Summer is coming to an end, which means the start of a new school year is just around the corner! There’s a lot that might be on your mind as a parent. Buying school supplies, making sure your kitchen pantry is stocked with healthy snacks, and getting your kids back into a routine are just some of the things that may be on your mental list.
Preparing for a new school year can be overwhelming with what seems like a neverending list of things to remember. That’s why we’re here to help! Here are four things you can do to help feel better prepared when going back to school.
Set a morning routine
During the summer, your little ones may have gotten used to sleeping in. But with school starting up again, following a morning routine can make getting to school on time a lot easier. Start off by getting your kids into the practice of using an alarm clock. This can help teach them to be independent and even feel like a grown up!
Every great morning routine also includes eating a filling, healthy breakfast, packed with nutrients to give your child all the energy they need for the day ahead. You can even add in some supplemental support to give them an extra boost. Our Kids Omega-Squeeze can help keep their minds sharp during school. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for supporting the healthy development of the brain. Blend it into their morning smoothie, yogurt bowl, or let them have it right off the spoon!
Stock up on all essential back-to-school supplies
The return to school means the inevitable shopping for school supplies! Whether it’s notebooks and binders or coloured pencils and markers, stocking up on these supplies in advance will prepare your kiddos for the big first day back. And your to-buy list can be different depending on what grade your child is going into.
Here are some supplies your little ones might need for the upcoming school year:
General supplies:
- Backpack
- Lunchbox and lunch bag
- Water bottle
- Hand sanitizer
Essentials for kindergarteners:
- A change of clothes
- Name labels
- Indoor and outdoor shoes
Essentials for elementary school children:
- Notebooks and binders
- Pencils and pens
- Ruled paper and graphing paper
Although this list is a good starting point, your child’s school may also provide you with a list that you can refer to.
Plan out some fun and healthy after-school snacks
At the end of the school day, your kids are likely tuckered out and ready for some tasty, energizing snacks.
After-school snacks can also be a great opportunity for
them to power up on vital nutrients. Vitamin D is important for making sure your little ones stay active and uplifted after a long day at school by playing a role in developing strong bones and teeth and supporting the immune system. Our Kids D3 Drops offer 400 IU of pure vitamin D. Add a drop to their after-school beverage of choice, or let them enjoy the tangy orange taste of the drops on their own.
As summer comes to an end, we’ve still got a few warmer days before we head into fall. If you’re looking for some healthy after-school recipes, that feature supplements like our Kids Probiotics Powder, check out our recipe for this Faux Watermelon Sorbet!
Set a bedtime routine
The key to preparing for a great next day is a great bedtime routine. A good night’s sleep is so important, especially for children, because it’s when their bodies rest, rejuvenate, and grow! Here are some tips to keep in mind when thinking of what to include in your child’s bedtime routine:
- Healthy dinner, healthy sleep – Going to sleep hungry never ends well! Eating a satisfying meal for dinner can help your kids go to sleep faster and stay asleep as well. Try to prioritize nutrients such as melatonin, magnesium, tryptophan and serotonin. These are all known to promote sleepiness and improve the quality of sleep. Almonds are a great source of melatonin and magnesium, milk is rich in tryptophan, and kiwis are a good source of serotonin.
- Lean on supplements for support – Making
sure your kids are getting all their nutrients is a big part of maintaining their overall health and wellbeing. Including a supplement such as our Sleep Tight for Kids right after dinner can be a great addition to your bedtime routine! This formula can help relieve restlessness and promote healthy sleep-wake cycles so they can sleep soundly and wake up well-rested. - Try to limit the use of devices before bed – The blue light from your little one’s iPad games or TV shows can make their body produce less melatonin, the sleeping hormone. This can make it harder for your child to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Instead, encourage them to listen to soothing music, colour in their colouring book, or spend some quality time with you. Exposing your eyes to the sunrise and sunset is a great way to regulate the circadian rhythm – try taking an after dinner family stroll!
- Read a book or bedtime story – To help your kids get into sleeping mode, try reading them their favourite story. This will help them wind down and doze off easily.
Going back to school can feel a bit overwhelming in the beginning, as you and your family adjust to a new routine. But, these reminders can help support your child’s transition from summer to school and make it a fun experience!
