With a new school year here, you may want to start thinking about setting up steady routines for your children. It is important for care givers to develop routines at home that will lead to good habits throughout the year.
Routines help children get adequate sleep, feel good about the day ahead and finish their homework.
Studies show that not enough sleep leads to lower academic results in middle school, high school and college. It also leads to more absences and lateness. Younger children need 10-12 hours of sleep per night and adolescents need 9-10 hours per night.
Here are some ways to get your children into a bedtime routine that will help them at school:
· Follow a regular schedule. Put your child to bed at the same time every night. Having a routine will help your child settle down and fall asleep. The bedtime routine could include a bath or shower, reading with them, tucking them in and saying good night. Getting into a nightly routine will make it easier on the whole family.
· Set time limits. Setting a time limit is a good way to put a boundary on the winding down time kids need each night. When kids know what the limits are ahead of time, it reduces whining and stress.
· Turn off electronic devices. Make sure they’re off well before bedtime. The light from the devices can disturb sleeping patterns.
· Keep it quiet. Try to have your home as quiet and calm as possible when children are trying to fall asleep.
A good morning routine is also crucial to having your child prepared for school every day.
· Set a time schedule. Have a planned schedule for the morning. Being organized will keep your child on time and reduce stress. Make sure your schedule builds in plenty of time for a good breakfast and personal care.
· Develop nutritious habits. Try to get your kids in the habit of eating nutritious items such as fruits, oatmeal or whole-grain cereals for breakfast. A smoothie can also be a nutritious and fun breakfast item; blend some frozen berries with a banana and low-sugar yogurt. Peanut butter on whole-grain toast provides a high-protein boost.
For your child to excel to their highest potential developing a Homework Routine is also important. Use these tips to help your children get ready to do homework every day:
· Set up a study area. It’s important for kids to have a neat, quiet place at home where they can study and complete homework.
· Schedule time for homework every day. This will let your child know that homework is a daily part of being a student. Keep in mind that it’s also important for kids to have play time and physical activity every day. Build in time for that, too. It may even be beneficial to have a built-in break time for them to play outside.
· Limit electronics. Have a rule that TV and other electronic items stay off during homework time. Supervise computer and internet use.
· Be positive and encourage your child. Let your child know that you understand the hard work they are putting in. Give them plenty of encouragement for completing their homework.
For more information on setting routines for your child visit kidcentraltn.com
Fresh Strawberry Muffins
1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 2 cups flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup milk 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries 3 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and mix well.
Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to butter mixture. Add vanilla. Gently stir in strawberries.
Spoon batter into muffin pans.
Combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over muffins.
Bake at 400º for 20-25 minutes.
Makes one dozen muffins.
Submitted by: Rita Klenke, Grant FCE Club
