With school starting again, families are assembling supplies that will be needed to prepare students for the year ahead. In addition to all of the standard school supplies, it is a great time to think about tools and habits that can help your child stay healthy throughout the year. Not sure where to begin? The checklist below is a great place to begin!
- Water bottle - Water is better for our bodies than sugary beverages. Additionally, staying hydrated can help boost focus and improve overall mood. For a treat, have your child choose a couple fruit or veggie slices to turn their plain water into wild water.
- Food storage containers - having an assortment of small containers is a great way to make sure that your child is getting enough fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Consider packing carrot sticks, berries, or your child’s favorite healthy snacks to encourage your child to eat healthy snacks and lunch.
- Grab and go breakfast items - Healthy items that can be grabbed on a busy morning can help start the day off right. Bananas, apples, baggies of grapes, low fat cheese sticks and applesauce or yogurt pouches are all quick and easy. If you have a little more time, you could toast a whole grain freezer waffle and top with peanut butter or other nut butter, if allowed per school allergen policies. Or, you can make these fabulous fruit muffins the afternoon before for a special grab and go breakfast treat.
- Required school health forms such as sports physicals, eye examinations and vaccinations - Make sure these are all up to date so that your child can participate in sports, extra curricular activities and other events that promote being more active!
- Sneakers or tennis shoes - Must haves on physical education days, wearing these shoes every day can help encourage increased activity during recess and other physical activity breaks.
- Reestablish routines - It is common for families to fall out of routine during the long days of summer. Returning to routines such as family meals and earlier wake-up and bedtimes can help for smooth sailing in the year ahead. Activities such as stretching or yoga, taking some slow, deep breaths, and reading with your child, can help them wind down as the day draws to a close. Allow them to choose their favorite book, or try one of these online books: Two Bite Club or Time to Eat.
Add your own ideas to this list to help your child stay healthy and active the entire year!
