With the excitement and jitters of back-to-school season behind us, now is the time for children to settle in for a year of learning and educational enrichment. Maintaining high energy levels throughout the school year starts today. Sustaining a positive attitude toward school is essential for children’s academic performance, overall well-being, and social skills. Parents can help their children stay tapped into their high back-to-school energy levels throughout the entire school year by supporting them mentally, physically, and emotionally. Here are some ideas:
Helping Children Find Their Mental Focus
- Get organized together. Help your child stay organized with their schoolwork, school supplies, assignments, and extracurricular activities. Stay on top of any specific supplies they might need for a class, such as a calculator, digital tools, books, or art supplies. You can help your child with time management by encouraging a regular schedule. A well-organized routine reduces stress and conserves mental energy.
- Make time for breaks and fun. Ensure your child has breaks between study sessions or activities. Short breaks allow them to recharge and refocus, enhancing productivity and energy. Don’t focus too hard on your child’s productivity – unstructured play is a very healthy way for them to pause when they’re in learning mode.
- Give your child permission to thrive outside school by supporting their hobbies and interests. Engaging in activities they are passionate about can boost their overall energy and motivation.
- Be an active communicator. Maintain open lines of communication with your child about their experiences, challenges, and successes at school. Address any concerns they may have promptly.
A Healthy Body Contributes to a Positive Attitude
- Champion physical activity. Regular physical exercise supports children’s energy levels by promoting circulation, oxygenating the body, and reducing stress. Encourage your child to engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day.
- Be consistent about sleep. Take care to ensure that your child gets an adequate amount of sleep every night. Set a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. Toddlers ages 1-2 should sleep 11-12 hours per day, including naps; children ages 3-5 need 10-13 hours of sleep; and children ages 6-13 should sleep for at least 9 hours. Consistent sleep patterns support better energy levels, focus, and overall mood.
- Support healthy eating. Provide your child with nutrient-rich meals, healthy snacks, and plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Make sure your child starts the day with a healthy breakfast that includes protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Breakfast provides the necessary energy to kick-start the day. If your child brings lunch to school, pack a balanced meal that includes lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables. Involve your child in planning and packing their lunch to increase their engagement. Help your child steer clear of sugary snacks, sugary drinks, and processed foods. These can lead to energy spikes and crashes.
Parents Provide Necessary Emotional and Mental Health Support
- Encourage a positive attitude towards school and learning. Celebrate achievements, both big and small, and help your child set realistic goals for personal growth.
- Teach your child stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or creative activities. High stress levels can drain energy and impact overall well-being.
- Spend quality time together as a family. Engage in fun activities, outings, and conversations that provide emotional support and strengthen family bonds.
- Help your child carve out time for rest, relaxation, and leisure activities they enjoy. Overloading activities can lead to burnout.
- Children often learn by example. Be a role model and demonstrate healthy habits in your own life, such as maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and managing stress effectively.
By setting up a nurturing and supportive environment, parents can help their young children develop the foundational skills, confidence, and love for learning that will serve them well as they build their academic habits. The more you invest time and care into children’s healthy routines and attitudes toward learning, the better you will lay the groundwork for a successful educational journey this school year and beyond.
At Maryvale, our approach to early education considers a child’s entire experience, accounting for their physical and mental health throughout their learning journey. If you have a school-aged child suffering from severe anxiety, depression, or a lack of motivation, it may be time to offer them professional mental health support. Our community-based mental health program and youth services connect children and families with counselors and mental health practitioners to address a child’s whole experience and to set them up for long-term success.
