Wow, we just blinked and Summer is almost over. Yikes. And we know what that means... the dreaded back-to-school time is upon us. Don't fret, parents, we've got you covered:
Head to a one-shop-fits-all and get everything in one fell swoop, we say. Change of routine doesn't have to come with any shudders with these top tips from Tesco's very own panel of real Irish parents with real-life tips to get you through the routine change #parentspanel.
“After a long summer, it’s hard to get the kids back into an early bedtime routine. Ease them in gradually by reducing their bedtime over a week or two.”
Belinda, Cork
“Introduce healthy food by experimenting with kid-friendly flavours. My children love salmon fillets baked with BBQ sauce.”
Claire, Cork
“After a long summer I buy novelty umbrellas and raincoats to ease the kids into the wet winter”
Mum, Cork
“Help the kids relax with indoor activities like arts and crafts or board games. This will settle them down before they get started on their homework.”
Mum, Cork
“To save time in the morning, make sandwiches the night before school, pop them in an airlock bag and then a lunchbox. Keep them in the fridge and they’ll be perfectly fresh the next day.”
Sharon, Limerick
“To help you stay organised, make a list and keep it handy. I keep mine by the kitchen sink so it’s there when I need it.”
Mum, Cork
It’s all about forward planning! When you’re doing your big shop, consider what you will be cooking for dinner each evening - leftovers can make great school lunches”.
Claire, Cork
“When the kids have after-school activities, give them a warm, tasty snack like pasta and grated cheese in a flask so they won’t go hungry.”
Mum, Cork
1. Brilliant lunchbox ideas
Never again see a lunch box come home full of the things you lovingly placed in it the night before! This #parentpanel mum has the best tip to get them to eat their five-a-day:
More real mum lunch box tips:
“Try not to make lunches that have a strong smell. Kids get teased for the silliest things!”
Claire, Cork
“Cut grapes up so they’re not a choking hazard. I dice fruit and put it on skewers so the kids have little kebabs in their lunch boxes.”
Belinda, Cork
“Kids love a bit of colour and variety. Make wraps for their school lunch and fill them with tasty ingredients like humus or a handful of sweet corn. Slice the rolled wrap so that it looks like pieces of sushi.”
Belinda, Cork
2. Fast brekkie ideas
It can be so hard to get food into them in the mornings that they actually eat, so you don't have to worry about them getting enough in their little bellies before learning begins. We love Audrey's top tip for porridge toppings they will adore:
3. Back-to-school nerves
3. Ease pre-school nerves
Whether you have a little tot starting 'big' school, or maybe a little one with a few hesitations about starting a whole new class with a new teacher, this Tesco mum has a great tip to settle little butterflies.
“Invite your kids’ pals over for a little party before they go back to school. Spending time with their friends will ease those first-day nerves."
Mum, Cork
Short on time? No sweat, Tesco has everything you need for back-to-school at great value, from uniforms to stationary, and the freshest food for healthy lunch boxes. 
