School is In-Session Tips

October 2, 2024

As your children head into a new school year, it's super important to focus on good habits that will keep them feeling great and ready to learn.

Be sure to plan and set your daily goals, put them in writing, and into motion well before the first day of school.

Here are three big things to help your family power through those first few days of school:

Superpower No. 1 — Sleep:

• Get enough shut eye. Aim for eight to 10 hours of sleep each night. 
• Set a sensible bedtime — at or before 9 p.m., if possible, for students of all ages.
• All electronic devices should be turned off and put away for the night. This is not easy, but it’s the key to good rest.
• Make sure bedrooms are just right for sleep: cool, dark and quiet.

Getting a good night’s rest will help everyone rise in a good mood each morning and ready to meet the day.

Superpower No. 2 — Nutrition:

• Eat a healthy breakfast that has protein, fiber-packed carbs and healthy fats.
• Good examples include eggs, whole wheat toast, avocado or peanut butter, Greek yogurt with fruit, oatmeal with fruit or nuts, green tea, or even a tortilla filled with black beans.
• Avoid fruit juices, sugar-based cereals, breakfast pastries, processed meats and fast-food breakfast items.

Eating right every morning will help keep your body alert and focused for the day.

Superpower No. 3 — Routine:

• Set a daily, expected routine. Together, write it down. Post where all family members can see. This can include when to eat a snack, do homework, bathe, read a bedtime story or brush your teeth before bedtime.
• Visit school before the first day. For students of all ages, locating classrooms, lockers, restrooms and meeting teachers can help ease many first-day fears.
• Plan ahead to talk about school-related issues. Concerns such as homework expectations, conflicts with friends or teachers, or other pressures can make for a tough start. Practice things such as taking deep breaths to cool down when upset or coming-up with possible fixes that can benefit everyone.
• Visit your doctor for a yearly checkup and immunizations, often required by your school. If your child is planning to join any sports teams, a sports physical will make sure he or she is fit to play.

Just like a superhero, your student needs to keep his or her powers sharp and body and mind in top shape. Make this school year the healthiest one yet by making plenty of sleep, good nutrition and a daily routine your priorities every day!

Sources:              

www.KidsHealth.org 
www.MayoClinic.org

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