If you have school—age children in your home, you know how busy the month of August can be. While back to school can be exciting and filled with new opportunities, it can also bring anxiety, changes to schedules and sleep patterns.
Getting everyone ready in advance can make a much smoother, easier first day and beyond.
Sleep: Summer and vacation season often results in late nights and relaxed schedules, which can make going back to school very difficult. Start adjusting bedtime well before the first day of school. Reducing screen time before bed and creating a calm, relaxing mood can go a long way. Slowly adjust bedtimes and focus on consistency.
Immunity: School can be a petri dish of germs, viruses and more. Build you children’s immune system naturally with a quality, healthy diet full of colorful fruits and veggies, as well as other whole foods. Also be sure your child stays hydrated especially with hot, summer temperatures.
Whole Foods: While back to school can be hectic, make sure you and your children get the whole food nutrition needed to stay healthy. Focus on simple choices like fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, nuts, and high protein snacks.
Stress: A new school year can be stressful for children. Changing teachers, new students and schedules and new responsibilities can be overwhelming. Make sure to talk with your children to calm them down about the coming changes. Let them know it’s natural to be nervous. Help them prepare for their new schedule and help them remember it takes time to adjust.
Small changes can make your mornings run smoother, reduce stress and help everyone function better. What’s the one habit you would recommend to other families?