Do Your Children Need A Schedule?

You have probably seen images of families on television where the children have their own schedules, full of activities from piano lessons to karate, and where even “play dates” are scheduled weeks in advance.

While most families do not have that type of lifestyle, it is still a good idea to keep your children on a schedule.  This is especially true for younger children, as toddlers need routines in order to feel secure in their environment.

If you have a toddler, you may want to start with something simple, such as a night time routine to get your child used to following a schedule.  An example would be bathing your child after dinner, putting on pajamas, reading a story, and going to bed.

Once they get the hang of that routine, you can start a morning routine, which could include getting dressed, eating breakfast, and playing with toys and going out to run the day’s errands.  When your child understands that routine, you can move on to an afternoon routine and then a dinner routine.

Your child doesn’t need to be a toddler in order to appreciate a routine.  Children of all ages can benefit from having some sort of schedule.  If you have elementary school age children, you can start establishing a routine of getting home from school, having them eat a snack as you go over any papers that they brought home that day, helping them with their homework, and then having playtime while you make dinner.

If you have kids in middle school or high school, they may need their own planners to help them organize their homework, after school activities, and social life.  This is a great time to start teaching them about scheduling, setting goals and defining priorities.  These lessons will help them immensely when they get to college.

Baked Chip Dip

What You Need:

 

1 C fat free refried beans

2/3 C salsa

1 bag of baked potato chips

 

How to Make It:

 

Place the beans in a mixing bowl.

Add the salsa and stir to combine.

Serve with baked chips.

 

Kids love dips of any kind and this one is no exception.  When they hear it’s taco beans and salsa they go crazy.  Use baked tortilla chips or regular baked chips.  They love them both.

Let Go of My Sandwich

What You Need:

 

2 frozen waffles

2 TBSP ranch dressing

2 tomato slices

4 cucumber slices

Shredded carrots

 

How to Make It:

 

Toast the waffles according to package directions.

Spread each waffle with 1 TBSP ranch dressing.

Layer the tomatoes and cucumbers onto one waffle.

Top with the shredded carrots.

Place the remaining waffle on top.

 

Any type of dressing will work with these fun sandwiches.  Try different vegetables to find just the right taste for your children.  Cut them into 2 triangles and watch them gobble them down and ask for more.

A Lighter Side to Grilled Tortillas

What You Need:

 

4 (8 in) soft tortilla shells

1 C Cheddar cheese, shredded

½ C green pepper, chopped

½ C tomato, chopped

¼ C onion, chopped

 

How to Make It:

 

With the tortilla laid flat spread one side with the cheese.

Add the green pepper, tomato and onion.

Fold over to close.

Place a skillet on medium high heat.

Cook the tortilla for 2 minutes.

Flip and cook an additional 1 minute.

 

These make great snacks for hungry kids.  Cut each one in 4 triangles and serve with salsa or sour cream for dipping. 

Tomato Pick Me Up

What You Need:

 

1 (6 oz) can tomato juice, chilled

¼ C lemonade

 

How to Make It:

 

Place the chilled tomato juice in a large microwave safe mug.

Add the lemonade and stir to combine.

Cook on high about 2 minutes or until as hot as you like.

 

This is a great pick me up drink when the kids come home from a tough practice.  It can also be served over ice for a cool drink on a hot summer day. 

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