"The greatest
wealth is health." ~Virgil
Did you know that a
child’s dietary, sleep and exercise habits can have a significant effect on
academic achievement? As parents, it is our primary responsibility to ensure
that our children arrive to school physically ready to learn.
Studies have shown that
poor eating habits can cause problems with focus and concentration, energy
level and mood. In addition, children who do not regularly receive nutrient
rich foods frequently experience illnesses, causing them to miss school and
struggle to keep up in class. Children of every age should eat
balanced meals, rich with brain building nutrients including omega 3 oils,
protein, and complex carbohydrates. Consider serving ‘brain boosters’ like
eggs, salmon, tuna, peanut butter, lean meats or iron rich meat alternatives,
whole grain breads, steel cut oatmeal, berries, beans, colorful vegetables
(especially leafy green varieties) fruits, and vitamin D rich dairy products
like cheese, milk and yogurt. Avoid ‘brain drainers’ like sugary processed
foods and drinks. Don’t forget to serve lots of water! Water is essential for
optimum brain function. Talk to your children about the importance of eating
healthy food and encourage cooperation by allowing them to participate in
selecting and preparing food.
Sleep, particularly a
lack of quality sleep can also take a toll on student achievement. Insufficient
sleep can cause significant problems with focus, memory, behavior, mood and the
overall wellbeing of children. Recent studies have even linked lack of sleep to
obesity in children. According to the National Sleep Foundation, school aged
children (ages 5-12) need 10-11 hours of sleep daily for optimum brain
function. Teens need 8.5-9.5 hours. Sleep quality is just as important as sleep
quantity. Strive to maintain a routine that ensures an adequate amount of
uninterrupted sleep in a comfortable and quiet environment.
Exercise can also affect
academic performance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
citing a growing body of research suggests,"physical
activity can have an impact on
cognitive skills and attitudes and academic behavior, all of which
are important components of improved academic performance. These include
enhanced concentration and attention as well as improved classroom
behavior" [i] Children
should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. If
your child’s school or extra-curricular activities do not provide daily
exercise opportunities, make regular exercise a fun family activity.
Developing and
maintaining these core healthy living habits will serve our children through a
lifetime of learning!
~Sheila~
2014 © Gardener Parenting
Consultants, LLC
www.gardenerparenting.com
info@gardenerparenting.com
[i] Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. The association between school based
physical activity, including physical education, and academic
performance. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services;
2010.
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