Physical health can affect kids academically. Even if their scores aren’t dropping (yet) you may see some concerning signs. They may be anxious about homework, struggle to get up in the morning, or need to work longer to get the same amount of work done.
As a parent, it can be gut-wrenching to watch your child struggle. We all wish we had a “magic wand” to make life go smoothly for them. While we can’t snap our fingers and have our children’s problems disappear, we can make sure we’re taking care of our child’s physical health to set them up for success in school.
Hungry Students are Distracted Students
Does your child usually run out of the house without breakfast? Skipping meals could be affecting their focus and memory. A child who’s sitting in class hungry can’t pay attention. Missing breakfast or lunch can also lead to fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings.
Before your child leaves for school, make sure they eat a balanced breakfast with plenty of protein and fruit or vegetables. Make sure they have something to eat for lunch, whether you give them money for school lunch or pack them a homemade meal. Talk to your child about what they like to eat and work together to find nutritious options that they enjoy and will fill them up.
Sick Students Miss Out on Learning Opportunities
These days, it’s important to keep your child home from school when they’re sick to prevent the spread of germs. That means that they’ll miss out on important classes, and maybe even exams or pop quizzes. Even if your child has allergies or a mild head cold and can still attend class, they may struggle to learn. It’s hard to focus when you’re not feeling well.
Help your child avoid illness by encouraging them to wash their hands regularly. Make sure they eat a varied diet full of vegetables and fruit. Talk to your doctor about which vitamins are appropriate for your child during their yearly physical exam. While you’re at it, make sure your child is up-to-date on the vaccinations your doctor recommends.
Tired Students Sleep Through Class
Tired students are not only less proficient at learning new material, but they will also suffer from brain fog, poor memory, and an overall inability to pay attention in class. According to the National Institute of Health, “If you haven’t slept, your ability to learn new things could drop by up to 40 percent.”
Going to bed on time can be a struggle for many children. They may rather stay up late playing video games and scrolling through their phone instead of going to bed. If you struggle to get your child to relax and go to bed on time, discuss the consequences of not getting a good night’s sleep with them. Work with them to develop a bedtime routine that includes putting away screens and winding down with a peaceful activity.
Support Your Child, Sign Them Up for LeadYouth
While it’s up to you to support your child’s health at home, at LeadYouth, we help kids develop leadership, emotional intelligence, and public speaking skills so they have the confidence to thrive in school, work and life.
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