With the beginning of the school year, children spend long hours in school, so it's essential to teach them healthy habits that help them grow properly and focus well in school.
Healthy habits, such as eating a balanced diet, maintaining personal hygiene, getting enough sleep, and engaging in physical activity, contribute to strengthening a child's immunity and protecting them from disease.
They also support children's academic achievement and psychological well-being. Parents' interest in teaching children these behaviors from an early age is a true investment in their health and future.
The Importance of Healthy Habits for Children at School
Healthy habits help children succeed in school and daily life. A child who follows a healthy sleep, eating, hygiene, and exercise regimen increases their ability to concentrate on school.
They also give them self-confidence and help them build good social relationships with their peers. Therefore, healthy habits are not a luxury; they are essential to ensure your child's well-being and help them learn and be creative.
Help Your Child Establish a Morning Routine Before Going to School
Establishing a structured morning routine helps your child start their school day positively and energetically.
- Going to bed and waking up at a consistent time every day.
- Wash your face and brush your teeth immediately upon waking.
- Put on school clothes prepared the night before.
- Eat a healthy, balanced breakfast.
- Do a quick review of the lessons - only 10 minutes.
- Prepare your school bag and ensure all supplies are included.
- Practice simple exercises.
Tips for a healthy diet for your child at school
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is key to maintaining your child's health and activity at school.
- Reduce sugars and sweets.
- Avoid processed and fried foods.
- Encourage your child to try healthy foods.
- Adhere to mealtimes to ensure proper digestion.
- Serve protein with vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Ensure calcium intake, such as dairy and cheese, to build strong bones and teeth.
- Encourage snacks such as nuts and fruits instead of chips
How to teach your child to maintain personal hygiene
- Gradually teach healthy habits.
- Praise and encourage your child when they adhere to healthy habits.
- Providing children's supplies in bright colors and distinctive scents.
- Using songs and stories to explain the importance of personal hygiene.
- Simplified explanations to illustrate the harms of neglecting personal hygiene.
- Parents should pay attention to washing hands and brushing teeth daily in front of their children so they can follow their example.
- Establish a daily routine for personal hygiene in the morning and evening so that it becomes an automatic habit.
Adjusting a child's bedtime routine during school hours
It is important for parents to begin adjusting their bedtime before school starts by setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time every day, even on weekends, and reducing the use of electronic devices an hour before bedtime.
Providing a calm atmosphere in the child's bedroom with dim lighting and a suitable temperature should be encouraged. Adhering to a calm evening routine, such as a warm bath, should be encouraged, and ensuring the child gets adequate sleep (8-11 hours).
Reducing the child's use of screens and electronic devices
- Establishing a consistent daily time (1-2 hours).
- Encouraging the child to engage in their favorite hobbies.
- Parents should commit to reducing the use of screens in front of their children.
- Offering children alternatives, such as drawing, crafts, and sports.
- Setting aside time for play or going out with the family away from devices.
- Involving the child in setting rules to help them feel responsible and committed.
- Using parental control software to monitor the child's use of apps.
Maintaining the child's mental and social health at school
Maintaining a child's mental health directly impacts their ability to learn and interact at school. To maintain this, the child's self-confidence must be enhanced.
This can be achieved by constantly encouraging them and giving them the opportunity to freely express their feelings and thoughts and make friends to help them develop their social skills, while providing psychological support from family and teachers when needed.
It is important to teach children how to deal with academic pressures and solve problems appropriately. Providing a safe and supportive school environment ensures the child's healthy psychological and social development.
Protecting children from infection at school
- Wash hands regularly.
- Providing the child with adequate sleep.
- Sit in well-ventilated areas.
- Remaining at home when sick.
- The child should only use their own personal items.
- Follow up on vaccinations and regular medical checkups.
- Encourage your child to eat healthy foods to strengthen their immunity.
- Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
How to Create a Conducive Study Environment for Your Child
To encourage your child to study, provide a comfortable and quiet environment that helps them concentrate.
- Designate a fixed, quiet place for studying.
- Provide good lighting and a comfortable chair for your child.
- Arrange your desk and prepare your supplies before starting.
- Establish a structured study schedule with scheduled breaks.
- Remove distracting electronic devices and toys.
- Encourage your child with positive words when completing schoolwork.
The Role of Family and School in Encouraging Children to Develop Healthy Habits
The Family's Role in Encouraging Children:
- Follow up on the child and encourage them with words and rewards.
- Establish a consistent routine for sleeping, studying, and physical activity.
- Discuss with your child the importance of healthy habits in a simple way.
- Prepare balanced meals and a healthy lunchbox for your child at school.
- Providing a good role model for all healthy habits for the child.
The school's role in encouraging the child:
- Monitoring the cleanliness of classrooms and restrooms.
- Teaching the child the values of cooperation and respect for healthy habits.
- Cooperating with the child's family to monitor their healthy behavior.
- Organizing awareness activities about health, nutrition, and hygiene.
- Encouraging students to participate in sports and physical activities.
Summary of healthy and proper habits for children at school
A child's healthy habits at school are essential for their healthy growth and academic excellence. They include a balanced diet, adequate sleep, personal hygiene, and physical activity.
Mental and social health are equally important as physical health, helping children interact positively and learn with focus. The family and school play a complementary role in instilling these behaviors in children.