Back to school tips every parent should know

As the long summer vacation comes to an end, many parents wonder how to help their children get back into the school routine.

After weeks of sleeping in playing and enjoying free time waking up early getting ready on time and returning to schoolwork can be difficult.

Experts say that a few simple habits can make this change much easier. One of the most important steps is to fix your child’s sleep schedule.

A few days before school starts encourage children to go to bed earlier and wake up at the same time they will on school days.

Children aged 6 to 13 should get 9 to 11 hours of sleep each night while teenagers aged 13 to 17 need 8 to 10 hours.

Good sleep helps improve both physical health and mental focus. Experts also recommend keeping children away from phones tablets computers and other electronic devices for at least one hour before bedtime.

Instead parents can talk with them about their teachers classmates school activities and exciting things they can look forward to.

Positive conversations can help reduce anxiety and build excitement. A healthy breakfast is another important part of a successful school day.

Foods such as fruit milk eggs oatmeal whole grain bread and other balanced meals give children the energy they need and improve their focus memory and learning.

Parents should also make time every day to ask their children about school.  Talking about lessons friends sports and classroom activities helps children feel supported and encourages them to share any concerns.

Experts say parents should lead by example.  When the home follows a regular routine for sleeping eating and daily activities children are more likely to develop the same healthy habits.

Most importantly school should be presented as a positive experience rather than something stressful.

With encouragement patience and support children can adjust more easily and begin the new school year feeling happy and confident.