As a parent, you play a big role in your child’s health, which also contributes to their success in school. By guiding them appropriately at home, you can help them perform better in school. Studies have shown that poor academic performance can be linked to certain factors like poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and lack of parental support. So how do you stay on top of your child’s health while they are in school? Read on to find out.
Promote Healthy Habits
Following healthy habits at home gives your child the best chance to succeed. For instance, pick the proper bedtime for your child that will ensure they get adequate sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommend that students in high school and middle school should not start school earlier than 8:30 AM to allow them to get enough sleep and be ready to learn in school. That is because lack of adequate sleep will reduce their productivity in school. Other healthy habits you need to promote are a nutritious diet, exercise, and limited screen time. All these are ways to support your child in school.
Go The Extra Mile for Kids with Special Needs
Kids with learning challenges need individualized education plans, which can be a bit tricky with remote learning. This is particularly common among kids with ADHD and autism. You can reach out to the teacher or the special education team and see if they can tailor some social distance to one-on-one learning sessions for your child. Some teachers may also offer a virtual session that is just them and your kid without other students. However, the important thing is that you explore your options, ensuring your child gets the support they need. It is also essential to reach out to a therapist if you are yet to. Most therapists help kids through behavioral reinforcement plans, allowing your child to adapt to new changes.
Create a Comfortable Learning Space for Your Kid
Your child is given a comfortable desk and a seat in school where they can focus on learning. Do the same thing at home. While learning at home comes with many distractions, it is vital to set aside space where your child will focus. This will allow them to stay on task, particularly kids with attention challenges. With about 55% of parents believing that digital schooling is ideal for their child’s learning style, it is only fair to ensure they are comfortable when learning. Also, set boundaries on what is expected during the day. Learning digitally can lead to distractions such as playing video games. Hence, a child needs guidance to follow their program.
Develop a Routine and Stick to It
A child needs structure to thrive. A routine helps them stay organized during the day. For instance, set a specific time that your child wakes up on school days. They can then make their bed, get ready, have breakfast, and start school if they are studying remotely. Have a routine in the evening as well when they get back from school, have a snack, do their homework, then a bit of screen time before dinner, or catch up with family. It will help your child know what to expect on school days.
Be On Top of Your Kid’s Health
Your child’s general health is imperative in their learning. That means you have to watch out for any signs of sickness and ensure your child gets treatment. Keep up with their dental checkups to ensure they do not have to skip classes because an issue went unchecked. According to the Center for Health and Health Care in Schools, about 51 million school hours get lost each year because of a dental-related illness. This can be prevented if problems are identified early. Don’t forget to monitor other health issues like colds, coughs, allergies, and infections.
Parents’ participation in their child’s education plays a significant role in their performance. These tips can help ensure that you are supporting their health for a positive academic outcome.
