3 Ways To Help Your Child Perform Better

If you’re like many parents, you want your child to achieve to his or her potential. I recommend 3 ways to help your child perform better.  These are foundational principles that kids need to help them achieve well in school: plenty of sleep, healthy nutrition, and limits to screen time. How is your child doing in these areas?

Sleep

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children ages 6 through 12 receive 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. Teens between 13 and 18 should receive 8 to 10 hours per night. A lack of sleep can cause your child to start the day in a mental fog, feeling lethargic, and may contribute to behavior problems. During the school week I recommend having a set bedtime with a consistent bedtime routine.

Nutrition

Children who start the day eating foods with only simple sugars or carbs quickly feel hungry again. Help your child start the day with a cheesy egg, peanut butter on toast, or a protein smoothie. Poor nutrition contributes to behavior problems, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating.

Limit Screen Time

Place reasonable limits on your child’s screen time because excessive screen time associates with aggressive behavior, inattention, and obesity. The average child gets 7 hours of screen time per day! Even if your child is nowhere close to that number, consider reducing screen time to the AAP recommended 1 to 2 hours per day. Use it a reward for completed homework or chores. ScreenfreeParenting.com can help you gradually reduce your child’s screen time.

As parents we do the best we can and the three above-mentioned principles underlie your child’s success. Consider discussing these principles with your family and optimize your child’s success. Need help? Call (561) 625-4125