School Days = New Routines

L insisted that I take a picture of him "with my blankie and sucking my thumb."

My big boy!

My little baby started preschool today. Sniff. Sniff. I have to admit that as much as I've been looking forward to this school year and having a few hours of time all to myself for the first time in over 9 years, it is hard for me to see my little ones growing up. As I've watched each child start school, I always ask myself if I've given them all they need to survive in today's world. I know there's always more I could have done, but I, as well as every other mom out there, am doing the best I can and hoping that's enough.

As we start into a new school year with new schedules and new routines, why not take the opportunity to work a new, healthier routine into your and your family's day? Now the trick with this is to just do one thing at a time. Don't try to start 5 new things at once or you will likely end up overwhelmed and discouraged, and all of them will fall by the wayside. Just choose one thing that you feel you can stick with, such as taking a 10-minute walk every day, making it a priority to have dinner together as a family, establishing 10 to 15 minutes of moving time with your kids either in the morning or after school, including a fruit or vegetable at the table with every meal, etc. Even if it seems so insignificant, making a little change like this is just one step in your journey to a healthier lifestyle. And that's the way to do it: one baby step at a time. Every little change you make will add tools and knowledge that will benefit you and your family for a lifetime. So choose that one thing, stick with it the best you can until it has become a habit, and give yourself a pat on the back for doing something good for yourself and your family.