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17 Back-to-School Lunch Ideas That Aren’t Sandwiches

It’s that time of year again—within the next week, most kids across the country will be back in class. And that means the return of school lunches (*cue depressing theme music*). But what if you reframed the lunchbox and everything it can be? With a little planning and a weekly big-batch prep session, you can make delicious lunches that are easy to back and a joy to eat with nary a sad sandwich in sight.

Here’s a sneak peak of the recipes you’ll find in our roundup—hit the button below for all 17 ideas!

Zucchini and Quinoa Fritters
School-Safe Chocolate Snack Balls
Two-Bite Frittatas
Hawaiian Pizza Muffins
Apricot, Sriracha and Ginger-Glazed Meatballs

Hitting the Road Electric: A Family Adventure in the Volkswagen ID.4 2024

Electric vehicles are on everyone’s radars these days. As luck would have it, the opportunity to test-drive the Volkswagen ID.4 was presented to ParentsCanada and provided an invaluable opportunity for our publisher, Jane, to experience the realities of EV ownership firsthand.

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From Supplies to Savings: Back to School Tips from Real Canadian Superstore

The countdown to back to school is on! Keep reading for tips, tricks and our favourite picks for returning to the classroom, with help from our friends at Real Canadian Superstore. 

How Are Your Kids Feeling About Going Back to School?

Our editor, Katie, has two daughters on opposite ends of the school excitement spectrum. One is counting down the minutes to the first day of school, and the other one won’t even talk about summer coming to a close. Tell us: How are your kids feeling?

We loved this post from @sissygoff on Insta, featuring conversation starters to get kids talking about (and hopefully hyped for) the return to classes. Ask these throughout the week leading up to the first day, to get kids thinking about all of the positive things waiting for them at school.

🗳 THE POLL

The results of last week’s poll:
Are you too hard on yourself as a parent?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Oh yes. I'm my own worst critic. (57.6%)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Sometimes. I'm learning to cut myself some slack. (33.9%))
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Nope. I take it all in stride. (8.5%)

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Master stress-free summer meals with these practical tips for parents. Learn how to keep your kids satisfied and healthy with easy recipes, fun snacks, and strategies to maintain your sanity during the busy summer months.

How Can I Help My Kindergartener Prepare for the First Day of School?

A little one’s very first day of school is a big deal—for both kids and parents. If you’re feeling worried or sad, you’re not alone. Many, many moms and dads feel emotional about this milestone (they’re usually the ones wiping away tears in the schoolyard on the first morning!). The good news is, there are lots of things you can do to help your child prepare to take this big step in their school journey, which can help to ease the anxiety for you, too.

Read on for some smart tips to help the first day of school go smoothly.

• Check out your local library or bookstore for books about going to school, so kids can get used to the idea.

• Practice routines at home before the big day. Going to the bathroom, putting on coats and shoes, and opening and closing lunchboxes are all great skills to rehearse.

• If your school offers a classroom visit this week, take them up on it! Showing kids where they’ll be learning flips the script from anxiousness to excitement.

• Go to pick out school supplies together. Never underestimate the power of a big-kid backpack!