5 Tips to Keep Kids Healthy During School Time

School is such a special place where children can learn and grow. More so, cognitively, developing social skills, and thrive as independent individuals. Sadly, illness and germs can easily spread at school. Not to worry! We as parents can help keep kids healthy during school time by keeping their immune systems strong and reduce sick days.

Top five tips to keep kids healthy during school time:

1. Get an adequate amount of sleep

At our home we aim for 8pm to have gone through our bedtime routine (Pajamas, brush teeth, books and prayers) so that our littles can get the recommended 9-11 hours of sleep. Overall sleep quality can be associated to eating habits, behavior and the ability to fight off infections. Also, lack of sleep increases cravings for junk food and often results in mood swings, temper tantrums and an increased risk of infection.

2. Washing hands frequently or using hand sanitizer when hand washing isn’t possible

Teach your littles to keep hands away from their face and to cough or sneeze into their arm or shoulder. We tend to sing a little song like Baby Shark or Happy Birthday to get a fun 30 seconds of hand washing in. You can also take a deeper look at washing hands in my other post about National Hand Washing Day here!

3. Exercise daily

The World Health Organization suggests 60 minutes per day 3 times a week. Join your child on this activity for valued quality time together! In our home for indoor exercise we tend to dance parties. Each child choses a song and we bust out our favorite moves. We pair that activity with another outdoors such as walking, tennis and biking.

4. Reduce screen time

However, experts agree that screen time should be limited to two hours a day. It is noted that light emitted from screens may reduce melatonin levels, making it a strenuous process to fall asleep and may disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm. As the Mom, I usually set a timeframe after school to help the kids decompress from the day. This is usually 30 minutes total. I also interject another screen time session when preparing dinner. I do set a rule of thumb of an education game/video first then our kids pick the remaining.

5. Healthy eating habits.

  • Breakfast- protein, dairy and whole grains is directly correlated to positive behaviors throughout the day. This also improves a child’s ability to concentrate and focus. I typically offer cereal, yogurt and favorite fruit of their choice.
  • Lunch- lean meats, proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. We often do the classic PBJ, fruit and crackers.
  • Dinner- Mealtimes with family generate an overall better health and well-being. It may help improve moods, prevent fatigue, aid digestion, weight maintenance and improve overall brain function. Our children tend to eat most items offered. However, we stick to pasta, tacos, hot dogs, chicken with 1 veggie, fruit and a dessert IF they eat their dinner.
  • Promote healthy drink choices like water and milk. Limit or eliminate sugar-sweetened and caffeinated beverages. When dinning out, our children order lemonade or Gatorade.

Let us celebrate a new school year with positive thoughts and affirmations. Our children our the future. We know that you want to best for them.

We wish you a safe, healthy and happy school year! Looking for more resources as you adjust to the new school year? We’ve got you covered, just click here!

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.