The summer holidays are coming to an end, and while parents all over the country may be rejoicing at the return to routine, going back to school after a long break can be tough on everybody. However, there are certain things that you can do to help the transition back into normality run a little smoother, and to help your children start their new school year off successfully.
Ease back into routine
There’s no denying that routine goes out the window during the summer holidays, with late nights and lie-ins being somewhat inevitable. However, you can’t expect your children to survive that first week of early morning alarms if they’ve gotten used to mid-morning rising. One of the best things you can do to prepare for the change in sleep schedule is to ease them back into it the week before going back to school. Going to bed and waking up a little earlier in the days leading up to school will help them to adjust, and stop them from feeling the fear when hearing that Monday morning alarm.
Pack the night before
Whether for school or work – this tip can really help to get your mornings off to a better start. Utilising time in the evening to pick out clothes for the next day, pack bags and even pack lunch will mean everybody will have less to think about in the morning - and can spend an extra precious few minutes in bed. This also makes it more likely that you’ll make better choices - if you pack up a nutritious lunch the night before then your children can just grab it and go the next day. However, if you leave this for the morning when everybody’s a little more tired and pushed for time, you may be more inclined to skip the pack up and opt for giving them money to buy something quick, easy, and often not as good for them.
Eat your breakfast
We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but this is especially true before heading off to school. There’s lots of research highlighting the benefits of eating breakfast, including that it helps to improve alertness and concentration. If you’re all short on time in the mornings, make sure you’re stocked up on convenient and healthy choices like instant porridge – it’s quick to make and can even be eaten on the go. Don’t forget to add some fruit to give it a nutrient boost, and to help keep energy levels up throughout the morning.
Make time for movement
Early mornings and long lessons can mean that exercise is often the last thing that your children feel like doing when getting home from school. However, it’s important to make the time to move and get some fresh air. Along with the many other health benefits that come from exercising, it’s a great way to relieve stress and unwind after a day of working hard. This doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous – a leisurely walk through the park with your children after school is great way to include some mindful movement in your lives.
Create new healthy habits
Going back to school for a new year is the perfect time to create new healthy habits. Supplementing with essential nutrients can be hugely beneficial for many aspects of health, including for the all-important brain power that’s needed when going back to school after a long summer break. Doctor Seaweed’s Weed & Wonderful® Focus+ supplements are the perfect addition to your children’s new school year routine – scientifically proven to support mental performance, brain function, cognitive function (and more!), this supplement is sure to fire up focus and boost brain power this September.