#AD – This is a collaborative post
A child’s health and wellbeing will directly impact how well they perform in school. As adults, we are well aware that if we don’t get a good night’s sleep, we will struggle at work the following day. If we eat unhealthy, sugary foods on our lunch breaks, we know that we will be groggy and sluggish in the afternoons. Children aren’t as aware of how their behaviour and decisions can impact their ability to concentrate and feel alert in class, so it’s crucial that parents ensure their children are making sensible lifestyle choices. Here’s some guidance from a private school in Surrey.
The right amount of sleep is key. Experts advise that a person should get around eight hours of sleep per night. If your child doesn’t have a regular bedtime, they will feel lethargic during their lessons and will therefore find it difficult to focus. With this in mind, encourage your child to go to bed at the same time every night, and shut off their digital devices a short while before so that their brains aren’t stimulated when they’re trying to sleep. You should also try not to let them fall out of a regular routine on weekends and during school holidays, as this will make it harder for them to return to normal on a school night.
Exercise is also crucial. When a person exercises, their body releases endorphins that essentially allow them to de-stress. This is important for children who are faced with the pressures of school life and homework. Try and encourage your child to get lots of exercise, even if it’s just walking the dog once a day. Another option is to encourage them to join an extra-curricular activity, like a sports team or a drama club, where they will be given the opportunity to run around and stretch. Don’t let your child spend extended periods of time on the lounging out on the sofa!
You should also think about the types of foods your child has access to, in addition to the meals you cook for them. As mentioned above, sugary foods tend to lead to sluggishness shortly after consumption, so try and encourage them to eat healthy snacks instead of sweets and chocolates. What’s more, they will also need to drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated, so send them to school with a water bottle that they can fill up throughout the day. Being hydrated will help your child with their mood, ability to sleep well and general cognition.
The best thing you can do for your child is to be a good role model. If they see you staying up late or eating lots of junk food, the chances are they will do the same. If you want to teach them to make sensible decisions, you will have to show them how. Try and remember that this comes down to mental well-being, as well as physical lifestyle choices. With that said, try and demonstrate a positive, optimistic attitude for your child to replicate through their own behaviour. After all, without the right mindset, your child is unlikely to perform well in school.