Back to School Tips

Back to school for teenagers or really any child can be a chaotic time for your children. Here are some tips I have put together to help them make it through the day:

1. Studies show that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Students perform better in class and are more observant when they eat a healthy breakfast. Below I have listed suggestions for breakfast which should include fiber and protein. Teenagers especially have a difficult time eating breakfast; they just do not have time or do not want to eat but it is important to encourage them to grab something.

****Breakfast Ideas****

* Microwave a frozen pancake, spread with peanut butter, top with sliced bananas, and roll it up.

* Concoct a breakfast parfait with layers of fruit yogurt, sliced fresh fruit, and crunchy cereal.

* Swirl applesauce and raisins into a packet of hot oatmeal. Serve with a cup of milk

* Combine in blender until frothy: 1/2 cup lemon yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, a dash of vanilla extract, and two ice cubes. Complement with a slice of whole grain toast

* Container of yogurt, half a bagel, and fruit juice

* Split a bagel. Layer each half with peanut butter and raisins. Bring along a carton of milk

* Oatmeal with chopped nuts and raisins, a sliced banana, or strawberries

* Eggs-fried, scrambled, poached, or hard-boiled with whole grain toast

2. All children need "enough" sleep. Studies show that teenagers need 8 1/2 hours of sleep each night in order to reach their full potential. Lack of sleep can lead to falling asleep in class and can effect their concentreation.

3. I encourage Eric, my son to "do what he can as far as homework or studying in school" so he has less to do when he gets home from school. Kids need down time! If they are working in sschool or studying for that big exam and then come home and have to do more work they are not getting "down time". This will lead to your children "burning out".

4. Encourage your child to join school clubs, sports and after school activities. This will help your children feel like they are part of something and also help them make friends.