Health has become everyone’s favorite school subject for a good reason. The coronavirus pandemic puts preserving your family’s well-being at the forefront of your mind. You might still have concerns as your children report to class. However, even if you decided that homeschooling works best for your household, you still need to keep your children safe. Here are eight clever health tips to protect your precious angels this school year…
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1. Get Them a Lunchbox
A crowded cafeteria full of unpredictable middle school students is like a Petri dish when it comes to germ spread. Schools know this, and many have started having students eat lunch in their classrooms to protect their safety.
The problem is, if your child has Algebra 1 at the opposite end of a large campus from the cafeteria, they might not have time to eat after walking back and forth to buy food. Fortunately, there’s a pragmatic solution — buy them a lunchbox.
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2. And Pack It Well
Embrace the new normal as an opportunity to combat childhood obesity. How much you eat is as important as what they consume — please portion individual snacks instead of grabbing the family-sized bag of chips to fill their kettles.
Foods high in sugar and processed flours can spur inflammation. This condition taxes your child’s immune system at a time when they need it to fight germs. Stick with whole, plant-based foods as much as possible.
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3. Shoo Them Outside
Most children need far more active playtime than they get. This principle goes double when they spend eight hours in front of a computer, then switch to video games.
Fortunately, fall weather is glorious in most places. Getting your kids outside can improve their mental and physical health. Put limits on their screen time and give them at least an hour of active outdoor play.
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4. And Play With Them
Guess what? Adults need exercise, too. You could improve your physical health and your mental outlook — hey, navigating these times with kids is a challenge. Plus, you could both use a break from the backyard. Why not head to the park together?
Another practice to consider is taking a family walk after dinner. It might aid in digestion, but more importantly, it gives you time to connect. Kids feel freer expressing themselves when they aren’t addressing a table full of people — if you recall your last group interview experience, you’ll understand the dynamic.
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5. Reinforce Hygiene Measures
By now, you start singing “Happy Birthday” in your head well before you reach the restroom. Remember, children need more behavioral reinforcement than adults. Even though you feel like you’ve said, “wash your hands” a million times, keep up the reminder service.
A wise idea is to install hand sanitizer stations in your home. Place one in the entryway so that your kiddos remember to clean their hands after coming in from outdoors. A container in the living room takes little space but could keep your remote and light switches less germy.
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6. And Serve as a Positive Role Model
Because of the U.S.’s unique governmental structure, not all locations require you to wear face masks — but you still should. Doing so shows enormous respect for people with medical conditions that make infection extra risky. Remember, you can’t see heart trouble or diabetes.
Your children also listen more to your actions than your words. Be polite and follow store rules regarding conveyor belts and packing instructions. If your favorite grocer frowns on patrons putting reusable bags on countertops, place it on the floor without raising a fuss.
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7. Take Time to Listen to Their Concerns
Even if your child seems to have adjusted to returning to the traditional classroom, they might still have unspoken concerns. Ask how they are feeling — and listen openly.
Giving your child uninterrupted speaking time helps them to develop trust. It tells them that their feelings are valid and improves their self-esteem.
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8. And Help Them Ease Stress Naturally
The same stress techniques that kept you from losing your mind during the spring disruptions work for your little ones, too. You can teach your children how to do yoga if you show them the moves in an age-appropriate way. Helping to support them in balance poses builds trust in your relationship.
Another method for reducing stress in moms and kiddos alike involves implementing quiet playtime. You don’t have to insist that your children sit in meditation. However, if you get them accustomed to spending 30 minutes alone drawing, reading or working on a puzzle independently, you’ll accomplish more — and your entire family will feel less frazzled.
I hope you like these Clever Health Tips for Your Kids This School Year – although this school year is sure to bring its share of stress and surprises you can protect your family by keeping your kids healthy with the eight tips above.
