Back-to-school time is often a mixture of sadness and relief for parents. Sad because your child is one year older, possibly starting a new phase (like kindergarten or middle school), and happy because your kids are now off to school every morning!

How you can help

Everyone wants their kids to be able to do their best in school, but lunchrooms often have poor food choices and vending machines full of high-sugar sodas. And sometimes schools have too little physical education time or sports activities. To give your kids their best shot, let’s focus on what you can do to help!

Sleep

It all starts with sleep. Children’s brains (and ours, too!) are much better at mental functioning, attention, computation, and memory when they get enough sleep. Their moods are better and they behave better when they sleep enough. Recent studies have supported this by showing that kids’ brains do much better with the structure of a consistent bedtime.

Breakfast

After a good night’s sleep, it’s time for a good breakfast, too. Starting kids’ days off with a good protein source, fresh fruits, or even vegetables is key to giving their brains the energy they need. Try yogurt with granola, breakfast burritos with shredded carrots, or protein-packed Life Shake with frozen blueberries for extra brain power. If you need a breakfast idea you can prep ahead of time, try this mini protein strawberry pancakes recipe.

Healthy food options

Once you get them out the door with a good breakfast, don’t stop there. Packing your child’s lunch is generally healthier than relying on school lunches. At home, put a fruit bowl out so they walk by it often. Keep soda out of the house. Keep processed foods to a minimum; certain food additives have been associated with hyperactivity.

Good hygiene

It’s a good idea for kids to practice good hygiene both at home and at school. Make sure your kids are washing their hands before eating.

Good nutrition

Make sure your kids are getting the nutrition they need with our all-in-one gummy vitamin packs for kids, Meology Kids. You’ll love knowing your child is nourished, and they’ll love the Strawberry, Strawberry Lemonade, and Cheery Cherry flavors found in each pack! Easy for parents and fun for kids, this all-in-one supplement plan has 100% DV of 8 essential vitamins and minerals, 300 mg of vital omega-3s to support brain and eye health, and a powerful combination of immune-supporting nutrients to help kids grow up well.*

Less screen time

Television, computers, tablets, and phones all have our kids sitting and staring at one screen or another. In fact, a recent report suggests that kids average eight hours of screen time a day. Try limiting screen time on school nights and turning off all electronics an hour before bed—this will greatly help calm their minds which will help them get to sleep faster.

More exercise

Since schools are cutting back on physical education, parents have to take the time to make sure their kids spend at least some of the day doing something active. Exercise is great for kids’ brains; it helps them sleep better, have more confidence and better thinking skills, and improve their moods. When kids are having a tough time with their homework, send them outside to run around in the backyard for 15–20 minutes; it does wonders.

Make Healthy Happen

Taking simple steps to improve your kids’ diet and healthy habits can really pay off. Follow these tips for back-to-school success, and let’s help our kids to do their best in every way we can!