As the summer vacation nears its end, it's time for children and their parents to transition from a more relaxed schedule back into a routine that supports physical and mental well-being during the school year. Establishing a consistent routine is vital for children, as it helps promote a sense of stability, discipline and overall health. Here are some tools and practices to start implementing now, so the whole family can switch seasons with ease!
- Setting Up a Consistent Routine
- To ease the transition from summer to school, start gradually adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times a week or two before school starts. A consistent sleep schedule is essential for children's physical growth, cognitive development and their behavioral patterns. Also keep in mind, younger children require more sleep.
- Designate a specific time every evening for homework, reading or studying. This helps children develop a sense of responsibility and accountability. It also ensures they have enough time to complete tasks with deadlines and prevents habits of procrastination.
- Nutrients for Optimal Focus and Energy
- A balanced and nutrient dense diet plays a pivotal role in supporting children's health and their ability to concentrate in class. Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into their meals and especially school lunches.
- Make breakfast a priority as it fuels their bodies and minds for the day ahead. Include fresh fruits and healthy fats that support energy and brain health.
- Snacks are essential! Offer options like cut-up fruits with nut or seed butter, veggies with hummus or dip, or whole-grain crackers with cheese.
- Herbal Supplements to Support Routine
- Daily Immune Builder: Starring elderberry and astragalus, Daily Immune Builder For Kids is nourishing and strengthening, but gentle enough to take daily for a healthy immune response. It’s a great idea to start the formula a few weeks before their first day of school, and all throughout cold season to ensure a strong defense.
- Congestion Rescue: If a bug does end up intruding on the body, this formula is here to save the day. It supports a healthy respiratory system and soothes discomforts that come with illness. Whether it’s mucus or a nagging cough that keeps the whole family up, this team of herbs will come to the rescue.
- Attention Ally: The age of information requires more brain power from all of us. Our children are learning in new and innovative ways, much different from our upbringing. This formula provides support for kids with attention difficulties and in times when more focus is needed like studying or doing homework. It promotes cognitive function, memory and focus.
- Sleepy Nights: This one is a given, especially as all of our sleep schedules shift with the seasons. It’s gentle, non-habit forming and melatonin free. It contains herbs like passionflower and milky oat tops to help soothe and calm the nervous system and also quiet down chatter in the mind.
Incorporating herbal supplements can be beneficial in supporting children's overall well-being and maintaining a healthy routine. Always consult a healthcare professional before giving children any supplements.
A couple of other pointers to support your kiddos is to increase regular physical activity and reduce screen time of all kinds! Physical activity is crucial for children's physical health, their mood and mental well-being. Encourage them to engage in active play, sports, expressions of art or after-school activities they enjoy. Excessive screen time can interfere with sleep and contribute to sedentary behavior. Set clear boundaries for screen time and encourage children to engage in other activities like reading, playing outdoors or pursuing hobbies and interests.
Transitioning from a carefree summer to a structured school routine can be challenging for both children and parents. However, by incorporating consistent schedules, balanced nutrition, and suitable herbal supplements, parents can help their children ease into a healthy back-to-school routine. Parents lead by example, those who prioritize their own well-being will inspire their children to do the same. With the right approach and support, children will thrive in the new school year, academically, socially and emotionally!
Rebecca Younger is passionate about herbs and women's health. She aspires to plant seeds of inspiration within her community about plant medicine and healthier ways of life. She studied Herbal Medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver and is a certified Doula through the Matrona Foundation. She is the customer journey lead at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or sell any product.
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