Then we send all of it to school with them.

Back-to-school shopping usually focuses on what kids need for the year ahead, but it’s also a good time to talk about how they’re going to take care of it. For kids and teens with lockers, learning to keep their belongings secure is a small but important part of becoming more responsible for their own stuff.

That’s where a basic back-to-school essential like a Master Lock combination lock comes in.

School Lockers Hold a Lot More Than Notebooks

Depending on the student, a locker might hold everything from textbooks and school supplies to headphones, calculators, clothing and sports gear.

And then there are gym and athletic lockers, where kids may be leaving shoes, uniforms, bags and personal belongings while they’re in class or at practice.

Master Lock offers a collection of combination locks designed for lockers and other everyday personal uses, giving families several options depending on what their child needs.

It’s a simple lesson worth teaching early: if something is important enough to bring with you, it’s worth taking a few seconds to secure it.

No Key to Keep Track Of

Kids can remember an impressive amount of information when they want to.

The location of a tiny locker key? That’s sometimes another story.

One of the biggest conveniences of a combination lock is that there’s no separate key to carry around, lose or accidentally leave sitting on the kitchen counter.

Master Lock offers both traditional preset combination locks and set-your-own combination options. Some use the familiar round number dial many parents probably remember from their own school days, while others allow users to create their own number or letter combination.

That gives families the ability to choose the style that makes the most sense for their child.

There Isn’t Just One Type of Combination Lock

One look at Master Lock’s collection makes it clear that the classic school locker lock has evolved.

There are traditional dial combination locks, set-your-own combination locks and even letter combination options. Different models are available in a variety of sizes, designs and colors, including bright shades that can make a lock easier to identify on a row of lockers.

Depending on the model selected, Master Lock combination locks may also include features such as hardened steel shackles and other design elements intended to provide added durability and security.

That variety matters because the best lock for a middle school locker isn’t necessarily the same one a teenager might choose for a gym bag, athletic locker or another personal use.

A Little Practice Before the First Day Goes a Long Way

If your child has never used a combination lock before, don’t wait until the first day of school to introduce it.

Anyone who remembers middle school probably also remembers the slight panic of standing in front of a locker while other students are rushing through the hallway and suddenly forgetting whether you’re supposed to turn the dial right, left or right again.

Have kids practice opening and closing their lock at home until they can do it comfortably.

For a set-your-own combination model, help them choose something they’ll remember without picking a code that’s too obvious. For a preset lock, keep a record of the combination somewhere safe at home.

Master Lock also offers an online option for registering combinations, which can come in handy if a combination is forgotten later.

Let Them Pick One They’ll Actually Remember

Here’s one back-to-school decision that doesn’t have to turn into a parent-versus-kid debate.

Master Lock offers locker combination locks in a variety of colors and styles, so kids can have some say in choosing theirs.

A bright color can add a little personality to an otherwise boring school supply, but it can also serve a practical purpose. When a hallway is lined with lockers that all look exactly alike, a recognizable lock can make it easier to spot the right one.

And if letting your child choose purple instead of silver means they’re a little more excited about actually using it, that’s a pretty easy win.

It’s About More Than Protecting Stuff

A locker lock is also a small lesson in independence.

As kids get older, parents gradually hand over responsibility for more of the things we’ve been managing for them. They remember their own homework. They keep track of practice schedules. They bring home the sweatshirt they took to school.

Well, ideally.

Remembering a combination, locking a locker and keeping track of personal belongings are small responsibilities, but they’re still responsibilities.

It’s one more opportunity for kids to learn that taking care of their belongings is ultimately part of taking care of themselves.

Don’t Forget Sports, Gyms and Activities

Combination locks aren’t limited to the school hallway.

Depending on the model, Master Lock’s personal combination locks can be used for lockers, backpacks, duffel and sports bags, cabinets and other personal storage needs.

That makes them useful well beyond the first day of school. A child who uses one for a school locker today may eventually need another for an athletic locker, recreation center, gym or other activity.

Choosing the right lock comes down to where it will be used and the level of security needed, which is why Master Lock offers several different styles rather than a one-size-fits-all option.

Add Security to the Back-to-School Checklist

Back-to-school season is full of opportunities to help kids become a little more independent. They learn to manage schedules, keep track of assignments, remember what they need for practice and take more responsibility for the things that belong to them.

The Master Lock combination lock collection gives families plenty of options for adding a little security to that routine, whether your child prefers a traditional dial, a set-your-own combination or something with a little more personality.

It may be one of the smallest things you buy for the school year, but it teaches a pretty useful habit: lock it up before you walk away.

Because replacing a pencil is one thing. Replacing everything else that was sitting beside it is an entirely different back-to-school expense.

The post Back-to-School Security 101: The Small Essential That Helps Kids Protect Their Stuff appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The perfect standing desk

As families prepare for back-to-school season, Hulala’s thoughtfully designed furniture helps create flexible, organized spaces for homework, school projects, and collaborative learning. The Veritas 360° Rotating Standing Desk features a rotating side desktop that easily adapts for independent study or working side-by-side with classmates, siblings, or parents. Integrated power, hidden cable management, and enclosed storage keep supplies neatly organized, while whisper-quiet electric height adjustment (31″–49″), three memory presets, and a sedentary reminder promote comfort during long study sessions. Built with durable engineered wood and metal, the spacious desktop supports up to 200 lbs and is backed by a comprehensive five-year warranty.

Use Code: MYHULALA12 for 12% off

The best in back to school kids fashion

Appaman’s New Arrivals bring fresh, playful style to kids’ fashion with irresistibly soft fabrics and standout prints. Known for bold colors, comfortable fits, and durable construction, Appaman designs clothing that keeps up with active kids while still looking effortlessly cool. From graphic tees and joggers to versatile outerwear, each piece is crafted for everyday comfort and easy movement. Parents love the machine-washable, kid-tested fabrics, while little ones love the fun, expressive designs. Whether dressing for school, play, or special occasions, Appaman’s latest collection offers modern, stylish essentials that make getting dressed enjoyable for the whole family.

Use Code: FIRSTDAYAKA20 20% off a full-price order 

Keep your kids safe this year

The Bark Watch helps kids stay connected while giving parents tools to help keep them safer- without the distractions and risks that can come with a smartphone. Real-time GPS location tracking lets parents check their child’s location from the Bark parent app, while the SOS button gives kids a quick way to reach help in an emergency.Built-in content monitoring scans for potential concerns like bullying, predators, and self-harm, alerting parents when something may need their attention. Kids can talk and text with approved contacts, without games, social media, or web browsing competing for their attention.Durable and water-resistant, the Bark Watch gives parents greater peace of mind while giving kids a little more independence.

Use Code: B2SCHOOL30 (valid through 8/31/26)

Recycled Double Pocket Backpack 

Made from recycled water bottles, our medium-size Recycled Double Pocket Backpack is a practical choice for kids on the move. With its spacious two-compartment design, it offers ample storage for school supplies, snacks, and more. Plus multiple pockets, clips, and holders make it easy to keep their belongings organized. Adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit, making this backpack an ideal companion for any adventure. This backpack comes in 2 sizes with the Small size being perfect for Kindergarten through 2nd grade and the larger size for children 2nd grade and up.

A Must-Have Hair Conditioner: Silk’e Leave-In Conditioner

Hydrate, smooth, and fight frizz with the Silk’e Leave-In Conditioner. Made with jojoba oil and aloe extract, this lightweight formula helps soften, nourish, and refresh dry or damaged-looking hair without flaky buildup or residue. Perfect for making busy back-to-school mornings quicker and easier, it leaves hair feeling softer, smoother, and more manageable. sleekehair.com

Readers can receive 50% off the Silk’e Leave-In Conditioner with the exclusive code BTS50.

Shop Now 

DREAM PAIRS KIDS Lightweight Slip On Sneakers

Designed for kids who are always on the move, DREAM PAIRS KIDS Lightweight Slip-On Sneakers deliver effortless comfort, independence, and all-day playability. Weighing only 3.7 ounces per shoe, these ultra-light sneakers help reduce foot fatigue so little explorers can run, jump, and play freely from the playground to family outings. The breathable mesh upper and airflow channels help keep feet cool and comfortable, even during active days, while the easy slip-on design allows kids to put them on independently and build confidence with every step. A flexible forefoot construction supports natural movement, and a reinforced toe cap adds protection against everyday bumps. Lightweight, practical, and adventure-ready, these sneakers are the perfect everyday companion for growing feet.

Fight the back to school sicknesses with Boiron USA

Back-to-school season brings new routines, busy schedules — and sometimes flu-like symptoms. At the first sign of body aches, headache, fever, chills, or fatigue, reach for Oscillococcinum® and feel like yourself again. Brought to you by @BoironUSA. Oscillo helps reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms.* The convenient meltaway pellets come in single-dose tubes and dissolve in the mouth, making them easy to take at home or on the go. Recommended for everyone ages 2 and up, Oscillo is non-drowsy and has no known interactions with other medications or supplements. Learn more at Oscillo.com.

*These “Uses” have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Use Code: OscilloBTS26 for 20% off any Oscillo product on BoironUSA.com. Valid August through November 2026.

Be prepared for school sports

Shibumi Park Vista™ (MSRP $240) reinvents off-beach shade. At under 5 lbs, it’s up to 10x lighter than traditional 30-50 lb pop-up tents yet sets up solo in two minutes — no wrestling poles or waiting on a second person. It packs into a slim 26″ bag for easy trunk storage, shades up to four people comfortably, and features UPF 50+ water-resistant fabric with an adjustable canopy that tracks the sun. Modular by design, multiple units connect for scalable coverage at sidelines, parks, and outdoor events.

Easy feeding options

Haakaa creates practical, thoughtfully designed products that help make everyday parenting simpler. For the back-to-school season, the Haakaa Silicone Yummy Pouch offers a convenient way to pack purées, yoghurt, smoothies and more. This reusable 4.5 oz pouch gives parents flexibility over food and ingredient choices while helping reduce spending on individually packaged snacks and cut down on packaging waste. Its leakproof lid, variable-flow spout and dishwasher-safe, food-grade silicone design make feeding, carrying and cleaning easy.

Must Haves for your school supply list

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Stainless Steel 13 oz Food Jar (SDS Direct) – Reusable, eco-friendly food jar keeps food hot or cold. Premium food grade 18/8 stainless steel, contains no phthalates, BPA, lead, or PVC.  $19.99 

Daniel Goes to School (Simon & Schuster) – Daniel learns that “grown-ups come back” and has lots of fun with his teacher and classmates. Ages 2-4, $12.99 

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Mini Backpack 12” 3D Character Plush Bookbag (Intimo) – Backpack features 3D Daniel Tiger face with dimensional ears, embroidered facial details, two zippered compartments, and padded adjustable shoulder straps. Ages 3+, $39.99 

Get the must-have back-to-school essentials – paper towels that handles every mess busy school days brings

For families this back-to-school season, stock up on Viva Signature Cloth Triple Roll (129 sheets), which offer more sheets per roll and fewer replacements during hectic school days. Viva Signature Cloth is cloth-like, making it tough on sticky messes like apple juice spills and crafts, while soft enough for kids’ hands and faces. 

A bathroom must-have!

The Squatty Potty Toilet Stool is designed to help support a more natural, comfortable posture while using the bathroom. By elevating your feet, it helps align your body for a more complete and efficient experience. It is clinically proven to decrease time spent on the toilet and increase elimination to feel emptier! It’s sleek, compact design fits neatly around most toilets, making it an easy addition to any bathroom. Durable, easy to clean, and available in multiple styles and heights, it’s a simple everyday wellness upgrade for the whole family.

Squatty Potty Flushable Wipes provide a gentle, refreshing clean with every use. Made with plant-based fibers and infused with soothing aloe and vitamin E, they’re soft on skin while helping you feel fresh and confident. Septic-safe and designed to break down after flushing, they’re a convenient addition to any bathroom routine. Pair them with your favorite Squatty Potty product for an elevated bathroom experience.promo code BACK2STOOL

The school year always seems to arrive faster than expected, but having the right products on hand can help make those early mornings, homework sessions, and after-school activities run more smoothly. Whether you’re checking off your family’s shopping list or looking for a few new favorites, these back-to-school essentials are designed to simplify everyday life. Here’s to a successful, organized, and exciting new school year!

The post Back to School Must-Haves for the New School Year! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Learning That Grows with Your Child

No two children learn exactly the same way. One might breeze through reading but need extra practice in math, while another masters multiplication yet struggles with grammar. That’s where IXL stands out.Instead of offering the same lesson to every student, IXL adapts in real time to each child’s skill level. As students answer questions, the platform adjusts the difficulty, providing just the right amount of challenge without becoming frustrating. It also identifies learning gaps and reinforces foundational concepts before introducing more advanced material.The result is personalized learning that feels encouraging rather than overwhelming.

More Than Just Math

Many parents first hear about IXL because of its excellent math resources, but it’s much more than that.One subscription provides full access to more than 20,000 PK-12 skills covering:

• Math

• Language Arts

• Science

• Social Studies

• Spanish

Whether your child is learning basic addition, preparing for middle school science, practicing essay writing, or building Spanish vocabulary, everything is available in one easy-to-use platform.Instead of juggling multiple subscriptions and educational apps, families can keep nearly every core subject in one place.

Built for Busy Families

Let’s be honest. Most evenings already feel like a race against the clock.Dinner needs to be cooked. Homework needs to be finished. Laundry somehow multiplies on its own. And everyone still has to get to bed at a reasonable hour.That’s one reason parents appreciate how IXL fits naturally into everyday routines.Short practice sessions can make meaningful progress without requiring hours of instruction. Students receive immediate feedback after every question, helping them understand mistakes while they’re still fresh instead of waiting until a paper comes home days later.Even better, IXL is designed for independent learning, allowing many students to work confidently on their own while parents tackle everything else on the evening to-do list.Sometimes twenty focused minutes really can make a difference.

Learning That Feels More Like Play

Keeping kids engaged isn’t always easy, but the right learning platform can make all the difference.IXL helps maintain engagement with more than 600 educational games that reinforce important concepts while making practice feel rewarding instead of repetitive.Students also have access to more than 4,500 instructional videos and lessons, giving them extra support whenever they encounter something new or challenging.Instead of simply telling students they’re wrong, IXL explains why, helping build understanding rather than encouraging guesswork.

Trusted by Families and Schools Across the Country

Parents want to feel confident they’re investing in a learning platform that delivers real results.IXL has earned that trust on an impressive scale.Today, the platform is used by 18 million students, including one in every four students in the United States. It’s also used in 96 of the nation’s top 100 school districts and recommended by more than one million teachers.Research has also shown that students who consistently use IXL tend to perform better on tests, making it a valuable resource for reinforcing classroom learning throughout the year.

Learning Without Language Barriers

Every family deserves access to quality educational tools.IXL is available in more than 120 languages, making it easier for many households to navigate the platform and support learning together.That accessibility helps create a more welcoming experience for families from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Start the School Year Strong

The beginning of a new school year brings fresh notebooks, new teachers, exciting opportunities, and yes, a little bit of uncertainty.Giving children the chance to practice, strengthen skills, and build confidence before challenges arise can make those first weeks feel a whole lot easier.Whether your child needs extra reinforcement, wants to stay ahead, or simply benefits from a little additional practice, IXL offers personalized learning that grows alongside them every step of the way because a strong school year starts with a strong foundation And right now you cansave 25% on an IXL subscription and give your child personalized learning that grows with them.Learn more and start your subscription here:

The post Help Your Child Start the School Year with Confidence and Save 25% on IXL appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

I’ve got a few little back-to-school magic tricks up my sleeve to make mornings smoother, faster, and (hopefully) tear- and tantrum-free!

1. Mornings

Let’s rip off the Band-Aid and tackle the trickiest part first… mornings! Everything you read makes it sound so simple: lay out the clothes, prep the lunches, wake up early, sip coffee in peace. Cute idea. But real life is more like this: one kid can’t find a shoe, the other refuses to eat anything that isn’t shaped like a dinosaur, and I’m wondering if cold pizza counts as breakfast. (Spoiler: it does.) I finally invested in hanging closet organizers, and honestly, they’ve saved my sanity more than once. Each cubby gets an outfit, and boom, less drama at 7 a.m. Here is a simple one I picked up on Amazon.

2. Homework

Homeworks is a battlefield. No matter how organized I try to be, we always end up missing something. That’s why I rolled in with a supply cart full of everything: pencils, markers, glue, you name it. It’s basically a mobile survival kit for math meltdowns. And when my child asks me to explain long division, I do what every smart mom does: smile, nod, and pull up Khan Academy on the internet. Because if I didn’t get it in 6th grade, I’m not about to figure it out now. Here is the one that works for me. 

3. Evenings

Evenings? They’re a three-ring circus. Between soccer, choir practice and Girl Scouts, I sometimes wonder if I should just keep folding chairs in the back of the SUV because I live in parking lots now. Dinner must be fast, or it’s drive-thru again. My secret weapon: sheet pan meals. Toss chicken, veggies, and potatoes on a pan, sprinkle on some olive oil, seasonings and parmesan cheese, bake, and call it gourmet. When I’m out of ideas, I scroll through Delish for easy weeknight recipes. 

4. Lunch packing!  

Let’s just say some days it’s Pinterest-worthy with cute little lunchbox notes from inklings, and other days it’s “grab a granola bar and good luck.” Weelicious’s lunchbox ideas have saved me from repeating PB&J and Lunchables a hundred times in a row. On the pinterest-worthy days I feel quite proud of myself with these stainless steel boxes! 

5. Schedule

Ohhhh, the schedule. It’s taped to the fridge, color-coded, and still somehow impossible to follow. Everyone has a different practice, rehearsal, or meeting, and I’m just trying not to double- book myself. Google Calendar helps (every kid has their own color) but even then, I’ve shown up at the wrong field at the wrong time more than once. At least I had snacks, which automatically makes you the hero mom. Through all of this, I’ve realized the biggest secret to surviving fall routines: is taking care of yourself, too. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Ten minutes of YouTube Yoga, lighting a pumpkin scented candle, or even just sitting in the car after drop-off with a hot latte and blessed silence, it all counts!

Moms deserve little rituals that make the chaos bearable. So yes, fall routines are messy. They’re exhausting, unpredictable, and fueled mostly by caffeine and prayer. But they also mean a return to structure after the free-for-all of summer. The kids eventually adjust, the mornings eventually smooth out (kind of), and you start to find a rhythm again. And honestly? As long as the kids get to school mostly clothed, homework is turned in more often than not, and dinner occasionally involves a vegetable, I’m calling it a win. If fall is really about fresh starts, then mine starts with a glass of wine at 8 p.m. after bedtime chaos. Cheers to new routines!

The post Back to School, Back to Sanity: Surviving Fall Routines appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Many traditional healthy foods aren’t necessarily kid-friendly, which leaves moms and dads wondering how to pack a wholesome lunch that will actually get eaten. Fortunately, a little creative thinking and a few simple lunchbox tricks can help you create tasty meals that will fuel your kids throughout the school day. Consider these seven smart ideas and be inspired to create your own kid-approved combinations.

Think outside the loaf: Sandwiches are a lunchbox staple, but that doesn’t mean you’re limited to two pieces of bread. To add variety and boost nutrient intake, incorporate fun variations. For example, use whole-grain tortillas to create wraps, or, go one step further and cut up the rolls for bite-size “sushi” that makes it fun for lunching. Another idea: use whole-wheat waffles as the sandwich ends and fill with peanut butter and banana or cream cheese and apples.

Colorful creations: Ever notice how everything associated with kids has tons of color? Children are attracted to vivid hues and you can use this to your advantage when you pack lunches. Put a rainbow in every lunch by packing colorful produce such as green cucumber, cherry tomatoes, purple plums, orange carrots and yellow peppers. You’ll keep things visually stimulating and the various colors of fresh foods mean they are getting a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Fantastic freeze-dried fruit: Fresh fruit isn’t always an option and that’s when delicious Crispy Fruit freeze-dried snacks from Crispy Green can save the day. The perfect complement to any healthy lunch or the ideal lightweight portable snack, Crispy Fruit comes in many single-serving varieties to keep lunchboxes interesting, including banana, apple, pineapple and pear. You can feel good about giving your kids a snack that is 100 percent fruit, non-GMO and allergen-free with no additives or sugar added.

Breakfast for lunch: Is it backwards day? No, but you can get a little crazy by shaking things up when you pack breakfast foods for lunch. Kids will grin with joy as they open their pack to see their favorite whole grain cereal with a side of milk, or muffins with secret healthy ingredients like fruit or shredded veggies. You might even consider your child’s favorite breakfast sandwich or a yogurt parfait as a wholesome lunch option.

Slurp up soup: Cold lunch doesn’t necessarily need to be cold. Get a reusable insulated container and get ready to delight those kid’s taste buds with vitamin-rich soup. Whether you choose a hearty alphabet soup bought from the store or decide to make a batch at home, look for options packed with different vegetables and limited salt. Simply heat up in the morning and it will be ready and waiting come lunch time. Warm soup satisfies the stomach while warming the heart.

Dip and munch: If you have a hesitant kid who is known to snub their nose at fruits and veggies, consider making eating more fun by packing a side of dip. Children adore the act of dipping and it makes eating a fun, interactive activity. A little yogurt will encourage kids to gobble up fruits like orange wedges, apple slices or halved strawberries. Low-fat salad dressing or hummus is the perfect pairing for veggie straws including carrots, celery or sweet peppers.

Protein pick-me-up: Protein helps kids feel fuller for longer, getting them through those lengthy school days. It’s important to pack a protein source in lunch, but meats aren’t your only option. Eggs are high in protein, so try hard-boiled or scrambled and pack in an insulated container. Other kid-friendly foods high in protein include cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, beans and many nuts or nut butters.

You are what you eat, so it’s important to choose your children’s foods wisely. For more tips about packing wholesome lunches and living a healthy family lifestyle, visit www.produceforkids.com/poweryourlunchbox or smartlifebites.com.

*BPT

The post 7 healthy, kid-approved lunchbox ideas appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

If all of this sounds familiar, you’ll be relieved to know that it is possible to create a delicious lunch for yourself and your children in no time flat during the school year. Included below are recipes for a delightful roasted turkey kale salad sandwich to make the most of your next lunch break and a pizza sandwich with fresh mozzarella your kids are sure to love — and will make them the envy of the school lunchroom.

Roasted Turkey Kale Salad Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 1 Arnold Multigrain Sandwich Thins Roll
• 1/3 cup kale, chopped
• 1 lemon wedge
• 1 tablespoon Caesar dressing
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan, shaved or grated
• 4 thin slices roasted turkey
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Add chopped kale to a small bowl and squeeze lemon juice over it. Add a sprinkle of salt and mix kale mixture for 1 minute to soften.

2. Add Caesar dressing and Parmesan to bowl and toss until everything is evenly coated. Salt and pepper to taste.

3. Open Arnold’s Multigrain Sandwich Thins Roll and place the sliced turkey on the bottom followed by the dressed kale Caesar salad. Place the top on the sandwich and keep refrigerated until ready to eat.

Caprese Pizza Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 1 Arnold Honey Wheat Sandwich Thins Roll
• 2 tablespoons pizza sauce
• 4 slices fresh mozzarella
• 8-10 pepperoni slices
• 5 basil leaves
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Open Arnold Sandwich Thins Roll and smear the pizza sauce onto the bottom half.

2. Top with fresh mozzarella and add a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

3. Add pepperoni and basil and place the top on the sandwich. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat.

Both of these recipes are easy and fun to make and they will have you rethinking what’s possible during your busy school year schedule. So, what are you waiting for? Start creating your own sandwich favorites today. For more great ideas, visit www.arnoldbread.com.

*BPT

The post Recipes to make your school year lunches fast and delicious appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Here’s something that’ll help you breathe a little easier this school year: Revolar, a device that allows the user to simply press a button when they need you to send for help.

How many times have you panicked because your little one is taking too long to walk home from school, or your teenager won’t answer their phone? How about when you’re out for a run and you notice someone kind of sketchy following you? While 99% of the time, there are very plausible explanations for these situations, there’s still that 1% chance something could happen. That’s why Jacqueline Ros created Revolar.

After Jacqueline’s sister was assaulted as a teenager, all she could think about was how she could have saved her. How, if only there was a button her sister could’ve pressed that would have alerted someone of her dangerous situation, she wouldn’t have been assaulted. In order to prevent other people from similar situations, she created a small button that syncs to a smart phone, and allows up to 5 contacts to be alerted of your situation.

The set up is simple: just download the free app and connect the Revolar device to your phone. You can clip the device to your clothes or put it on a keychain. This allows you to keep the Revolar nearby while your phone is in a purse or backpack. When you do need to use it, Revolar works through WIFI or cellular data to send alerts.

There are two types of alerts: yellow and red. You can speak with the people in your contacts about what each one means. For example: yellow could mean your child just needs to be picked up maybe they’re walking home and are feeling uncomfortable. Red, on the other hand, means that they need emergency services and that you should call 911. Everyone’s alert means something different, so make sure to have clear definitions of what each alert signal represents when you get them set up!

Seeing as the device can fit in the palm of your hand, it’s small enough to clip to your kid’s jacket and to your running clothes. You can even use it when traveling abroad, again, as long as you have cellular data or WIFI! It’s also durable, with a long battery life and water resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet or charging the battery.

Whether your kids are off to first grade or freshman year of college, this is the ideal way to keep everyone feeling safe and protected this school year and beyond! Pick one up at Bestbuy.com, Brookstone stores and at Revolar.com.

The post The Revolar Revolution: Keeping the Entire Family Connected appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

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It can be easy to forget to take the time to recharge and reconnect with your family to really enjoy the time shared, whether it’s before school or during an afternoon snack.

For the parents preparing for the back-to-school rush, General Mills offers these five tips to decrease the frenzy and maximize family time:

1. Do your back-to-school shopping early.

Waiting for the first day of school to shop is a recipe for disaster. Beat the rush and picked over shelves by getting in your shopping early, when shelves are freshly stocked and the crowds are minimal. You might not have the full supplies list, but you know the essentials.

2. Prep meals for the family.

The first week of school can be pretty hectic and as a result, your family’s eating habits can suffer. Take one thing off your plate and prep your meals in advance. Prepping individual portions of cereals and pre-cutting fresh fruit means there’s one less question mark in the morning. Meal prep gives you more time to enjoy the company of your family.

3. Prep your kids for back-to-school mode.

The transition from summertime to school time can be a hard one, so ease your kids into school mode a week in advance by setting the alarms in the morning, having them work on learning activities during the day and having their “after-school” snack time. You can use these tips and get creative with your “snack game” by using their favorite cereal to help them beat the back to school blues.

4. Create a homework station.

It’s easy to get distracted when you’re doing something boring, that’s why creating a designated space for homework and studying is necessary. No more sitting in front of the TV while you “read.”

5. Take “cariño” time.

It’s easy to over-plan, over-schedule and over-stress with the arrival of the school year. Sharing a snack with your kids means time to relax and just enjoy their company. Whether it’s first thing in the morning or when they get home from school, enjoying a bowl of their favorite cereal or some cut up carrots and hummus together is good for the whole family both physically and mentally.

With all these tips in mind, parents and kids alike will be able to transition into the new school year full recharged and ready to take on the day! Additional quick breakfast recipes and school-friendly snacks, see quericavida.com for more.

*BPT

The post 5 back-to-school tips to maximize family time appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The iPad has turned the traditional classroom into a space where kids can innovate, brainstorm and create together. Classroom styles like the “flipped classroom” (a style where all the learning is done at home via screencasts) become more realistic and feasible. Best of all, most teachers will agree that classroom productivity skyrockets. However, the iPad itself is not the driving force behind this newfound productivity. It’s the apps that power the iPad that make this tablet the real educational winner.

While the mass adoption of technology in academia continues to enhance the educational experience, it is also the single biggest distraction students face heading into the 2015/2016 school year. Gaming, social media and messaging platforms are all ‘fun and games,’ until students can’t get enough and the apps pull them away from their studies.

Vokal, a Chicago-based mobile Innovation agency, asked their team of apprentices (student developers and coders), along with their talented iOS and Android mobile developers, to come up the Top 5 List of this school year’s biggest Brain Boosters and Brain Busters. Brain Boosters will help make students more productive and empower them to excel. The Brain Buster Apps will do the opposite – waist time, distract and become full-on tech addictions. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

BRAIN BOOSTERS

1. Notability

Notability is a simple note-taking app that allows you to create notes, import media, and edit multiple file types. The app allows you to use a unique drawing and highlighting tool that makes file annotation super easy and intuitive. It’s pretty much impossible to go through a day of high school or college without using this app.

2. Nearpod

Presentations suck. Nearpod makes them suck less. The presentation tool turns the iPad into an individual slide deck, which allows teachers to send surveys, ask questions and present slides.

3. Schoology

Schoology is a content management system that allows teachers and students to interact, share assignments, distribute assessments and receive tests scores. Schoology makes it simple to share content quickly and easily between the educator and the student.

4. Google Drive

Google Drive is a personal cloud storage service from Google that lets users store and synchronize digital content across computers, laptops and mobile devices, including tablet and smartphone devices. Whether it’s a group project or edits from a teaching, Google Drive is a must-have this year.

5. Reminders

While many people may dismiss Apple’s default to-do list, in the educational world it provides a wealth of tools to keep track of homework, projects and upcoming tests. The Vokal team would take this app over any “homework app” any day.

BRAIN BUSTERS

1. Trivia Crack

The biggest fad of December 2014: Quizzing your friends (and random strangers) on trivia questions. As fun (and addicting) as this app is, it only provides numerous opportunities for distractions inside and outside of the classroom.

2. Messages

Students can sit across the room and message each other funny pictures, things about the teacher/other students, or in worst case scenarios, test answers. The messaging app is a substitute teacher’s nightmare and one massive distraction tool for students.

3. The Homework App

The Homework app is recommended by many teachers as a way of managing homework assignments. However, the app is hard to get used to, requires a lot of time to enter data, and is just plain cumbersome. The Vokal team favored a pen and paper over this app.

4. Candy Crush

We’ve all heard of this app, and chances are, you’ve played it. Candy Crush is a pretty simple game in which your goal is to eliminate rows of candy by swiping. If you’ve played it before, you know that this app is ridiculously addicting. Playing Candy Crush in the classroom will not get you any brownie points with your teacher.

5. 8-Ball Pool

The other fad that swept across the students at my school was a game called 8-Ball Pool, which was essentially just a video game simulation of a real pool game. However, students could connect their iPads and play against each other, making it a game that teachers despised.

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