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It’s that time again: kids are going back to school. Every parent wants their child to do their best; here is a guide to keeping your kids focused in the classroom so they can reach their full potential.
Feed them well.
Proper nutrition affects more than just a person’s health. It also affects their mood, their attitude and their ability to concentrate. Kids who are hungry have a much more difficult time focusing on what their teachers are saying. Studies have shown that students who eat breakfast also demonstrate greater problem solving abilities. Choose foods that are high in protein to keep them fuller longer, such as milk, cheese, or peanut butter. Also add complex carbohydrates such as fresh fruit or whole grains for the most balanced breakfast. The same is true for lunch—pack kids a nutritious lunch or talk with them about making healthy choices if they purchase a hot lunch at school daily.
Reduce their sugar intake.
Kids who consume a lot of sugary drinks or snacks, soda or energy drinks are more likely to be hyper much of the time, and may not be able to sit still for school work. Evaluate your child’s diet very carefully. Even the foods consumed at home can make a difference in how children act at school.
Make sure they sleep long enough.
Who can focus if they are tired? Kids will simply not do as well in school if they are too tired to concentrate. The average school age child needs 8-10 hours of sleep every day. Even teenagers need 8-9 hours of sleep daily. Set a bedtime and stick to that schedule every day, even on the weekends if possible.
Take them for a vision exam.
Before the school year starts, take your child for a vision exam. Sometimes children do not even realize they may need glasses. A yearly exam completed at the end of summer will help to diagnose vision difficulties. If a child cannot see the chalkboard, then they literally are not able to focus on the lessons being taught.
Help them to be organized.
Some children are very organized; others are not. Help your child to organize their homework and assignments so they don’t worry about them during school hours.
