Back to School; Time to Recharge

The back-to-school shopping is done. Brand new pencils, colored markers, and notebooks fill my daughter's back pack. I've cleaned off the refrigerator in preparation for the new onslaught of pictures and class notices. School's started. She is excited to be back amongst her friends. I find myself in the everyday routine of waking up in the dark, fixing breakfast and packing lunches. Even though my daughter is old enough to drive herself to school this year, I still rush out the door behind her dressed in sweat pants and no makeup. After a quick work out and a shower, my work day finally begins. It's good to be back in the routine.

But, back-to-school is also time to recharge the parenting batteries. The kids are gone until at least 3:00. The house is quiet. I actually get some work done for the first time in 3 months. I've signed up for an art class at the local university. I have time for lunch with my girlfriends.

This month, why not celebrate back-to-school by taking a few minutes for yourself? Put on your favorite CD and take a long leisurely, uninterrupted bath. Why not go for coffee with the girls or host a brunch for your neighborhood friends? Try something decadent, just for mom.

Foaming Chocolate Milk Bath Sachets

Enjoy a relaxing, aromatic moment to yourself.

Ingredients:

1 cup baking soda

1 cup instant nonfat dry milk

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons cinnamon

2 tablespoons cream of tartar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Vintage handkerchiefs or

Pretty 10-inch square scraps of fabric

Ribbon

Directions:

1. Mix all of the ingredients together.

2. Place about 3 tablespoons on the center of a pretty cloth handkerchief.

3. Tie the bundle with a piece of ribbon.

4. Hang the sachet over the bathtub faucet and let warm water run through it.

5. Store the extra milk bath in an attractive airtight jar. It will keep up to 6 months.

_________________

You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, free of charge, provided that each article is:

1. Printed in its full form with no changes

2. Includes an active link

3. A courtesy copy of your publication is sent to the above contact

4. And the following byline appears at the bottom of each article:

About the Authors: Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes are the co-authors of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out their website that's jam packed with family ideas, visit http://www.togetherparenting.com

To subscribe to their online newsletter, go to http://www.togetherparenting.com/feedback.asp

Copyright NineTwentyPress

In The News:

---

Diet Sodas And How They Can Affect Kids

Many of us have grown up drinking caffeinated diet sodas... Read More

Diagnosing ADHD in Children, an Introduction

Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More

Missing The Bus

As a step daughter and step grand daughter, I followed... Read More

Getting Through to Your Teenager

Have you ever watched your teenager make a mistake (that... Read More

Spanking Children

Results of the Spanking Poll on Rexanne.com: Voters - 233Percentage... Read More

Let?s Google and Yahoo Our Kids? Education

I love Google and Yahoo. With Google and Yahoo I... Read More

The Mystery of Picky Eaters

If you were to ask 100 parents why they think... Read More

Personal Honor

There are moments in a parent's or grandparent's life, when... Read More

Create a Story Book with Your Child

A fun way to build your child's imaginationWriting is still... Read More

Helping Your Teen Get Back to School With Clear Skin

Backpack? Check. Notebooks? Check. Ink-pens? Check. Clear Skin? Mommmm!If you... Read More

Exposing the Damage: TV and Kids

There are millions of young children in this country who... Read More

Delightful Defrazzlers

I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More

My Husband Prioritizes Making Money Above Family Time

"Money is tight, and my husband's obsessed with doing everything... Read More

The Reticular Activating System, and its Role in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

In our last article about the neurology of ADHD we... Read More

Pick Your Fights With Your Teenager Wisely

I know as a single parent or even with 2... Read More

What To Do When You Think Your Child Might Have AD/HD

AD/HD (attention deficit disorder) is one of the most common... Read More

Thirteen Values You Can Teach Through Homework

Are you a parent concerned about passing values on to... Read More

Fizzy Sherbet ? A Sweet Science Lesson for Your Kids!

Fizzy sherbet in a paper bag with a strawberry lollipop... Read More

10 Universal Laws for Parents of Teens

1 "Law of Belonging": The greatest need of teenagers (after... Read More

5 Great Tips For Choosing Safe Toys For Your Children

Every children in the world whishes to have toys and... Read More

Relate With Your Teen And Gain Their Trust

We were all teens at one time for some many... Read More

The Post-Holiday Blues In Stepfamilies

In stepfamilies, big holiday expectations can lead to big disappointment--and... Read More

Celebrating Life with Children in September

Here are ten simple pleasures you can enjoy with your... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: Teens and Violence

I have a bit of a different response than most... Read More

Your Job as a Role Model

A certain educator was once asked at what point should... Read More

Starting School - What Age Should Children Begin School?

"What age should my child start school?"This is a common... Read More

A Dangerous Environment

The internet is a dangerous place for your children. Don't... Read More

Whats in a Name?

My cousin boasts five names and I confess that when... Read More

Dyslexia: Is the Shoe Perhaps on the Wrong Foot?

Reading is the most important skill that a child must... Read More

Revering the Crayon Marks

"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine,... Read More

How Fathers Can Step Up to Fathering

When our oldest son was 2, my wife went out... Read More

Celebrating Mom: How To Make Every Day Her Special Day!

Bearers of life, wipers of noses, givers of unconditional love... Read More

Selecting A Quality Day Care Center

Many working families choose a commercial or individual day care... Read More