The back-to-school rush is about more than backpacks and school supplies - it’s about helping kids feel ready, confident and energized for the year ahead, according to lifestyle and parenting expert Amanda Mushro, who shared a lineup of family-tested products to smooth the transition.
Lunchbox nutrition
Mushro said protein is at the top of her list for keeping kids fueled through the school day.
“Okay, we know it for ourselves, it’s that protein, protein, protein. So, I love that for kids too,” she said.
Her pick: Parmalat shelf-stable milk, available in chocolate, whole and 2%.
“Has 7 grams of protein per serving plus vitamin D, vitamin C, seeds, tons of calcium, toss it in their lunchbox and you know that it’s going to stick with them all day,” she said.
An AI-powered STEM toy
For educational play at home, Mushro pointed to the Barbie Magic Spin Style Studio, which lets kids design magnetic outfits for a Barbie doll and bring them to life digitally.
“Yeah, this is one that 6-year-old Amanda would go absolutely crazy over,” she said.
Using a phone, kids can photograph their creations and see them animated.
“You can take a picture of Barbie and you can see her walking the runway in the outfit that you created,” Mushro said, adding that users can also “take a selfie with her while she is wearing your creations, which is so rad.”
Screen-free family activities
Mushro also highlighted two options designed to pull kids away from screens. The first, a custom photo puzzle from mypuzzles.com, applies AI filters - including watercolor, superhero and cartoon styles - to a family photo before it’s turned into a puzzle.
The second is the Turbo Loop Track, a build-it-yourself marble course made of wood and PVC pieces.
“Kids actually build this cool track and it’s just out of wood and PVC pieces. No tools, no batteries, using those STEMs and problem-solving skills,” she said.
Sensory toys for stress relief
To help kids decompress after a long school day, Mushro recommended weighted plush toys called Flipkins over typical sensory options like slime.
“So, my kids love the sensory toys. They love the squishies,” she said, before turning to her preferred alternative: “They’re these adorable little plush toys, but they’re weighted on the bottom.”
Available in designs like a turtle, bee and cow, the toys are built for repeated flipping and always land upright.
Click on the video above to watch the segment. You can learn more about Amanda Mushro at www.AmandaMushro.com and www.QuestionableChoicesInParenting.com.