Back to School Life Hacks 

Going back to school can be a stressful yet exciting time of year. There are many life hacks you can add to your child’s life to get the school year started right!

Below is a list of ways you can help your child get back to school easier.

• Set a Sleep Schedule.

The National Sleep foundation recommends adults need at least 8 hours of sleep per night for adequate function and also suggest that children may need 10 to 12 hours, depending on their age.  It is important to set a regular sleep schedule with a consistent bedtime and wake up time to help your child function at their best capacity. A child who does not get enough sleep can be cranky and may not function as well during the day. They need proper sleep to learn and be their best selves!

• Provide Adequate Nutrition.

A breakfast of pop tarts, doughnuts or other sugary foods such as syrup covered pancakes or sugary cereals are not the healthiest choices for your child to eat before they head off to school. A balanced breakfast of a protein source such as eggs and organic milk is a much better option. Your child will be able to focus better and can avoid a sugar high with a nutritious breakfast.

Also, if you are packing your child’s lunch, be sure you are providing them with healthy options they will actually eat. Picky children may need to try a variety of healthy choices before sticking to a healthy snack they prefer. You are not helping your child in the long run if you only feed them processed, unhealthy snack foods.

• Use Essential Oils.

Many children have separation anxiety when going back to school. Applying a small diluted amount of a comforting essential oil to your child’s neck, wrists and collarbone may help them feel calmer and have a better morning when you drop them off at school. Good examples of calming essential oils are lavender, sweet orange, chamomile and lime. Basically, any essential oil your child prefers can be safely applied in a diluted solution.  (Olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil or sunflower oil can be used for dilution)

• Prepare!

Mornings can be quite hectic, so it can benefit you and your child to prepare for the next school day the night before. Create a system that ensures homework is completed and in its rightful place, lunches are prepared and bookbags are ready to go. You can also help your child find some autonomy by allowing them to help pick out their clothes for the next day!

• Don’t forget to Play!

At the end of the day, you and your child will most likely be fatigued and need some sort of destressing. It is important to remember that children still need to be children. Ensure they have a time of play and are able to relax after being at school all day. You as a parent can use this time to learn about their day, speak with them and bond with your kids. Be a listening ear and encourage your child to communicate with you about how their day was. In the time between school, homework and bedtime those are the moments you can spend one on one with your kids.  

Here’s to an amazing school year!

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