Hey Everyone!
When it comes to education, all parents want the best for their children. There are lots of things that we can do to help them perform well in school; we can motivate them and cheer them on, sit with them whilst they do their homework and even help enrich their learning outside of the classroom. However, the lifestyle choices our children make can also influence whether or not they succeed in school, so it’s also important to bear this in mind. To help you understand this further, I have teamed up with an independent school in Haslemere.
The types of foods we eat can determine our ability to concentrate throughout the day. That’s why it’s important to start your child’s day with a healthy, nutritious breakfast, so that they can feel energised and focussed whilst they are learning. Sugary foods lead to a temporary energy boost, but cause a “crash” later on, so if your child snacks on sweets and chocolate, they will probably feel sluggish and unable to focus during lessons. Dehydration causes a similar fatigue, so be sure to encourage your child to drink lots of water and perhaps take a bottle to school that they can fill up a few times. My children tend to eat either toast or cereal for breakfast with yogurt or fruit. Or they will have the yogurt or fruit as a snack not long after.
Exercise is another important aspect of a healthy lifestyle, as it has numerous physical and mental advantages. Obviously, it’s great for fitness, but it also improves memory, attention span and reduces stress levels. Children often need a little nudge when it comes to exercise, as they would usually prefer to spend hours on end watching TV or playing on their phones. If they don’t naturally get enough exercise, you could suggest they join some sort of extra-curricular activity, like a football club or dance lessons. This will ensure they are moving around and stretching during the week, in a fun and sociable manner.
You will also need to make sure your child is getting enough sleep each night, so that they are ready to solve problems, stay alert and manage their own time effectively. You might need to incorporate a rule that no digital devices can be used after 8pm so that their brains aren’t stimulated when they’re trying to fall asleep.
Laura x