Hey Mama… Summer is drawing to a close and while the heat doesn’t make it seem like fall is fast approaching, the fall semester certainly is! School is starting soon, which means here comes the school supply shopping, uniform-searching, backpack stuffing chaos that fills up our August schedules.
While we prep to go back to school, your health matters too! We put together some quick tips to help you stay your family stay as healthy as can be — this month, and in the school year to come.
Breakfast:
The old adage is still very true – breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Starting the day with protein and other balanced nutrients help set your body and your brain up for success.
For those families who are struggling financially, many schools will provide free and reduced lunches for students, including breakfast! Check with the school administrator to fill out the necessary forms. Children who eat a nutritious breakfast function better, achieve better grades, have more energy and can concentrate easier.
Sleep:
Getting back to a routine after a relaxed summer can be challenging! But setting our kids up to get adequate rest is so important when they head back to school. Setting up a predictable bedtime routine, even for older kids, can help them get quality, restful sleep so they have plenty of energy for the day ahead. A few things to help are:
- Turn off electronics well before bedtime
- Take a bath or shower
- Read together
- Calm the home down steadily in the moments before bedtime.
Getting adequate rest will help your child be the best student they can be!
Backpacks
Choosing the right backpack for your child can make a huge difference in their comfort and back health throughout the school year. As you shop for the right one, consider looking for one with wide, padded straps. If your school allows it, maybe even look into a rolling backpack. When you’re prepping for the first day, pack the heaviest items toward the center of the backpack so the weight is evenly distributed, and remove anything that isn’t necessary. Your child’s backpack should weigh no more than 10-20% of their body weight, and it should be adjusted so the bottom sits right at your child’s waist.
Mental Health
While you put together everything tangible that you need for those first few weeks, don’t forget to spend some time preparing your minds for the upcoming changes! To ease the first-day nerves, talk with your child about their expectations and routines for the school year. Point out the positive things to look forward to so they can build anticipation about a great year ahead, and if your child is particularly nervous, reach out to your teachers and school administrators before the start of school for some extra help.
You’ve got this mama – here’s to a great school year ahead!