength as your furry best friend. If you are the one training your dog as opposed to a professional trainer, this bond is strengthened even further.
4. Training socializes your dog. Dogs enjoy being around other dogs, and lack of socialization in dogs can lead to behavioral issues. Just like people, your dog needs to socialize in order to stay well-rounded. Training serves as a chance to meet other people and dogs if you're opting for group classes. You will also be more in tune with how your dog handles being around others, thereby helping you understand unwanted behaviors and be better able to stop them before they escalate.

Keep in mind that while some pet owners will choose to enroll their dog in training classes, others are comfortable training their dog themselves. Speak with some trainers and other pet owners to figure out which route is best for you and your family.

What do you think, Austin pet owners? Did you train your dog?

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She helps businesses with their social media presence, SEO, and brand strategy. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on her personal blog or Instagram.

10 Things to Do in Bee Cave and Lakeway, Texas with Kids

 

I love living in Bee Cave, Texas. The schools are great, the views are beautiful, and there are some great activities to do with kids. It's also close enough to Austin and the outskirts to go downtown whenever we need a change of scenery. Having a middle schooler, a four-year-old, and a toddler, I'm always on the hunt for fun, family friendly activities to do with the kids. Here are 10 of my favorite activities for kids here in Bee Cave and Lakeway, Texas:

Rolly Pollies. We are a huge fan of Rolly Pollies, a children's gym and gymnastics center here in Bee Cave that offers birthday parties, classes, and open gym hours. You can even drop off your kids if they're over three and potty trained! Kids can swing, climb, jump, and expend some energy in this safe, comfortable space. It's one of our go-to activities!

Songs 4 Seeds: I am always looking for fun classes to do with my kids, and I am so grateful to have found Songs 4 Seeds! This 45 minute interactive class is geared towards children under six features a live, three piece band. Your kids learn about language, shapes, colors, and more in a fun, hands-on manner AND they get to experiment with the instruments at the end! My boys are in love. Bonus: they offer a free demo class!

Sculpture Park: This hidden gem is surprisingly a great source of entertainment for my busy kids. The Bee Cave Sculpture Park boasts seven acres of natural setting as well as permanent and rotating sculptures. My kids loved seeing the different sculptures and climbing on them. We even brought a picnic lunch to eat together in the park, and it was the perfect morning.

Music Together, Music Forever: This amazing little class introduces children to basic musical skills that instill a lifelong love of music. There is dancing, singing, and a lot of hands on interaction with instruments and other fun tools. My kids adore this class, and the teacher -- Ms. Sage -- is fantastic.

Barnes & Noble: The Hill Country Galleria has an adorable Barnes & Noble that we love to visit on a rainy or hot day. Browse the children's section and read some books, play with their adorable wooden train set, or attend one of their story hours or events!

Public Library & Story Hours: We love the Bee Cave and Lake Travis public libraries. Head over with your kids and check out some books or attend one of their adorable story hours!

KK's Art Club: Ok, this is admittedly *not* in Bee Cave or Lakeway, but it's so close that I had to add it to the list because KK is one of our favorites! KK is a sweet mama with a background in preschool education. On Tuesdays and Fridays, she transforms her garage and driveway into a hands on, free range art class for kids! It is truly adorable and something we love to attend.

Local Parks: We are lucky to have some great parks here in Bee Cave and Lakeway! The City of Bee Cave Central Park contains two separate parts for older and younger children, and the Falconhead Park is shaded and peaceful. Pack a picnic lunch for a fun morning with your kids!

Hat Creek Burger in Lakeway: This newer spot is a blast, especially in the mornings before the heat creeps in. You can feed yourself and your kids a hearty breakfast for under $10, the coffee is delicious, and the playground is adorable. It's such a nice spot for a morning or lunchtime play date!

Color Me Mine: If your kids are a little older or are able to sit still (unlike my two youngest!), Color Me Mine is a great activity to do with your kids. They are able to be creative in this peaceful, air conditioned environment. They even offer birthday parties!

Hill Country Galleria: This great outdoor galleria is a fantastic way to kill some time. You can walk around and grab a treat at Amy's Ice Cream or The Candy Jar, play in the splash pad (when it's actually turned on!), browse Learning Express, or just run around the grassy common. There are stores both kids and adults will enjoy, and it's a great opportunity to get out of the house and into the sunshine.

What do you think, Bee Cave/Lakeway mamas? Which one is your favorite on the list?

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She helps businesses with their social media presence, SEO, and brand strategy. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on her personal blog or Instagram.

Why You Should Choose a Rescue Dog for Your Family Pet

Dogs end up in shelters and rescues for many different reasons, whether they were surrendered by an owner, found as a stray, etc. Rescues also quite literally remove dogs from situations involving abuse or neglect and help them find safe, loving homes. Shelters and rescues are filled with beautiful, amazing dogs that could be a great addition to your family. Here are five reasons why you should consider a rescue dog:

1. You just might help save a life. Choosing a rescue dog can often literally that pet's life, as well as the life of another animal who can then take your pet's place in the shelter. There are many dogs who need great homes, and if you are looking to add a fur baby to your family, consider the many feel good benefits of a rescue dog.

2. Adoption can be more affordable. Rescue dogs often come with minimal fees, as well as with their first set of shots. Many adopted animals are already spayed and neutered as well. If you're set on a specific kind of dog, rescues sometimes have purebred dogs and waitlists where you can request a specific breed. This route will cost much less than purchasing a pet from a breeder or pet store.

3. Skip the house training. Some rescue dogs are already house trained, at least partially! Can you imagine if children also came potty trained? At any rate, it certainly makes life easier.

4. It's a way to fight the puppy mills. A puppy mill is a factory style facility that breeds dogs for profit without regard for their wellness. Dogs from these puppy mills are often very sick and neglected from being kept in such horrible conditions. By choosing a rescue dog, you aren't giving one cent of your hard earned money to these groups.

5. You'll get a more personalized approach to pet ownership. Rescue volunteers often screen the pets in their care and quickly discover if they have a specific temperament or certain aversions. This allows them to best match you with a pet that is a great fit for your family.

Remember that not every dog will be a good fit for every family. Be sure to lean on volunteers and employees to help guide you through the process of choosing the pet that best meets your needs. If you're looking to adopt here in the Austin area, there are some great organizations who can help. Contact Austin Pets Alive or Austin Humane Society, or the Austin Animal Center to name a few! Congratulations on choosing a rescue dog -- you won't regret it.

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on Instagram.

5 Tips for a Smooth Back to School Transition

 

The start of a new school year is always exciting, but for many families, the thought of returning to the morning rush can also be daunting. Schedules become filled with homework and activities, and even simple things like eating a balanced breakfast can be impossible at best. How do you stay organized? As a parent of three kids ages 13, 4, and 18 months, here are five of my favorite back to school tips for ensuring a smooth transition:

1. Enlist your kids' help as much as possible. Parents, if your kids are at the age where they can help pack their own lunches, let them! Not only will it teach responsibility, but it will also lighten your load a bit. My daughter has been helping pack her lunch since first grade. I initially supervised her, but now as a 7th grader, she does a great job. It also helps our evenings and mornings run much smoother!

2. Complete everything the night before. We have a rule in our house where permission slips and homework have to be dealt with before bedtime -- no exceptions. Have all lunches packed and ready to be pulled out of the fridge, choose outfits the night before, and have car keys in visible spots. Better yet, consider putting a tile on your keychain so you'll never have to waste time looking for car keys again! This helps keep the peace in the morning and get you out the door faster.

3. Meal prep is your best friend. Balanced breakfasts can be tough! If you have older kids, consider choosing breakfasts that are portable and can be eaten on the way to school. If you have more time in the morning, consider making a batch of egg muffins or overnight oats for the week so you can easily pull them out each morning. Try to simplify your breakfast routine as much as possible to save time and stress.

4. Have a designated homework corner or portable homework station. When it comes to homework, does your child do best at the kitchen table? Or perhaps he or she needs their own quiet space? However your child learns best, have a designated corner of the house where they can successfully complete their homework. If the spot changes, consider creating a portable homework station so it can be taken wherever your child needs it. Have all supplies in one central spot so you aren't scrambling to find them when needed.

5. Give yourself grace. It's easy to get caught up in the crazy of the school year, but remember that you will find your new rhythm. If it takes a little while to get into a good routine, that's ok! Take it one step at a time and remember to do what's best for you and your family.

Do you have any back-to-school tips you'd like to share? We want to hear about them!

About the Author:

Jessica is an East Coast girl originally from Boston, MA but recently transplated to Austin, TX. She is a former OB Nurse Educator turned Content Manager and Brand Strategist. She recently founded Every Mama Birth Education, where she creates customized childbirth education courses for busy moms, in the comfort of their own homes. When she’s not busy blogging or being a pregnancy and birth nerd, you can catch her chasing around her three busy kids and rescue fur baby. You can also follow her antics on Instagram.