While the world is slowly returning to normal, it can be a hectic time for you and your kids. You want your kids to have everything they need to do well in school. At the same time, balancing their educational needs with your responsibilities can be challenging. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring your kids maintain a healthy lifestyle. A CDC study shows that when kids have healthy habits, they tend to have high academic achievement and display better classroom behavior.
When you encourage the proper habits, you can help your kids reach their full potential. To do so, make sure they:
1) Get quality and consistent sleep
Rest is vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. According to Abington Health, young elementary school kids should get at least 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, which can feel impossible on a hectic schedule. However, there are a few easy ways you can help ease them into bedtime, like:
- Cutting out electronics one hour before bed
- Creating a bedtime routine
- Keeping their room at a cool temperature
2) Eat a healthy breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and for a good reason. Breakfast not only helps your child break their overnight fasting period; it also boosts their energy. That energy can help keep them full and focused throughout the day. A solid breakfast with a mix of whole grains, fruit and protein can give them the energy they need to do well in school.
At the same time, getting your child to eat a healthy breakfast can feel like pulling teeth, especially when you’re trying to get yourself ready in the morning. However, there are both convenient and nutrient-packed options your child can enjoy.
3) Drink plenty of water
Keeping kids hydrated can significantly impact their health, especially if they’re involved in sports or active when the weather is hot. The amount of water your child should drink depends on how old they are. According to a BBC Good Food report, children between ages 4 and 8 should drink approximately 5 glasses of water per day. If your child is between 9 and 13, they should drink around 6 cups a day for girls, and boys should drink approximately 7 cups a day.
Kids might find drinking that many cups of plain water a day boring, but there are plenty of simple ways to make it fun, like putting fruit in their water, or getting them naturally flavored sparkling water.
4) Have nourishing snacks when working on assignments
Your child probably has homework and projects to work on after school. Having a snack that keeps them full and focused can help them tackle those projects with ease. Nutritional snacks can provide a natural source of energy, which is necessary for students of all ages.
As the days get shorter, it’s important to have nutritious snacks that are easy to make so you can care for your kids on your timeline.