The Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS) is offering these tips to students and parents in Bucks and Montgomery counties as a new academic year begins.
- Healthy bodies equal healthy minds.
- Back-to-school is an appropriate time to set up doctor and dental check-ups, according to the National Association of School Psychologists. It is also a good time to discuss any concerns you may have about your child's emotional health or development with your doctor. He or she can determine if issues are normal or need to be examined more closely.
- The Federal Citizen Information Center recommends making sure your child's immunizations are up-to-date. If you have any concerns or questions about a certain vaccine, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. While there has been a great deal of concern voiced about vaccines in recent years, it is important to remember that they can greatly reduce the threat of serious illness. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits for your child's specific needs with your doctor.
- You are what you eat.
- Starting the day with a healthy breakfast is a great way to give your kids an advantage. A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to succeed in school due to better concentration, improved problem-solving skills and eye-hand coordination, increased alertness, creativity, memory and fewer absences.
- The U.S. Department of Education concurs that balanced meals help children concentrate in class. Eating meals high in fiber and whole grains, along with fruit, dairy and protein, while also limiting fatty foods and sweets, will assist your child in school.
- Creating a healthy lifestyle.
- Children need opportunities to exercise, according to The U.S. Department of Education. Not only will it keep them physically healthy, it also helps build muscle control and coordination.
- Adequate sleep is also key to ensuring your child is at his or her best. The National Sleep Foundation recommends children aged five to 12 get 10 to 11 hours of sleep per night and that teenagers sleep for nine hours. Lack of sleep can lead to poor performance at school because children will have trouble focusing during the day. A Journal of Child Development study also found a link between lack of sleep and obesity in children. Simply sleeping an additional hour can reduce children's obesity risk four to six percent.
- Getting back into the groove.
- Re-establish school routines at least a week before school begins, notes the National Association of Psychologists. Switching activities from watching television and playing video games to quieter things, such as puzzles, coloring or reading will help get children back into school mode mentality. Schedules also keep children well rested and help them stay on top of school work and activities.
- The Child Development Institute suggests setting up a daily homework routine. There should be a designated, quiet, distraction-free place for students to do homework. Organization is also imperative for keeping on top of assignments.
