As the new school year begins, it’s important to focus on more than just school supplies and schedules. Your child’s health and well-being are crucial to their success and happiness. This guide provides essential tips to help your child navigate the school year with confidence and good health.
Make Sleep a Priority
Sleep is just as important as diet and exercise for your child’s development. Most healthy children need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Overuse of digital devices can lead to sleep deprivation, so it’s essential to limit screen time before bed. Encourage reading or other calming activities before bedtime, and ensure your child has a consistent sleep schedule.
Know the Risks Your Child May Face
- Head Lice:
Head-to-head contact, often during playtime, sports, and sleepovers, is the most common way children get head lice. Regularly check your child’s scalp and encourage them not to share personal items like hats or brushes. - Bullying:
Only 17% of children seek help after being bullied. Watch for changes in behavior, academic problems, anxiety, depression, or self-harm. Open communication is key—encourage your child to talk about their day and feelings. - Scoliosis:
Scoliosis can often go unnoticed. Watch for uneven shoulders or hips and ensure your child receives regular scoliosis checkups. Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. - Poor Vision:
Signs of vision problems include squinting, tilting the head, and holding devices too closely. Regular eye exams are essential to catch and correct vision issues early.
Focus on Your Child’s Nutrition
Nutrition plays a vital role in your child’s growth and academic performance.
- For Picky Eaters: Continue introducing new foods, be a role model for a healthy diet, and avoid using food as a reward.
- Healthy Breakfasts: Start the day with nutritious options like whole-grain toast with almond butter, avocado toast with eggs, or yogurt with fresh fruit. This sets the tone for healthier choices throughout the day.
Support Your Child’s Emotional Well-Being
The return to school can be an anxious time, especially with the ongoing challenges of the world today. Here’s how you can support your child emotionally:
- Listen and Validate Feelings: Talk to your child about how they feel about going back to school. Listen without judgment, and validate their feelings, whether positive or negative. This open communication builds trust and helps your child feel secure.
- Establish a Routine: For younger children, a daily schedule can create structure and predictability. Involve your child in setting up their routine, allowing some flexibility to reduce stress.
Choosing the Right Backpack
The backpack is one of the most used items during the school year. However, an ill-fitting backpack can lead to physical strain. Here’s how to choose the right one:
- Material: Opt for lighter materials designed for children.
- Adjustable and Padded Straps: Ensure the backpack has wide, padded straps and adjustable shoulder straps for even weight distribution.
- Chest and Waist Straps: These help distribute the load and keep the backpack snug against the body.
- Compartmentalization: Multiple compartments help distribute weight evenly.
- Proper Sizing: The backpack should be no longer than your child’s torso and should fit comfortably without sagging.
- Weight: The backpack should not weigh more than 10% of your child’s body weight when fully loaded.
As the school year begins, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Remember that maintaining your child’s physical and emotional well-being is just as important as their academic success.
Wishing everyone a great start to the new school year!
If you or your child are seeking support, we have a team of practitioners that can help. We offer Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, Psychotherapy, Holistic Nutrition and more. Call us 416.691.2525 or email us at hello@somaandsoul.ca.
