The time is coming and for some, it might already be here – that’s right, school days are near! Students will soon be sitting in class for the majority of their day and when they come home they will have all the energy in the world stored up, ready to discharge on whoever is at their mercy. This ends up being for most, their parents. While the side effects of school are certainly not all negatives, there are some challenges that students face when they emerge back into the world of school. With that in mind, here are a couple of tips to keep your student performing at their best this school year.
A great day at school starts the night before!
Make sure you set healthy sleep habits with your children so they can get adequate rest for their growing bodies and minds. The National Sleep Foundation states that a child aged 6-13 needs 9-11 hours of sleep a night. Poor sleep can lead to mood swings, behavioral problems, and cognitive problems. Also, make sure that you turn off all TVs, computers, cellphone, and tablets at least an hour before bedtime so that the blue light doesn’t affect the quality of sleep for your student.
In the middle of the morning hustle, don’t skip breakfast!
We all want students to learn as much as they can and this starts with their diet. In order to set your student up for a successful day, have them start with a great breakfast that includes protein and some healthy fat. There are many studies that have linked eating breakfast to good health, this includes better memory and concentration. If students are not getting fuel from food, they are more likely to overeat later in the day.
Hand Washing 101
Make sure your student knows how to properly wash their hands. As simple as it sounds, the importance is not lost as your kids are around hundreds of other kids throughout any given day. You can teach them why they need to wash, especially after using the bathroom and before they eat. If they have sick friends at school or if they are sick, tell them they need to wash them more frequently. For your youngest students, sometimes teaching them a song to sing if helpful.
Get yourself and your child moving!
In order to keep kids healthy and while also teaching them many other important skills, try to enroll your child in an afterschool activity. Things you can do at home while the weather is still nice could be as simple as a bike ride, going for a walk or playing a game outside. If they see you moving, they are much more likely to follow along. Sites like Pinterest and Family Fun Twin Cities can provide you with plenty of outdoor and indoor funtivities.
Your child’s school years are so precious and a time of many lasting memories. By keeping your students healthy, active, and engaged you can make sure that they don’t miss out on any of them.
-Amber Moyer, Exercise Specialist