Getting Geared Up for School

Although there are a few more weeks of summer vacation, now is the time to start preparing for another successful and healthy school year! Start practicing these healthy tips as a family now so that you will be ready for back to school time.

1. Eat breakfast - Fruit with whole grain toast, cereal, and/ or yogurt are excellent ways for kids to fuel their bodies and brains. Bonus: these foods would also make healthy after-school snacks! Help make healthy choices the easy choice by stocking healthy foods and putting them in places that are easy to see and reach.  
2. Limit screen time - Research suggests children should limit screen time (including cell phones) to 2 hours per day! In preparation for a back to school schedule full of homework and after-school activities, try reducing your child’s screen time a little each day. Encourage your child to play outside or turn on music and have a dance party.
3. Make sleep a priority - Healthy children need 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Help your child return to their school sleep schedule by setting bedtimes and puting devices away 1 hr before bed. Let your child choose their favorite book and read it with them as a way to wind down from the day.
4. Ask about free/reduced lunch - Contact  your school to see if you can complete these forms so that your child can receive a healthy breakfast and lunch each day! Not having to make breakfast or pack a lunch will also save you time on busy school days.
5. Practice healthy habits - Take time in the next few weeks to teach your child healthy habits.  Games and songs can make activities such as brushing  teeth and washing hands more enjoyable. By reminding children of the importance of these behaviors now, you will help them to create healthy habits they will use to stay healthy all year long.