The summer break is behind us, and even though January 1 is usually when we think of a new year, September is when a new year begins if you have kids and they are heading back to school. There are so many things to consider, aside from buying new school supplies and new clothes. What’s the best way to get your kids back into a school routine? How do you get your kids to eat properly when they are involved in school activities as well as extra curricular activities after school? It’s not easy, but here are a few tips from webmd.com to help you steer through these waters:
Play and exercise for better sleep – Research shows that exercising helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This is especially true for kids. Make sure your children get enough sleep every night by encouraging physical activity during the day.
Consider a multivitamin – Ideally, kids should get their vitamins from a balanced, healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and leafy, green vegetables; protein like chicken, fish, meat, and eggs, and whole grains like steel-cut oats and brown rice. However, given the reality of time-crunched parents, those well-rounded, home-cooked meals aren’t always possible. That’s why pediatricians may recommend a daily multivitamin or mineral supplement for finicky eaters who simply aren’t eating enough; particularly active kids who play physically demanding sports; kids eating a lot of fast foods, convenience foods, and processed foods, or kids who drink a lot of carbonated sodas, which can leach vitamins and minerals from their bodies. Talk with your pediatrician to see if your child would benefit from a multivitamin.
Nurture independence – Once the classroom door shuts, your children will need to manage a lot of things on their own. Get them ready for independence by talking ahead of time about responsibilities they are old enough to shoulder. This might include organizing school materials, writing down assignments, and bringing home homework. Even if your children are young, you can instill skills that will build confidence and independence at school. Have your young children practice writing their name and tying their own shoelaces.
Make it a family affair – Together, you and your children can plan for success in school. For instance, sit down with them to create a Routine Chart. Ask them what they want to do first when they first get home from school: play outside or do homework? Their answers go on the chart.
Set up a time and place for homework – Head off daily battles by making homework part of your children’s everyday routine. Establish a time and a place for studying at home. As much as possible, plan to make yourself available during homework time, especially with younger kids. You might be reading the paper or cooking dinner, but be around to check in on their progress.
