The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
We can't escape the fact that a new school year is synonymous with the inevitable trips to the stores to get everything that the children need. Of course you should always try a keep to your budget, but for some essential items quality should always be your priority. Running shoes Growing children need good quality sports shoes to keep their feet healthy. Even though leather remains a big favourite because of its durability, lots of running shoes made with synthetic materials combine flexibility, lightness, and resilience. Choose shoes with foam soles for extra comfort. Backpacks Choose a backpack that is no wider than the child's back and shoulders. Look for one made of canvas (avoid plastic) that has several compartments and padded shoulder straps at least 5 cm wide. Pay particular attention to the sturdiness of the zips and stitching. Plastic containers There are two reasons why you should invest in good quality plastic lunch containers: buying reusable items is great for the environment, and spills in the bottom of lunch boxes will be avoided. Forget about using old margarine and cottage cheese containers! Thermal containers You should never skimp when food safety is at stake. Your choice of a thermal container is crucial for your child's health. The temperature of a hot meal should always stay above 60C, so it is recommended to use a thermal container made of stainless steel with double wall vacuum insulation.
