7 chiropractic tips for the “back to school” period

1. Sleep

Sleep is taken less and less into account in the child’s education. However, it’s as important as their daily physical and educational activities. To foster better sleep for children, it’s recommended that they go to sleep at a set time. Prohibit the use of screens at least one hour before going to sleep. Take a cool shower (no hot showers before going to sleep). Engage in calming activities (such as reading), and have a light dinner. Establishing a sleep ritual can help children who have more trouble sleeping.

2- Nutrition

The most important meal is breakfast. Make sure your child’s breakfast is nutritious and contains protein to help focus and avoid cravings. Eliminate all empty calories such as supermarket breakfast cereals and processed foods in general, which do not feed and drastically increase the risk of obesity.

If you are preparing lunch for your child, check that it is balanced and present it in an appetizing way. For snacks, try resistant and nutritious fruits or put softer fruits in a box. A handful of nuts (almonds or others) will complete the snack (preferably unsalted). Avoid sugary foods in general, especially after 6 p.m.

Be an example for your children in terms of nutrition. Try to continuously introduce new foods little by little, especially with a difficult child. Never use food as a reward or as punishment.

3. Physical activity

Physical activities develop not only the child’s body but other their brain. Different sports help the body and brain functions develop differently. It is recommended to vary physical activities for maximum benefit. Gradually the child will be able to discover what he likes the most. This is probably the best way to develop your child’s overall abilities. Fun is essential in all sports and educational activities.

4. Backpacks

Backpacks should be padded at the straps and at the back. Their weight should be between 10 and 20 percent of the child’s weight in order to prevent growth and/or muscle disorders, scoliosis, etc. Ensure that your child wears the backpack with both the straps for the same reasons. Teach your child to distribute the objects in the schoolbag’s different compartments, putting the heaviest objects closest to the back and the lighter objects in front.

5. Check their health

Remember to regularly check that your child is in good health by consulting specialists: pediatricians, ophthalmologists, dentists, and chiropractors are the basis for the child’s general health: eyes, teeth and nervous system/back. Depending on the recommendations of these specialists, you may need to consult other professionals on an ad hoc or regular basis. Remember to observe your child regularly to detect a possible disorder (a shoulder higher than the other, their gait, eyes that squint when they look near or far, etc.).

6. Proper hygiene

Teaching children to wash their hands with soap is probably the best solution to limit childhood diseases which often turn into a family epidemic.

7. Being a partner in your child’s education.

Learning what your child likes or dislikes (in collaboration with your child and the teaching staff), their abilities and challenges, preferred learning methods, and anything else that can affect them in school will allow you to provide the practitioners which precise answers (as well as convey them in the best possible way).