15 essentials to get school off on the right foot

Back-to-school season is a bit like New Year's Eve for families: a fresh start, good resolutions and dreams of flawless organization (spoiler: there will still be some chaotic mornings). Between lists of school supplies, lunches to pack and schedules to juggle, every parent is looking for ways to lighten the mental load. Did you know that 68% of parents find back-to-school stressful, especially when it comes to managing meals and routines? Here are 15 must-haves to turn back-to-school into an (almost) zen moment, with concrete ideas, clever products and a few links that will really simplify your life.

Weeknights are often a race. To avoid the dinnertime headache, rely on a service like GoodFood. Ingredients arrive fresh, portioned and recipes are ready in 30 minutes. According to Statistics Canada, 54% of families are looking to save time in the kitchen. Result: more time for homework or a family board game!

A wall organizer is the control tower of the house. Everyone writes down their activities, appointments and outings. According to a UQAM study, families who use a shared diary reduce the number of forgotten activities by 30%. Bonus: kids love to stick stickers on every task they complete!

No more lukewarm sandwiches and crushed compotes! Investing in an insulated lunchbox and reusable containers guarantees fresh, environmentally-friendly meals. In Canada, 80% of schools encourage zero-waste lunches. Compartmented models make life easier and limit food waste.

Every year,  schools find mountains of lost clothing and objects. Personalized labels are the solution to lost toques and lunch boxes. They're dishwasher and dryer safe. A small investment that saves a lot of morning drama!

A calm, well-lit space equipped with supplies encourages concentration. According to the Ordre des psychologues du Québec, a dedicated homework corner improves school motivation by 25%. Add a lamp, storage space and a comfortable chair to turn homework into a pleasant moment (or almost)!

Back-to-school is also the time to renew your wardrobe. Choose clothing that's easy to put on, hard-wearing and suited to Canada's weather. Stretch fabrics and loose-fitting cuts allow children to move freely, whether for playtime or sports activities.

For lunchtime variety without the headache, try HelloFresh. The recipes are designed to appeal to young and old alike, and the portions are perfect for lunchboxes. According to a Léger survey, 62% of parents are looking for ideas to diversify school lunches. Mission accomplished!

A good backpack is essential to avoid back pain. Choose a model with wide straps and a padded back. The Association des chiropraticiens du Québec recommends not exceeding 10% of the child's weight. A well-chosen bag means fewer complaints and more energy for learning!

The key to a crisis-free morning? An effective evening routine! Preparing clothes, lunchboxes and school bags the night before reduces stress by 40%, according to a survey by Parents Québec. Involve the children: they become more independent and everyone sleeps better.

Snacks are the fuel of little brains. Look for quick and healthy options: chopped fruit, nuts, homemade bars. Nutritionists recommend varying textures and colors to stimulate the appetite. Tip: prepare them in advance and store them in small, reusable containers.

To support local producers while simplifying your meals, try Fresh Prep. Ingredients are local, packaging is recyclable and recipes change weekly. According to Équiterre, 72% of families want to eat more locally. Here's a solution that ticks all the boxes!

A good book is the best way to calm your nerves after a busy day. Libraries are overflowing with new books coping with emotions. Reading for 15 minutes a day improves reading comprehension by 20%, according to the French Ministry of Education.

Motivational boards, with stars or stickers, encourage children to participate in daily tasks. According to a Laval University study, visualizing progress increases school perseverance. It's fun, colorful and makes every little effort count!

Between the schoolyard, puddles and sports activities, shoes are a real adventure! Choose sturdy, waterproof models that are easy to put on. Podiatrists recommend checking shoe size every three months to avoid discomfort and promote proper foot development.

After a busy week, there's nothing like a moment of cocooning: a film in pyjamas, hot chocolate or a board game. These breaks strengthen family bonds and help recharge the batteries. According to the Observatoire des tout-petits, quality family time promotes self-esteem and success at school. to be enjoyed without moderation!