5 Healthy Back-to-School Solutions for Kids

Stay Active

The end of summer shouldn’t mean the end of outdoor activities. Sign the kids up for a sport or send them out on a bike ride or to walk the dog.

If you live near school, skip the bus and walk your child to school. 

Log Off

Hours spent at the computer may lead to eyestrain and an aching neck and back. Make sure kids sit at least two feet from the monitor and take breaks, says Dana Weintraub, MD, of the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. Set up a time where they can be online, and be sure to stick to it.

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Schedule Sleep

Avoid lost zzz’s by having your child gradually go to bed and get up earlier during the week or two before classes start. This will get them into the swing of things and will make it a bit easier to get to bed on time on school nights. If the kids are still having trouble getting to bed on time, try nixing big meals and caffeine before bedtime.

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Ban Heavy Bags

Backpacks shouldn’t weigh more than 10% to 15% of a child’s weight. Look for pads on the shoulder straps and back, and put the heaviest items closest to the body.

For extra support, get a bag with a waist strap or a backpack on wheels.

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Pack In The Nutrition

Focus on lunches and snacks with a lot of fruits, vegetables, dairy and whole grains. Boosting the kids with these healthy snacks, rather than nutritionless lunches, will keep them going, and learning, throughout the school day.

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