Before summer ends for those of us still hanging on, we wanted to offer some last few bits of advice to ensure that your child has the best school year possible. Whether your little one’s a preschooler or a junior in high school, these healthy habits will go a long way to give them the best chance at good grades and positive social development.
Sleep
Establishing a regular bedtime schedule strongly impacts a student’s ability to perform. However, as all parents know, getting a child to go to bed can be a STRUGGLE. Though it may be difficult at first, the key to establishing a routine is through consistency. Set a regular bedtime and wake time and before too long, your child’s internal body clock will naturally adapt to the new schedule. Each child is different, so the strategies to get them to go to bed and wake up at certain times will be up to you. One idea is to spray lavender or chamomile essential oil as a bedtime ritual. Once your child smells the aroma, their bodes will know it is time to power down.
Family Meal Time
In addition to the nutritional value, family meal time is a great opportunity for children and parents to reconnect after busy days. Kids have the chance to unwind, talk about what they’re doing in school, and how they’re getting along with their peers. This type of person-to-person communication is so important for development. We live in a world with enticing TV shows and entertaining video games, and proper communication is becoming something of a lost art. Meal times can be a comfortable environment for kids to discuss, connect, and decompress.
Plus, studies have shown a strong correlation between regular family dinners and good grades. Of teens who eat at least three times a week with their families, only 20% get C’s or lower on their progress reports! Even if your child isn’t quite that old yet, establishing a pattern now will dramatically increase the chances of successful family dinners by the time they become teenagers.
Nutrition
Have you noticed that we post recipes often on the iTOVi blog? Reason being, nutrition is so important for kids in school. Instead of being tempted to throw a frozen pizza in the oven, do what you can to take some time to make something better for your kids. Nutritional expert Richard Sogn, MD, recommends these food groups that are good for the brain:
- A high-protein diet – Eating protein can improve concentration. Remember that protein doesn’t always equate to meat. Too much meat can have the opposite effect on a child’s energy level! Think about implementing beans, eggs, or nuts, especially in the morning.
- The right kinds of carbohydrates – Vegetables and fruits are the name of the game when it comes to beneficial carbohydrates.
- More omega-3 fatty acids – You can find these in cold-water white fish, walnuts, and olive oil. For those of you with picky eaters, consider giving your child an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. That way you can help your child get nutrients they need without fighting a battle.
Do your best to implement these healthy habits for kids, and you will give your child the advantage in school. When you establish these healthy habits for kids, you’ll create a foundation for your child to that will pay dividends well beyond graduation. Best of luck!
