Back-to-schoolParents face many challenges when dealing with mayhem. There are many things to do each morning: breakfasts, lunches, and extracurricular activities. All this while trying to get to work on schedule. How can you manage the chaos of morning and keep your sanity intact? These tips can help make back-to-school mornings more manageable.

1. Follow a strict bedtime. The Mayo Clinic states that school-age children need between 10 and 11 hours sleep each night. To avoid sleep deprivation and wasted time, ensure your child is well-rested.

2. Prepare the night before. Get ready the night before. Don’t wait to pack a quick lunch that has little nutritional value. It’s easier for parents to prepare food the night before, and not just snack packs or potato chips. You can plan your lunches up to a week ahead for even greater efficiency.

3. You can find a quick, balanced, and healthy breakfast recipe. Many parents don’t have the time to make pancakes and eggs every morning. However, there are quality, quick options. You can stock up on nutritious cereals your kids will love. They are rich in fiber, folic Acid, iron, and Vitamin C. Malt-O-Meal is a family-favorite brand that’s made with whole grains. Malt-O-Meal comes in resealable bags which can be used to reduce packaging waste by up to 75 percent. (BagTheBox.com

4. A weekly activity calendar should be created. To ensure that kids get to the right places at the right times, organize each family member’s calendar. It can be difficult to create a routine with so many extracurricular activities like clubs, study groups and sports. If events overlap, set up carpools. To avoid mental lapses, set up alerts on your smartphone and assign an alarm to each one.