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SKOWHEGAN — Somerset Public Health and the Move More Kids program are reminding parents, as the new school year approaches, that they play a major role in their children’s ability to make healthy choices.
Parents and guardians are the number one role models for children, and children will often copy what their parents are doing, the organization said in a news release. September is a great time to start some new habits as kids are going back to school, and may be adjusting to new schedules.
Somerset Public Health offers these tips to help kids eat healthy, reduce screen time and feel rested in the morning:
Encourage kids to eat breakfast every day, whether it’s at home or at school. Breakfast provides the energy to start the day, and helps a person focus on work or school. If kids aren’t hungry, or there’s not a lot of time in the morning, start small with a piece of whole grain toast and banana, or a yogurt cup.
Those packing lunch at home should think about filling half of the lunchbox with fruit and veggies. The other half should be split between protein and a whole grain. Some ideas for healthy lunches are:
* Cottage cheese, whole wheat crackers, and raw veggies with dip
* Whole wheat tortilla wrap with turkey, cheese and veggies, and grapes
* English muffin pizzas with low fat cheese and veggies, and an apple
The average kid has a busy day. There’s school, taking care of pets, playing with friends, participating in sports or other activities, and doing homework. By the end of the day, kids need sleep.
Parents can help kids prepare for the next day by laying out their clothes and getting their backpack ready. They can set up a routine where kids slow down before bed, and go to bed at roughly the same time each night. Screen time should be avoided at least one hour before bed, and screens should be kept out of the bedroom. The bedroom should also be a cozy environment where a child wants to be.
TV and other electronic devices can get in the way of learning, exploring, playing, sleeping, and interacting with parents and others.
TVs are on for an average of seven hours and 40 minutes per day. Some suggested screen-time rules are: two hours or less of recreational screen-time each day, no TV during meal times, no snacking while watching TV, no TV during homework, and limiting screen time to specific days of the week or times of the day.
For more information, call Somerset Public Health at 207-474-7473 or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/somersetpublichealth.
