Getting the Most Out of School

School is not just a trustworthy baby-sitter. It is a place where children are beginning to lay a foundation in which they will build upon for the next twelve years or more. How can you, as the parent, assist them in making sure they are getting the most out of their day at school? Let’s break it down into three categories: Sleep, Food and Being Involved.

The National Sleep Foundation suggests that children ages five to 10 get approximately 10 to 11 hours of sleep per night. For teens, the number of hours dips to eight or nine. It is also important that you create a sleep pattern or routine. For example, begin with a healthy dinner, then a warm bath, get their pajamas on and lay out what to wear the next day. Finish with reading a story together. Pick a bed time and try your hardest to stick to it. After awhile, everyone will succumb to the new ritual and you will appreciate your stick-to-itiveness.

Food might be the most complicated of the three categories because it takes a little time and planning. But just like keeping to a sleep routine, planning and making healthy meals will become second nature. Continue to keep in mind how this is going to benefit your child throughout the day. Also, make a to-do list or find assistance in a to-do list app available on your phone.

Experts suggest that you serve a combination of oatmeal (for sustainable energy), milk (for their brain and healthy teeth and bones), fruit (for fiber, vitamins and minerals), nuts (a protein that will assist in energy) and eggs (for a more satisfied hunger) for a healthy breakfast. Practicing this is said to result in, not only healthier, but less tardy and better behaved children.

www.OvaltineUSA.com listed these key areas and what foods may help:

Brain - Potatoes, Fish, Spinach

Eyes - Apricots, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes

Cardiac/Heart Health - Meats, Fortified Grains, Dark Green Vegetables and Beans

Bones - Soybeans, Tuna, Turnip Greens, Milk

Skin - Salmon, Peas, Red Bell Peppers, Collard Greens

Joints - Strawberries, Raspberries, Pineapple

Immunity - Cashews, Seafood, Cantaloupe, Poultry

Arne Duncan, the U.S. Secretary of Education, suggests these 5 things when it comes to being involved with your kids and their education:

1. Befriend the Teacher. The more comfortable you are with each other, the better your communication will be.
2. Spend some time with your kids with the television off. Bonding with them in this way will only have positive results.
3. Make some time to help out with the class/teacher. This will give you a chance to see what is going on in the classroom and truly observe your child’s behavior.
4. Have dinner together as a family. This is comforting to them and shows the importance of being together and is another way of opening lines of communication.
5. Read out loud together. Reading and the repetition of words is the most help when it comes to learning how to read or for those who are just beginning to read.

Good luck to you and your children in this new school year!