“My Tis!” exclaimed my niece as she threw her arms around my neck and claimed me from my son Ryan (or Ry-Ry as she calls him). Tis is an easier form of Kris to pronounce and even though she can now say my name the nickname stuck. Alexis just turned 3 and is going through the developmental stage of understanding mine and yours. She claims everyone in her family as “mine” and notices if anyone is missing. We are all completely entertained with her antics. Yet I find myself wondering – how is it that a charming 3-year-old can command a dozen or more adults with relative ease?

As a preschooler with a mind like a sponge, Alexis will be ready for some kind of organized school experience soon. Kyle, my son who will be a junior in high school this year, is always ready to go back to school. He prefers to see his friends daily in the flesh, rather than just virtually on his Xbox. My younger son, Ryan, and I are quite happy with the slower summer pace. I’m not in a hurry to do more laundry, pack lunches, and get up before dawn, but the end of the month will arrive soon and we’ll return to a busier schedule once again.

I always struggle to find a variety of healthy lunch options for lunchboxes. According to our Healthy Kids column on page 28, “Adults may think in terms of three meals a day, but kids are natural grazers, enjoying small portions of lots of different foods throughout the day.” I have certainly seen that trend in my kitchen this summer. Maybe I can watch their grazing habits to find some new school lunch ideas.

This back-to-school issue is jam packed with tips for kids and thought provoking school ideas. Consider the age old question of cloth diapers on page 32 and discover ideas for smacking good snacks on page 28. Our feature article takes a look at some school alternatives and in our Natural Pet column you’ll find advice for helping the separation anxiety of your furry friend. Enjoy the rest of the summer and I have my fingers crossed we will all be ready for back-to-school.

Here’s to the relaxed summer pace,

Kris Urquhart, Publisher