Across the United States children and parents are gathering school supplies and buying new clothes in anticipation of a new school year. It feels like a new start, a time of renewal – like the first day of a new year. Children and parents alike face the school year with great hope; hope for new friends, learning new things and good grades. And as the parent and guardian of these sweet children, you have an important role to play.

There are many influencers and factors that affect a child’s successful (or doing well) school year. The following suggestions will make a difference, and are in your sphere of influence.

1. Breakfast. We already know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only do children need to nourish their bodies and brains before beginning their day, breakfast also offers opportunity for families to bond before the day begins. Don’t make it complicated; simple can provide the energy every family member needs. Remember the food groups (milk, fruits, vegetables, protein and grains)? Strive to offer a two or three for breakfast. Protein offers satiety, and fruit and grains provide energy for our bodies and brains. To get started, here are my favorites:

• Power Muffins: these muffins can be made one day, served and frozen for another day. For the ‘in a hurry’ days, 30 seconds in microwave gives you a quick on-the-go option.
• Whole wheat bagel spread with peanut butter and topped with banana slices and glass of milk.
• Oatmeal made with milk and topped with fruit and/or nuts.
• Smoothie and whole wheat toast. Make the smoothie the night before, blend in the morning.

2. Sleep. A seemingly simple strategy that tends to be challenging. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 10-11 hours of sleep for 5-12 year olds.  Based on this recommendation, with a school start time of 8:00 a.m., and a one hour get-ready time, most children need to be asleep by 8:00 p.m.  Think through your schedules – are evening events interfering?  Also consider the distraction and interference electronics cause. Make it a family habit: all electronic devices have a bedtime with their own private sleeping area!
If you have older children, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests adolescents need 8.5-9 hours of sleep. Not only does this affect their school academic performance, but also proper amounts of sleep can also help reduce obesity proneness. Another reason to make this a priority.

3. Bless the Teacher(s). The best advice I ever received in regards to our boys schooling. Write an encouraging note for the first day of school. Thank them for their dedication to teaching all the children. Offer to help in the classroom. Leave a phone message or email with a positive comment about your child’s learning and school experience under his/her tutelage. When a concern arises, the conversation will be much more productive.

4. Play. Although this has been on the child health radar for some time, children today are still lacking in opportunity for unstructured outdoor play. In our quest for higher academics, this crucial need for active play is neglected. As a parent or guardian, allow time for physical activity. Walk home from school. Stop at a park. Play tag. Climb a tree. Let the children play – it does the brain, body, and emotions good.

5. Review. Practice the art of recall. It’s more than asking “what did you learn today”? It’s practicing the recall muscle. Learning science suggests that practicing information recall, will increase ability to apply and use what we have learned. It is good for adults too.

What one practice will you work on this week? How can I help? Comment her or contact me, kristin@familyhomeworks.com.

For the love of your family, have a great school year.