Three Tips To Make The Back To School Season Healthy

Since back to school season has finally arrived, here are three tips to keep your kids happy and healthy throughout the school year.

Tip #1: Breakfast every morning

Many studies have shown that children who eat a balanced breakfast, with a decent amount of protein, do better academically in school. Protein has more “staying power” than carbs alone and is used up a little slower than carbs are. Include them in the morning meal. Eggs, peanut butter, and yogurts are all good sources of protein and most children eat some of these items.
If you have a child who refuses to eat something in the morning because they are “too tired” or “not hungry”, explain the benefits to them, and show you will not budge on this. Have your children give you 5 items that they would eat and promise not to fuss about in the mornings, or take them to the grocery store and let them pick out their own breakfast foods.

Tip #2: Be consistent with your routine

As humans we thrive on a routine, though we may not always want to admit it. As infants, parents try to establish a nighttime routine and children quickly adapt as we stick to it. The same system is proven true in young children and even adults!

Make sure the family routine does not stop with the morning or evening rituals. Stick to the same discipline techniques and be consistent with the other care givers in your house (spouse, nanny, teachers) and there will be less disorganization and stress with your family's schedule.

Tip #3: Eat dinners as a family

Life is busy and schedules change, stay flexible but make dinnertime something that is a constant for at least four nights a week. Many studies have shown that eating dinner together has a positive impact on child development.  There is evidence that when children regular eat dinner with their family, there is a lower risk of obesity, eating disorders, and substance abuse. 

Children learn how to speak to adults comfortably and it may increase their self-confidence. If you share the good and the not so good parts of the day as a family, you will be included in your child’s life. Often when they come home from school, they don’t say much more than it was “fine." Somehow eating together and talking with each other can open up the door to what is going on in school.