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The transition from summer to school isn't always easy, but these smart tips and delicious recipes can help smooth the way for kids and parents alike.

1. Tame morning chaos with a set routine
If getting out the door on time feels like herding cats, it's time to create a routine for every family member to follow, every single day. First, write down the small tasks that have to happen to meet your larger goal. Create a timeline for when tasks have to happen, and shift things like making lunches and picking out clothes to the night before. Mornings will be a breeze once the routine becomes habit. 

2. Fuel the day
Research has proven that kids who eat breakfast do better in school. You can serve up an A+ breakfast and save precious time, too, with make-ahead dishes like Overnight Oats with Coconut Milk and Chia Seeds. Prepare a big batch of Black Bean Breakfast Burritos, which can be stored in the freezer for up to three months and heated in the microwave for a protein-packed, grab-and-go breakfast. 

3. Make after-school more productive
Having healthy snack options on hand when kids get home helps tide them over until dinnertime and provides an energy boost for tackling homework. Make Goya’s Black Bean Dip in advance and serve it with rice cakes, fresh veggies or Goya Cassava Chips. Keep Goya frozen fruit on hand to whip up snacks in a pinch, like delicious fruit smoothies or refreshing Blackberry Ice Pops.

4. Encourage responsibility
From picking out school supplies to helping with menu planning, fall offers dozens of opportunities for kids to practice making good decisions. Offer them a choice of dinner options that keep things interesting, like Lemon and Herb Chicken. You can serve it with MyPlate-certified Brown Rice and Vegetables on Monday, then turn it into an entirely new dish on Tuesday by mixing chopped leftover chicken with Goya Low Sodium Yellow Rice.

5. Enforce bedtime
It's no fun waking up when you haven't gotten enough sleep. But with adquate rest, kids are less likely to hit the snooze button and cause stressful delays in the morning. They'll also sleep better at night and be more focused and ready to learn and achieve in the classroom. 

6. Built in time for fun
Consider creating a family calendar that maps out everyone’s busy schedules for the week. Leave some wiggle room between activities to squeeze in playtime and family meals. Your kids will enjoy looking forward to favorite dishes like Grilled Chicken with Quick Cherry Tomato SauceChipotle Pork Burritos or Easy Arroz con Pollo.

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