I love summers! I don’t have to wake up extra early and take time to wake all the kids up. I don’t have to argue with anyone when it’s time for bed!
But, the time has come for all the things to get back on track. We are getting back to taking our vitamins, waking up on time, and going to bed earlier.
For vitamins, we definitely suggest a good multivitamin. I cannot stress enough how important it is for your child (and you) to be on a probiotic! Read my post about the Benefits of Probiotics for more information.
I also, up the dosage of vitamin C and add elderberry, with zinc, to boost the immune system. To help get the kids back into a rhythm at bed time, I have them take a warm shower, early on in the evening, diffuse lavender oil in their rooms, and give a small dose of melatonin for a few nights, until they get used to settling down, earlier.
We also start putting more limits on screen time. We all know that kids, especially middle and high school kids, end up on their electronic devices more than they should. It’s good for them to start “detoxing” from that habit a couple of weeks before school starts. It helps their brain be more alert and better prepared to focus. Spending a few minutes in the sun each day also helps with brain function, energy levels, and mood boosting.
Not sure when to send your child to bed? Think about what time they will have to get up for school, then how many hours of sleep they need for their age. Below is chart for recommended bed times, listed by age.
It’s important to remember that kids are nervous about school starting, right now. If they are going to a new campus, this year, they may be even more anxious. Each child will show this anxiety in a different way. Some may be more emotional. Some may be more clingy or lash out and withdraw. If your child is acting different than normal, remember to be patient and talk them through whatever may be causing the change in attitude. getting back to a good routine will also help alleviate some of that anxiety.
~Alisha
