I’ve done a lot of first days of school. With three boys between the ages of 6 and 12—each with their own personality, and morning routines—I know firsthand that no two back-to-school seasons are ever the same. Some years start with confidence and excitement, others with jitters, and everything in between.
Through it all, one thing has always helped: keeping our mornings—and our lives—as simple and grounded as possible. With over 40 years of using SallyeAnder, these are the products I’ve leaned on to get us out the door and back in from the day. Feeling a little more ready, a little more cared for, and a lot more calm.
Clean Hands, Clear Mind
From classroom crafts to after-school snacks, kids touch everything. Our Hogwash! Soap is my go-to for quick, effective handwashing and scrubbing away the inevitable marker smudges and mystery gunk. It’s gentle on their skin, and it works—fast. I pair it with our Heavy Duty Hand Therapy Cream, especially as the weather cools and little hands start to get drier.
Little Bites, Big Distractions
Just because the school bell’s ringing doesn’t mean the bugs go away. My boys are still outside as much as they can be—playing sports, running through the woods, or helping in the Fall garden with my Dad. Our No-Bite-Me™ Bug Repellent goes on before the sneakers are even laced, and our new Itch Relief Stick stays in my bag for playground pickup. It’s peace of mind, naturally.
Support for Active Bodies
Back to school doesn’t just mean backpacks and binders—it means more time on their feet and more structured days. Our Foot Therapy Cream is a favorite in our house for tired little feet (and mine, too). It’s how we wind down after a full day.
And with active kids, comes all the bumps, bruises, and more. Rescue Me Balm is always on hand, in my bag, in the car, in the kitchen, and next to the bed. Treating skin SOS moments morning and night is not uncommon in our home!
A Gentle Start to the Season
Back to school can feel big, because it is. But the rituals we build around it, the little ways we care for our kids and ourselves, make all the difference. From one parent to another, here’s to a season of smooth mornings, healthy skin, and simple routines that support the whole family.
Wishing you a beautiful start to the school year,
Sallie