Healthy Back-to-School Tips to Keep Your Kids Smiling All Year
As summer draws to a close, it’s time for children to prepare for another exciting school year of learning, reconnecting with friends, and developing new skills. Let’s explore some simple steps you can take to set your child up for a healthy, happy year ahead.
Encourage pHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Encouraging your child to go outside and exercise regularly can significantly improve their health and won’t cost you anything. Encourage your child to participate in activities they enjoy, such as football, biking, dancing, or team sports.
Ensure a healthy sleep routine
A good night’s sleep is essential for your child’s physical and cognitive development. Research shows kids need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep every night to ensure they’re getting the rest they need to recover and set themselves up for another day of learning and growing. Using electronics before bed dramatically decreases our sleep quality and disrupts our sleeping patterns. It’s important to encourage healthy boundaries around screen time, especially before bed.
Pack Nutritious lunches
A balanced diet plays a crucial role in your child’s health, giving them more stable energy to learn and improving their social skills by enhancing their mood. Pack a nutritious lunch with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to provide the essential vitamins and nutrients they need to support their physical and mental development. It’s all about balance, so occasionally giving your child sugary treats is ok, but ideally when they’re not in school.
teach proper hand washing
Your child must be shown how to wash their hands properly to protect themselves and those around them from spreading harmful viruses and infections. There are so many fun ways to learn proper hand washing. Try this handwashing song for your little ones: https://youtu.be/8lu587o8T3c
support their mental and emotional health
It’s vital to support your child’s mental and emotional well-being so they have a positive experience in school while setting them up for a bright future. Create and maintain an open line of communication with your child, letting them know they are loved and supported and can talk to you about anything they may be experiencing in school.
a healthy child is a happy child
Looking after your child’s overall health and well-being ensures they’ll have their best school year yet filled with fun, social development, and academic success.
