Back To School

BACK TO SCHOOL
By Catherine Chidiac

Ok …its official!

The holidays are over, and “Back to school” labels are all over the place!
Back to school doesn’t only involve shopping for school supplies, books , back pack, pencil holder or new clothes.
Back to school is more a state of mind that settles both parents and kids, out of chaotic summer agenda , into organized and set schedules and routine.

This switch makes us, parents, worry about our kid’s academic abilities to pick up their relationships with new kids and new teachers, and their attitude framed in school after 2 months off.

And since we won’t be present with them to help out, or to control, all we can do is prepare them mindfully and emotionally for this re-settlement by following a few steps before, and at its start:

Get back into an early sleeping routine

Shift your kids back to a school-year bedtime routine at least a week before school starts.
This is also a good time to cut back on playing electronic games and watching TV. Reading or playing quiet games an hour before bedtime will help with the transition.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (https://aasm.org) offers the following tips to ensure children and teens get a restful night’s sleep:
-Follow a consistent bedtime routine.
-Establish a relaxing setting at bedtime.
-Make the bedroom quiet, dark and a little bit cool.
-Do not have computers or televisions in a bedroom. Make sure electronics are turned off about an hour before bedtime.
-Get up the same time every morning.
-Avoid foods or drinks that contain caffeine, as well as any medication that has a stimulant, before bedtime.
-Don’t go to bed hungry, but don’t eat a big meal before bedtime.
-Avoid any rigorous exercise two hours before bedtime.

Teach good Hygiene habits

The most effective way to avoid spreading germs is proper hand washing. Encouraging your kids to sing a Happy Birthday song while getting a proper hand wash is the best to get them well cleaned up!
A hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes are a good alternative to place in their packs, when they don’t have time to run to the restrooms between classes.
Always keep a pack of tissue in their backpack: they can use it before they sneeze or cough to avoid spreading germs.

Make sure to visit your pediatrician and checkup for vaccinations update- If any

Pack healthy and balanced snacks for the day.

Proteins
Turkey or chicken
Ham or roast beef
Cottage cheese or low-fat cheese (string cheese is a good choice)
Hard-cooked eggs
Beverages
Low-fat milk
100% fruit juice
Water
Grains
Dark, crusty, whole-grain bread is best for sandwiches, but if your child won’t touch it, compromise by using white. As snacks:
pita pockets
Raisins and nuts
Small bagels
Cereal bars
Pretzels
Fruits and Veggies
Cut-up veggies (baby carrots, pea pods, celery, cucumbers, broccoli) with a little dipping a small taper wear (hummus, ranch dressing, natural peanut butter)
Whole fruits or sliced fruits

Include exercises or yoga that helps your kids stay calm and focus during school time and keep a positive mind
Luckily in our studios Hiba prepared a great sequence that will enhance your kid’s self-confidence, while building a healthy body and mind connection, for a fresh start of this coming school year.

Bonne Rentrée :)🎒