Julie Lankow, Author at Kidspot

12 Tips For a Better School Year

Posted on 08/01/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

The new school year is just around the corner! Kids are getting excited about seeing old friends and making new ones. Teachers are getting ready to help children engage with their learning and discover new skills. Meanwhile, parents are tasked with keeping organised, creating solid routines, and supporting children to be their best.

To help, we’ve put together some tips on everything from morning strategies and homework helpers to lunch box solutions and easy organisation tips that will end up moving you to the head of the class.

1. Get all the gear

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Find out as early as possible what the school requires the kids to have in terms of books, stationery, and uniform. It will make it easier for them to get a great start to the school year if they have everything they need ready for their first day.

2. Make mornings organised …

Trying to get out of the door on time when a school bell or work commitments beckon can make for a stressful start to the day. A morning routine is the key to calm! Take some time to create a morning routine for each member of your family. You might need to make one for each day so you can incorporate things like packing gear for after-school activities.

Find out more about why routines are so good.

3. … and afternoons

Embedding an afternoon routine can help take some of the pressure off the routine for the following morning. Include getting their lunchboxes out and into the kitchen as soon as they come in the door. Set aside time for homework, a snack, and some reading.

4. Keep time

The key to a successful routine is knowing the time – and this is where simple-to-read clocks are essential. Showing the children how to read the time for themselves will give your kids the power to stick to their routine and get themselves organised (without nagging from you).

5. Ready, set breakfast

A healthy nutritious breakfast puts kids in the right mood for learning and gives you peace of mind that they have the best start to their day. Kids as young as four or five years old can get a bowl of cold cereal for themselves and as they get older they can learn to safely use the toaster or microwave.

Try these breakfast ideas for quick, healthy starts to the school day.

6. Keep lunch boxes easy

While we all want to love and nurture our children by packing the best and most exciting lunch box possible, we also need to balance our aspirations against reality. Consider packing the lunch boxes the night before and pop them in the fridge – remembering that it takes some time to find the food the kids will actually eat and that you will find easy to prepare.

7. Share the load

A busy school year means less time for housework as you’re busy balancing other priorities such as homework help, after-school activities, or packing lunches. Share the housework load around everyone in the home with 36 easy chores that kids can tackle.

8. Problems are a learning experience

Term time at school isn’t always perfect and our children don’t always behave like angels or the genius we had hoped they would be. School rules, expectations and social pressures can be too much for our kids and it’s not uncommon for problems to rear their head once children settle into the school year. It can be anything from bullies to learning problems to physical problems that come up and unsettle us – be ready to embrace them!

Find out more about difficulties at school.

9. Teamwork

Even though your child is away at school every day you are still very much part of their learning team. As you already know, each child is different and the way they learn and interact throughout their school years will be too. Try to gain an understanding of the different ways that children learn, general milestones, and how you can support their learning.

Tips and techniques for better learning.

10. Labels, names, and ownership

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Label all your child’s belongings including the library bag and especially the school hat. Encourage your child to dress themselves so they can manage things like taking jumpers or coats on and off at school. Explain the concept of “lost property” to your kids, so they know how to find lost items on their own. Then cross your fingers and hope they have listened to you!

11. Rules and behaviour

Schools have a range of approaches to reinforce the good behaviour measures taught by parents – so learn what they are and make sure you can back them up at home! For students in the early years, the focus will be on learning to work cooperatively with others and to follow instructions from the teacher. It’s a parent’s job to remind and reinforce the school rules at home so kids understand why certain actions are unacceptable.

Find out more about school-age children’s behaviour.

12. Sleep

You can be certain that the school year will go a lot more smoothly if your child is getting enough sleep.

Find out more about how to help your child get more rest.

Share your back-to-school tips in the comments below.

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This article was written by Alex Brooks for Kidspot Australia and has been adapted for Kidspot NZ.

Annies Fruit Flats

Posted on 21/12/202116/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Tried and tested by Kidspot parents

Kidspot parents gave Annies Fruit Flats an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5

Annies – food you trust

Annies

For 33 years Annies has been making 100% fruit snacks loved by New Zealanders and the world over. Today Annies is owned by Kono, a values-led Māori owned business based in Te Tauihu (the top of the South Island). The principal values behind the Annies business are Pono, which is all about being truthful. Like the very first bar made 33 years ago, Annies fruit snacks still have only 2-3 fruit ingredients, made by people that care.

Annies airdried fruit snacks are a healthy and fun solution for kids lunch boxes, picnics, after school and sports snacks, and so much more!

Annies promise is to only ever make food you trust – this means they only use honest and wholesome ingredients. Their snacks are simple, healthy and portable, and provide inexpensive servings of some of New Zealand’s best fruit. A fun way to eat 100% fruit, children love the taste and texture.

The entire ingredients list for Annies Fruit Bars is in the name.

Gluten-free
Nut, dairy, and yeast free
No added preservatives
Vegan/vegetarian
No added sugar
GMO-free
Not from concentrates

Annies Fruit Flats

Fruit Flats are simply fruit flattened. Offering you single-serve, on-the-go convenience. Easy to pop in lunch boxes, handbags and sports bags, and sure to quell any hangry moment.

Available in two flavour ranges:

Summer Fruit Flats
– Apple and Apricot
– Apple and Mango Passion

Berry Fruit Flats
– Apple and Raspberry
– Apple and Strawberry

For further information, visit Annies.co.nz

Read the reviews below!

We’ve given 50 members with kids aged between 5 and 12 the chance to trial and review Annies Fruit Flats. Watch the video of our reviewers below and scroll down to read more reviews in the comments.

Thank you for the box we received today! We got straight into it and little miss two year old enjoyed eating hers while chilling in the couch watching paw patrol! I may have snuck one in too….. love them!! We have enjoyed trying these snacks out, perfect way to end our Friday 😍

Jennabeaumont

Loved being a part of the trial. My son and I loved these. Such a nice quick snack when we went for a bike ride. Love the flavours, couldn’t pick a favorite. Nice and convenient. My daughter wasn’t really a fan but we made up for it. These didn’t last long in the cupboard. Will definitely be trying to find these in the supermarket as my son will love them in his lunchbox.

Duky701

Loved both flavours, great for mid afternoon snack. Kids all loved them, would definitely purchase. Thanks so much.

bosco099

These fruit bars were a hit with my five and eight year old. They are a great and different way to add fruit to the lunchboxes when the kids are bored of the fresh fruit on offer. I like that they are only made of three ingredients and feel better offering this over dried fruit to my children. I personally liked the simple and easy to read packaging however my oldest said the packaging could be more fun, bright and kid friendly.

MelissaHawk

My 5yo son loved these! He would ask me in the morning when we were making his lunch if he could have ‘one of those special fruit things’ and it was guaranteed to be all gone when he got home. The 12yo boys grunt more than talk but I noticed they soon disappeared from their lunchboxes too!

Casss86

My family (adults and 8 and 6-year-old children) enjoyed these fruit bars. They definitely feel much healthier compared to other fruit string-type products. Handy to come in a box and the price seems reasonable for a quality product. I have seen them in the supermarket and will buy again. Thanks for the box to trial.

nessieok

Reviewer notes

If you have received the product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment.
Upload your review photos/videos to this Dropbox folder.
Each selected reviewer will receive: 1 x box of Annies Fruit Flats (8 bars per box) in either Berry Fruit or Summer Fruit flavours (chosen at random).
By registering for this product trial, you agree to the terms and conditions. Please note that comments, images, or videos provided by reviewers may be used by Annies on their website and social media channels to promote the product.

Please note

If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address on your profile.
Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date.
Not a member yet? Then sign up now.
Kidspot Terms and Conditions apply, including: Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents. If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible and supply a review, as set out in our review instructions. Your name, email address, and contact phone number will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery.

An Easy Recycling Guide To Help Kids Learn About Sustainability

Posted on 26/10/202116/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Recycling is a great way to help the sustainability of our planet. But when there’s different numbers, confusing rules, and jargon flying around, it can make it hard to keep up.

By collecting materials for recycling that would otherwise go to landfill, we can make a difference to the health of our environment. To help kids learn what they can recycle, we’ve teamed up with Glad® to provide some tips and games to help get everything sorted.

Because it’s easy to forget what is and isn’t recyclable, we recommend popping up a “cheat sheet” of what your household usually uses that can be recycled, either on the family noticeboard, attached to the fridge or above the recycle bin.

Plastic

Most plastics in New Zealand that are recyclable will have a triangle symbol with a number inside (usually located on the bottom of the item). Each number indicates a different type of plastic.

Some plastics are easier to recycle than others and the collection of recycling varies between countries and even councils, depending on what they can process. Check with your local council to confirm which numbers are recyclable. Including the numbers on your recycling cheat sheet is a handy way for the whole family to remember which they can recycle.

Plastics for recycling should be empty and rinsed. Your local council will be able to advise whether lids should be kept on or removed and if plastics should be squashed or not.

Here is a quick guide for each type of plastic:

Plastic #1 (PET)

Found in: drink bottles, food containers, food trays
Recyclability: Curbside recyclable

Plastic #2 (HDPE)

Found in: milk bottles, food containers
Recyclability: Curbside recyclable

Plastic #3 (PVC)

Found in: Shampoo bottles, plumbing pipes, packaging wraps/bags
Recyclability: Check with your local council

Plastic #4 (LDPE)

Found in: Squeezable bottles, film and stretch wrap
Recyclability: Check with your local council

Plastic #5 (PP)

Found in: Sauce bottles, medicine bottles, takeaway containers, food containers
Recyclability: Check with your local council

Plastic #6 (PS or EPS)

Found in: Disposable plates, cups, food containers, toys – #6 polystyrene (PS) or styrofoam cups, food trays – #6 EPS (expanded polystyrene)
Recyclability: Check with your local council

Plastic #7 (Composite)

Found in: Milk/fruit juice cartons, oven bags
Recyclability: Check with your local council

Paper and cardboard

Paper products come in many different variations – and most of them are recyclable. Cardboard boxes and tubes, newspapers, magazines, egg cartons, office paper and envelopes, junk mail, toilet paper rolls, and books are just some of the items that can be recycled. Always check with your local council for what they can and can’t accept. Some councils will even recycle pizza boxes if they are clean enough!

Make sure the paper is clean and dry. Usually waxy or plastic covering on paper is not recyclable. Small pieces of paper (smaller than say, a credit card) and dirty paper (ie tissues) can not be recycled. Large boxes should be flattened down for collection.

Add what your household usually uses to your recycling cheat sheet for easy reference.

Glass

Nearly all the glass jars and bottles that we buy at the supermarket are recyclable! Check with your local council around any rules for sorting glass for recycling. Remember to clean the jars or bottles before putting them out for recycling and check with your local council for any rules regarding sorting colours or removing lids.

Glass from other sources, ie windows, electronics, etc, are not usually recyclable.

Tins and cans

Both aluminium and tin can be recycled. This includes drink cans and food tins. They should be cleaned out before recycling. Check with your local council to find out if items should be squashed or not.

Get the kids involved with a recycling game

The responsibility can be shared by the whole family, encouraging children to carry on those habits as they grow older. To help get the kids involved, there are ways to make it more fun. Try a recycle challenge to see if the kids can remember what is recyclable and what’s not. Or give them the task of sorting the recycling for a sticker on their chore chart.

Written by Kidspot NZ with information provided by Glad®

What are your tips for making recycling easier?

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How Your Family Can Do Their Part To Protect The Planet

Posted on 26/10/202116/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Protecting our planet may sound like something that requires a huge global effort. But if we all do our part, even changes at a family level can make a difference.

To help you find ways that your family can do their utmost to control their carbon footprint, reduce pollution and waste, conserve water, and leave a healthier planet for the next generation, we’ve got some tips that you can start on today.

Reduce, reuse, and reycle

The three R’s of reduce, reuse, and recycle are some of the most important for the health of our planet. They can also help to save us money! More and more people are conscious of recycling rubbish to lessen the impact on landfill and to make the most of resources we already have, but don’t forget about reducing and reusing which come before the need to recycle.

Reduce

Shop smarter by using a meal plan and shopping list to only buy what you need and reduce food waste
Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging or bulk buy using your own containers
Choose locally grown or made products to reduce mileage
Buy products made from recycled materials
If you can, buy second-hand rather than new
Look to shop with businesses with transparent supply chains and sustainable practices, who are producing ethical reports

Reuse

Fix broken items rather than throwing them away – local communities often have workshops to help fix household items
If an item is still usable, consider donating or selling it
Upcycle furniture to give it a new use
Refill a drink bottle rather than buying bottled water
Use reusable shopping bags, containers, and straws rather than single-use plastics
Use washable cloths to clean rather than wipes.

Recycle

Utilise local council recycling collection to recycle paper, cardboard, glass, tins, cans, and plastics (check with your council regarding what they accept)
There are also specific collection schemes for soft plastics, old mobile phones, printer cartridges, batteries, e-waste, and more which can be found with a quick Google search
Several brands also provide free recycling – visit the Terracycle website to find out more.
Compost fruit and vegetable scraps

Drive less

Kiwis love getting about in their cars, but vehicles contribute to pollution and the use of non-renewable resources.

Plan ahead to use your vehicle as little as possible by taking just one trip to the supermarket each week or carpooling with your workmates or friends
Create a walking bus for school kids
Utilise public transport, walk, or cycle
If you can, choose an electric vehicle for your next family car

Reduce energy consumption

Reducing the amount of energy that your home uses not only helps the environment, it also helps reduce your bills.

Turn off lights and electronics when not in use
Choose low energy lightbulbs
When purchasing new appliances, always look for the energy star rating
Wash your laundry in cold water and line-dry
Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load
Once you’ve finished cooking the dinner, pop the baking in the already warm oven and save on having to pre-heat the oven

Grow your own

Growing your own fruit and veggies is a rewarding and fun way to get the whole family involved in being eco-conscious. What could be better than fresh veggies that go straight from garden to plate? Get tips for starting your own garden here https://kidspot.co.nz/family-time/setting-up-your-first-family-veggie-garden/

Eating more plant-based meals is great for the environment, the budget, and your health! Try a couple of meat-free dinners each week.

Planting native trees is also a great way to help the planet breathe a little easier. Plant on your own property or get involved in a community project.

Conserve our water resources

Water is a precious resource for our country and planet.

Take showers instead of baths and set a timer for those who linger a little too long!
Don’t leave the tap running when brushing your teeth
Collect rainwater for watering the garden
Only flush the three Ps. Pee, poo and paper (toilet)
Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain
Dispose of paint and chemicals responsibly
Use eco-friendly household detergents
Wash your car on the grass to help filter the runoff

For more ways to protect the environment, visit https://environment.govt.nz/what-you-can-do/take-action/

Written by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire.

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by Kidspot NZ of the website, information, products or services contained therein.

What is your family doing to reduce your carbon footprint?

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