Keep Kids Healthy as They Start the School Year

The kiddies are all back, if not heading back, to school this week and I know it’s hard to let them go. If it’s the first time heading to kindergarten or Pre-K I’m sure you’re having a hard transition, but we know it can be the same for parents with children going into first, second, or third grade and beyond! Not only do you miss your little ones, you also need to readjust to a new year and calendar. This transition is tough on you, but can be even tougher on kids. Here’s a little list to help them and their immune system keep up with the new changes (and germs).

~ Be sure to start help boost your child’s metabolism and immune system with a new healthy school year menu. Breakfasts and lunches of whole healthy foods will help them trudge through the tough initial weeks (if not the whole year).

~ Establishing and enforcing a bed time is very, very important. You probably were a little lax over the summer, but sleep is too important to be lax during the school year. Limit activities after school that cut into their wind down and relax time, as well.

~ Send in packed lunches as often as humanly possible, and encourage your kids not to share their them. Also send your children in with multiple reusable water bottles. You not only want them drinking throughout the day, but you also don’t want them relying on water fountains.

~ Whenever it’s permitted, send in markers and crayons for children to have their own, and not just the community pot. Often teachers have community art supplies for all kids to work with. If you're able to, make sure to have a private set available.

~ Start strict homework and reading routines immediately so that they quickly become habit. This sounds more like tyrant than nurturing, but a good routine keeps your children on track with all of their assignments and cuts down on your stress, as well as theirs.

~ Try to keep extracurricular activities to a minimum per season, as least for the early years. So many sports and after school activities may be enticing to your little one, but try to limit it down to one or two per season. Too much running around after school will not only affect emotional health/stress levels, but physical health, too by wearing down immune systems. 

(One of my BFFs, lorich's Natie, on this first day of kindergarten!)