Back to school is a busy time, for children and parents alike. Changing from a summer schedule to a school schedule can also be stressful. During this time it can be challenging to help keep everyone on a daily healthy routine. It is important to make the proper changes so you and your children have a smooth transition to the new school year schedule. When kids are healthy they can be better learners, and they’ll have less sick days during the school year.

Here are a few helpful ways that you can make the back to school transition easier and healthier

• Make sure your children are getting at least nine hours of sleep a night.
• Make sure two weeks prior to school starting you try to get everyone on a healthy sleeping and eating schedule.
• Be sure you get a good night’s sleep every night, specially during a school night.
• Feed your child a healthy breakfast every day; balanced meals lead to a healthy child and good learning.
• Schedule ample time for homework and set up a homework center that is quiet, contains the items needed for efficient work that is without distractions.
• Get some daily exercise, at least 30 minutes a day
• Get organized and make sure you purchase all school supplies and new clothes prior to the new school semester.
• Teach your child the importance of hand washing and how to effectively wash their little hands.
• Add a travel size antibacterial hand gel in their school bag. *(Make sure you child is old enough to know hand sanitizer is not candy or food.)*
• If you’re packing a lunch for your child make sure it’s a healthy balanced lunch that includes fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid too many activities for yourself and your children. Too many extra activities add stress and this can lead to poor learning, poor sleeping and unhealthy habits that may lead to you or your child getting sick.

These are a few of the simple ways that you can help your family adjust to the new school schedule. Keeping yourself and everyone in your family healthy is a great way to set you and your children up for a successful and healthy school year.