Across the nation, parents everywhere are experiencing one of two emotions: sadness, and jubilation.  Sadness because it's time for the kids to head back to school, and jubilation because, well, it's time for the kids to head back to school! 

Whether you're reaching for the tissue or breathing a sigh of relief, this time of year can be hectic for any family.  Getting both yourself, and the kids, back into the school year routine can take some finesse; we've got some tips to help you ease back in.

Plan For Rushed Mornings

Although we'd all love ideal mornings with coffee, juice, and homemade muffins, the reality is that we often sleep too late, drag our feet getting dressed, and then have a mad rush out the door.  When this happens things like homework and lunch are often left behind.  So, prepare for the inevitable!

Keep snacks and on-the-go breakfast foods either by the back door, or in your car.  This way the kids will have something to eat for breakfast or lunch as you're rushing to school.

One great option is Fruit Roll Ups.  Fruit Roll Ups are a fun, tasty snack that kids love.  They're also high in Vitamin C.  And the best part?  They're not messy, and won't melt in your car.

Another great snack you could keep on hand for rushed mornings are Quaker Simple Harvest Multi-Grain Granola Bars.  Quaker's Simple Harvest Granola Bars are snacks you can feel good about eating yourself, or giving to the kids.  They're made with simple, wholesome ingredients like whole oats and wheat, and real fruit.   And with flavors like Decadent Chocolate, what's not to love?

Cheerios is a great cereal to have on hand for mornings when you're tight on time.  Because they're easily grabbed by little fingers, they're perfect for eating on the road as you're driving the kids to school.  Cheerios are made with whole grains and have no artificial colors and flavors.  And, even better, they have only one gram of sugar, which your kids' teachers will thank you for. 

Have School Supplies On-Hand

Every parent has experienced the dreaded "Sunday Night Syndrome".  You know, when your kid comes to you at 5:00 to tell you they've got a science project due.  In the morning.

Yikes.

Keep a bin stocked full of school supplies for just such an occasion.  This will save you a mad rush to the store late on the weekend.  Now is a great time to stock your bin because most school supplies are going on sale.  Keep it stocked with poster board, glitter, glue, fuzzy pipe cleaners, markers, plaster of paris, balloons, construction paper, and anything else you think your kids might need for various projects. 

Having these supplies on hand will at least allow you to start helping them throw something together instead of wasting time buying supplies (at full price) at Target or Wal-Mart.

Although this time of year can be stressful for families, it doesn't have to be.  By spending just a bit of time preparing for days when your schedule goes into "meltdown" mode, you’ll be in a better position to handle the mad rush when it comes.