Wellness 101 Show - Back to School Tips and Tricks

And now it’s time for another Wellness 101…Back to School Tips and Tricks… presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network.

Hey guys. Mr. Wellness here and school is in session.

This time of year brings mixed feelings for parents and kids. Parents are overjoyed when the kids are out of the house, back in school, away from screens and the constant sibling bickering. The kiddos on the other hand, moan and groan about the end of summer but are secretly excited to get back in touch with their friends.

Like it or dread it, back to school time is here. But fear not my little geniuses… Mr. Wellness is here to teach you how it’s done.

STEP ONE: Bedtime Routine
Who needs a strict bedtime over the summer? But back to school means time for a more rigid routine. Following a bedtime routine, especially during the school year, will ensure your kids won’t get fatigued easily or have difficulty paying attention in class.

BONUS TIP, return your little darlings to their strict sleep schedule 1-2 weeks BEFORE school starts. This helps to reset their circadian clocks. Pick a specific time for hitting the sack and stick to it, just be sure to limit the use of screens before turning in; as they may interfere with the routine and with sleep itself.

STEP TWO: Stay Healthy…In Close Quarters
Once school gets going, the weather turns colder and kids are in close quarters, so it’s inevitable that they are going to get sick. Remind your kids to wash their hands constantly and avoid touching their face …especially their eyes, nose and mouth, and don’t share lunches or utensils. Most importantly, keep your kids home if they are sick so they don’t share germs with others.

Now, I know you don’t want to hear it but with COVID still around, social distancing and masking are still vitally important. But perhaps the most important and effective thing you can do to protect your child, yourself, everyone you love and everyone you don’t know is to get VACCINATED!

STEP THREE: Eat Healthy
Eating healthy meals can be compromised during the lazy days of summer, but as kids get ready to start school, it’s important to remember that nutrition is a major contributor to their ability to learn and pay attention in class. Children's brains are still developing and need healthy fats and nutrition to continue that development. Breakfast definitely is the most important meal of the day and foods such as eggs, oatmeal, avocados, potatoes and whole wheat toast are superior to sugar-glazed cereals, yogurts and pastries.

Folks, back to school learning and paying attention can be difficult…even for the kids who kept up with their reading and math all summer long.

And just because school is back in session, doesn’t mean we as parents can take a passive role in education. Parents and caregivers can and should find ways to supplement learning throughout the school year. Allow your kiddos to be creative and practice what they learn at school in everyday life..like counting money or telling time. Lastly, don’t forget that learning is an adventure and exposing your kids to new experiences can help them learn emotionally, mentally and physically.

Now go smash that like button and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Wellness 101 and get to class kids!