Ready, Set, School: Four Tips to Help Your Kid Have a Healthy Start!
As summer winds down and the back-to-school season gears up, it’s time to focus on more than just new backpacks and notebooks. Ensuring your child is in tip-top shape, both physically and mentally, is the ultimate school supply. Here are four tips to make sure your student is ready to conquer the classroom with health and happiness at any age.
Sleep
We all know the magic of a good night’s sleep, but for kids, it’s even more crucial. According to the CDC, 70% of school-age children don’t get the 8-12 hours of rest they need each night. Sleep helps their brains process information and keep pesky meltdowns at bay, so establishing a consistent sleep schedule is crucial. Start implementing your schooltime sleep schedule a few days before classes begin so the family can settle into a new routine and if needed, try incentivizing sleep with a small reward system! Stickers, a special breakfast, or an extra bedtime story can make bedtime more appealing and ensure your child gets the rest they need.
Good Nutrition
Forget superhero capes – healthy food is where the real power lies. A balanced diet packed with fruits, veggies and whole grains keeps energy levels high and minds sharp. Don’t let your child skip breakfast and be sure to pack lunches that are as tasty as they are nutritious, so your child will be fueled for success.
Stress management
Going back to school and in some cases starting a brand new school is very exciting, but it can also be stressful. Teaching your child simple coping strategies can make a world of difference. Talk about what they can expect and what they’re looking forward to or nervous about as they head back to class, and encourage activities like deep breathing and mindfulness when times get tough. We want students to feel supported and keep those little minds clear, focused and ready to tackle any challenge!
Physical examinations
Routine check-ups are like pit stops for growing bodies. Regular visits to the pediatrician ensure everything is on track, from vision and hearing to overall development. Catching any issues early means they can be addressed before they become bigger problems. Make an appointment to visit your doctor today.
Did you know that 1 in 4 children have a vision problem that affects their ability to learn? Or that 15% of school-aged children have some degree of hearing loss? Regular check-ups can help identify these issues early on.
As you stock up on those pencils and notebooks in the coming days, remember that a healthy child is the best back-to-school supply of all. Let OSU Medicine Clinics help you set your child up for a school year filled with health and happiness.