With summer winding down, it’s time for many children and their families to head back to school for a new year of learning. This is an exciting and stressful period for everybody involved, as kids look forward to seeing their friends and parents try their best to adjust routines in the best ways possible. Let’s take a look at easy ways to ensure a healthy school year for our children.
Here at Montes Medical, we know how important it is for families to set a healthy foundation for the school year. In addition to buying much-needed supplies, parents can also focus on creating a balanced lifestyle that makes it easier for their children to stay healthy and succeed in school. So what are some ways to ensure kids are set up properly for a healthy year of fun and education? Keep reading to learn more!
Schedule Annual Doctor Visits
Annual doctor visits are a great way to set children up for a healthy school year. During these appointments, pediatricians can assess a child’s overall health, growth, and development. Annual exams also increase the likelihood of catching potential health problems early, reducing their chances of negatively impacting a child’s life.
Annual exams are also a great time to ensure a child’s vaccinations are current, helping protect them against preventable diseases and supporting a healthier school environment. Healthcare providers can also review vision and hearing capabilities through appropriate screenings, which can help ensure children can see and hear their teachers and classrooms properly. Children who play sports can also get a sports physical to ensure they are physically fit and able to participate in activities.
Adjust Sleep Schedules for a Healthy School Year
Over the summer months, it’s natural for children to sleep later at night due to not having school early in the morning. However, switching back to appropriate sleep timings for school can be difficult if the transition isn’t handled properly. Parents can make this process easier by gradually moving their children’s bedtime earlier by fifteen minutes every few days until the desired time is reached.
It can also be very helpful to create a relaxing bedtime routine for children by encouraging reading, warm baths, or listening to calming music. Children should also be encouraged to avoid screen time an hour before bed to reduce the likelihood of overstimulation. Being consistent with these efforts is important for success, and to regulate a child’s internal clock.
Support Healthy Homework Habits
These days, homework can be a source of great stress for children with heavy workloads. Parents can help make things easier for their kids by supporting homework habits and routines that encourage efficiency and productivity levels. For example, a dedicated space for children to do homework can make it much easier for them to focus and avoid distractions like household noise, social media, or television shows. Schedule regular times for doing homework so children know what to expect and are better able to avoid procrastination regularly.
Sometimes children can get overwhelmed by their workload. Parents and loved ones can help them break their tasks into more manageable pieces and teach kids how to take breaks when needed. It’s also important to help them problem-solve when needed while encouraging them to be independent and build their problem-solving skills.
Provide Healthy & Nutritious Meals During the School Year
When fueled by healthy and nutritious foods, children have a much easier time concentrating and succeeding at school. For example, healthy breakfasts filled with protein, whole grains, and fruits can boost a child’s energy levels and make it easier for them to focus in class. When packing school lunches, including a variety of foods is a good idea. This can increase their chances of digesting many important vitamins and minerals.
Healthy snacks such as juicy apples, vegetables with hummus, and nuts are good foods for a busy school day. Finally, encourage kids to drink water and avoid sugar-filled beverages throughout the day. Doing so can ensure they are properly hydrated and not filling up on junk foods due to dehydration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many easy ways to set children up for a healthy school year. Make sure to schedule their annual physical exam for a good check-up, vaccinations, and screenings that can protect kids in the coming months. It’s also important to adjust their schedules to best fit new sleep routines and homework assignments that will need to be addressed regularly. Finally, establishing a healthy meal plan and ensuring proper hydration can make it much easier for kids to succeed at school and in their extracurricular activities.