This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HorizonLunch #CollectiveBias
Addie just started school this Fall, and though we chose a school close to our first home, unsure of it selling, we are still making the 30 minute trek twice a week for her to continue… as we just moved!
It’s been a rough few weeks for her adjusting to the house and going to school with her usual friends, so I’ve been working really hard on connecting with her- especially after her two days at school. For us, as with many families, it all starts over food.
After school, it’s common for kids to be overwhelmed with what happened during their day, so I just let Addie talk about whatever she wants. It’s amazing the things that she will tell me… and the things that she won’t! I love that her teacher gives me a weekly newsletter telling me what colors and themes they are covering so I know what direction to lead my questions, which are always pretty specific:
- What songs did you sing today?
- What book did you read today?
- Which toy did you love playing with the most today?
Asking her questions always gives me some feedback, even if she says she doesn’t know… I like to tell her what her baby sis and I did that day to help her open up to me, too. I think that sharing gives our day gives her the confidence to share her own- and I love giggling with her, which is easy to do when we’re all enjoying lunch!
I found that a long car ride means Addie is hungry the moment we get home, so I often try to prepare food before I go pick her up. Packing her a lunch box gives her motivation to not fall asleep on the way home, and it’s SO easy to prep and have with me ! I found that Horizon® Sandwich Crackers in Peanut Butter and Cheddar, and Milk Boxes from Walmart are the perfect staples to our lunches. Being able to offer foods with ingredients I feel good about means the world to me. With some added fruit and a cheese stick, we girls can gab about paint colors, Daddy coming home from work, Dwarfism Awareness (going on all of October!), and which room we will paint next.
Having the opportunity to share in all the goodness that a wholesome lunch and mother-daughter connection offers is one of my favorite things about parenting. I’m even excited about a birthday present I’m giving to myself… a mother-daughter date to see the upcoming The Peanuts Movie in theaters on November 6th! Addie loves the Peanuts movies- especially the holiday movies, so we’ve been talking about our date a lot!
With your busy schedule, how do you connect with your children?
We are always on the go, but I like to spend a little while each night before bed talking to my boys about their days.
I love sleepy time talks… I think when Addie is older she will be better at that. For now, if we try to talk about the day at night, she pops up talking a mile a minute. LOL!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Connect with your preschooler over a #HorizonLunch
What a great idea! With school back in session I have tons of time with my littlest who is only just 2. We spend our days together, and I LOVE it. Although I miss my other kiddos we have family dinners together every night and spend our nights together!
Jeanine recently posted…Canadian Bloggers: You Can Monetize Your Blog Too!
Meal time is such a great time to catch up!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Connect with your preschooler over a #HorizonLunch
Goodness, she is SO cute! I used to love when my parents would come and eat lunch with me at school 🙂
Kristen from The Road to Domestication recently posted…NestFresh Eggs – The Perfect Accessory to Non-GMO Month!
That’s the best!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Connect with your preschooler over a #HorizonLunch
My daughter just started Pre-K this year and I’m always looking for easy lunch ideas for her! This Horizonlunch sounds so convenient and delicious!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy recently posted…DIY Firefighter Hat & Fire Safety Printable
She will love it! The crackers are the best!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Connect with your preschooler over a #HorizonLunch
What a lovely way to connect with your daughter and to get her to open up a bit! I only have a fur baby and she makes sure I give her attention whether I am ready to or not!
Michele recently posted…My Cat Turned on My LAMP!
I have a pup like that!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Connect with your preschooler over a #HorizonLunch
We still find time to connect, just not quite as often. Having meals together every day helps a LOT though.
Scott recently posted…Flashback: Traditions Start Somewhere
So true! Meal time is the best for connecting!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Connect with your preschooler over a #HorizonLunch
I’m so glad that you found way to connect with your daughter, we’re same I’m always wanted to have a dinner together with my family.
Nikki recently posted…Fall in Love with Tastefully Simple Pumpkin Treats
I love family dinners- it’s my favorite way for the whole family to connect.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Connect with your preschooler over a #HorizonLunch
We like to talk in the car on our drive home from school. We also try to have meals together as often as possible. Having meals together is the best time to connect with family.
Ourfamilyworld recently posted…Pregnancy Announcements Gone Wrong
So true!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Connect with your preschooler over a #HorizonLunch
I think those are great questions to kick off some conversation. My daughter loved to talk about her day but my son was a tough nut to crack.
Liz Mays recently posted…An Easterner in Cali: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Addie is tough some days… I do find that being specific is more likely to get her to talk!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Connect with your preschooler over a #HorizonLunch
When my kids were young, it seems the best conversations were in the car on the way to sports, school, & activites.
I wish I could get her to talk in the car!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Connect with your preschooler over a #HorizonLunch
It’s really important for parents to spend time with their kids after school. That makes then feel that you care. Especially when they find it difficult to adjust in school.
So true!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Connect with your preschooler over a #HorizonLunch
awwww, what a fabulous way to share mother and daughter bonding moments indeed! She’s a cutie!
She really is! Thank you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Carter Jay’s Dog-adoption Day + #PedigreeGives
What a great way to connect from your daughter. I love the idea of story telling because i didn’t do to my two kids i am busy when i am at home they were already sleep. I love your post.
Food is the best way to connect for sure!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Carter Jay’s Dog-adoption Day + #PedigreeGives
Me, I always find time to play and cuddle with my kids.
By the way, Your daughter is really cute. Love her smile.
Ron@MichiganHousesOnline recently posted…Things To Do to Achieve The Perfect Bedroom Layout
Thank you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Carter Jay’s Dog-adoption Day + #PedigreeGives
These are great ideas. I take my youngest out to lunch or bring her lunchbox when I pick her up from preschool.
Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy recently posted…Chosen By Kids – The Top Toys at Walmart
I love lunch dates!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Carter Jay’s Dog-adoption Day + #PedigreeGives
Your little one is so cute! Hope she remembers that moment!
Amber NElson recently posted…4 Best National Parks for Fall Foliage Viewing
I hope she remembers lots of our little moments- I know I will!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Carter Jay’s Dog-adoption Day + #PedigreeGives
So sweet! This is a great reminder to slow down and connect with our kids. My four year old just started school as well. Such a magical time.
It truly is!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Carter Jay’s Dog-adoption Day + #PedigreeGives
Food is very important, especially with the littles. My son is all about connecting too, if it’s over food. That boy loves a good meal. 🙂
Amen to that!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#DIYOilChange of your Subaru Forester
She is too cute in her super hero outfit. We tend to have our best conversations while eating. 🙂
Becka recently posted…Fabulous Fall Snacking With Yoplait and Nature Valley Power Snack Pair
🙂
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#DIYOilChange of your Subaru Forester
We love Horizon! I think this is so cute. I wanted to do a board like that for my kids but it didn’t turn out right.
I love making these little posters! They’re so fun to share!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#DIYOilChange of your Subaru Forester
My little guy has just started “school” twice a week, and I’m going to have to give these conversation topics a try!! He does love to tell me what he ate 😉 #client
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I love your dude! I can’t wait to hear about his school!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#DIYOilChange of your Subaru Forester