Happy School Children
Waving goodbye to your children at the school gate can be rewarding or it can be very stressful. Today we will share some techniques that can help make it a happy rather than a difficult moment in your and their day.
Both children and their parents will feel calmer and more ready to face school and work when the time from waking up until arriving at school has gone smoothly.
This all starts the evening before a school day. Growing children need at least 9 ½ hours sleep. Ideally they should be encouraged to go to bed 30 minutes before the agreed “lights out” time, to read quietly. This prepares them for a restful sleep. It also helps to have their school uniform easily accessible and necessary items such as hats and water bottles already packed in their school bags.
To establish an easier routine help your child make a list of tasks he needs to accomplish each morning before school. Be specific and include details such as dress, make bed, eat breakfast and brush teeth. Avoid turning the TV on. This can be a major distraction for children in the morning.
Breakfast is essential for your child’s health. Scientific research shows that children who eat breakfast perform better at school and maintain a healthier weight. Fruit loops don’t count. Even ironman food has far too much sugar in it for growing strong brainy children. Fresh fruit and yoghurt or wholegrain toast with toppings such as tomato or avocado and cheese, eggs, mushrooms or baked beans is a far better alternative. For the fussy eaters try a smoothie, make it with some fruit and yoghurt for a meal in a glass. Remember, it is much easier to persuade your child to eat breakfast if you are eating something healthy also!
School lunches are one aspect of morning activity that many parents dislike. Although brightly coloured packets of processed factory assembled food might be appealing they should be occasional treats not everyday options. Cut fruit into bite size pieces and place in a container. Place containers of frozen yoghurt in their lunch bag, by the time they open it will be the perfect consistency. Wraps with salad and egg, tuna or chicken are good or homemade savoury muffins. These can also be made ahead, frozen, and then left to defrost in your child’s lunch bag.
Some children are prone to anxiety. They need reassurance and they need you to model a cool, calm attitude. If your child’s anxiety persists beyond the first few days speak to your child’s teacher and/or health professional to gain strategies to help your child.
Poor posture is another common and serious issue that can start in early childhood. Teaching your children a good postural habit requires effort, remind them to wear their backpacks on both shoulders and you are reducing their risk of developing upper and lower back pain.
Introduce some of these suggestions into your family’s morning and both you and your children will benefit.
Wishing you a successful school year, Esyltt Graham