Now that the school year is in full swing we parents have also taken on the car pools, homework and endless commitments which define school age parenthood. But before we tackle the common core math hw, continue the attempt to pack a healthy lunch everyday or ponder the popular debate: "Is my child overscheduled?", we need to address one key issue. How do we motivate our children? How do we make this a different kind of year?

"Whether it’s math homework, dance class or those guitar lessons they begged for but now never practice, we want our children to be eager learners who embrace effort, relish challenges and understand the value of persistence. Too often, what we see instead is foot-dragging avoidance and whiny complaints of “This is boring!” -pbs.org to continue reading check out some great tips to get those kids inspired! http://www.pbs.org/parents/expert-tips-advice/2015/08/teach-child-love-learning-keys-kids-motivation/

Check out some great tips to pack for lunch:

http://www.parents.com/recipes/familyrecipes/lunch/celebrity-chef-kid-lunches/