Homeschooling has bestowed students and parents tons of benefits, from schedule flexibility, better control of the curriculum, stronger bonds with the family, and improved utilization of tools and methods suitable for kids’ learning. While there are many perks, one challenge many families face is staying fit. Children are at home all day, and moms and dads often focus on training to forget to take care of their health. So today, we’re sharing some of the best tips to stay healthy while homeschooling and will keep your little ones always happy and healthy!
Keep them moving
Physical activity is critically important for the body and mind. It provides various benefits, such as boosting endurance, improving muscle strength, aiding the cardiovascular system to work efficiently, clearing the mind, and improving the mood. Moving doesn’t mean you need to do rigorous training with your kids. Simple activities like strolling in the park or dancing to a tune during free time can already keep everyone active. Otherwise, you can insert some physical education classes in the curriculum or do sports. Remember, getting enough physical activity every day will do wonders for your kids’ overall health.
Serve healthy meals and snacks
Once your kids keep moving, the more calories they burn, and the hungrier they get. However, never make the mistake of subduing all their efforts engaging in physical activities by allowing them to consume chips, pretzels, or soda. While those foods are addicting to it, they are unhealthy and may cause more harm to the body than any good. Instead, serve nutritious food and drinks that will keep you and your kids nourished and energetic to fulfill all their tasks for the day. You can prepare a veggie salad, homemade cookies, or yogurt with fresh and healthy ingredients and avoid storing junk food in the pantry. Of course, don’t settle for pizza or throw in a frozen meal in the oven for dinner each night. Test your creativity and skills in the kitchen and look for healthier meals to serve on the table.
Encourage drinking lots of water
Water is essential for optimum health and hydration. However, some kids simply don’t like the taste of water. With them being preoccupied at home, chances are they are drinking less than the adequate amount they need for the day. So, while attending to your kids’ education at home, see to it that you also help them get a habit of drinking lots of water. If they deter drinking water, look for fun ways on how to serve it. You can add fruit juices or slices, like cucumber, strawberries, or even mint. Alternatively, having them choose their favorite cup, glass or straw may also encourage them to drink more water. Of course, make it a fun experience and never battle over drinks. Keep in mind that their consumption may also increase gradually, but what’s important you help them improve their consumption.
Get regular screen-time breaks
Homeschooling often entails kids facing the screen for more extended periods. They are often so absorbed in the task at hand, forgetting to take needed breaks. Doing so puts them at risk of eye fatigue, discomfort, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. With that, you need to ensure that they get regular screen-time breaks to protect their eyes. Experts suggest following the 20/20/20 rule. Advise your kids to look away from the computer, find something 20 feet away, and remain looking for at least 20 seconds. Aside from breaks, make sure to provide adequate lighting and seating and secure proper screen positioning so your kid can read comfortably.
Ensure proper sleep
Proper and adequate sleep is vital for children’s cognitive, mental, and physical health. Experts suggest that teenagers should get 8 to 10 hours of good shuteye each day, while kids aged 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours of sleep for their development. Make it a priority to have your kids get the sleep they need. Establish regular sleep and wake times so they won’t have trouble sleeping or getting up for school time. Check the lighting and noise in your kid’s bedroom, and determine anything distracts them from sleeping. Of course, set some rules for TV and mobile phone use to ensure there’s nothing to keep them awake late at night.
Decrease stress
You might not be noticing it, but your kids may already be suffering from stress, be it from the curriculum, teaching method, or the resources. With that, you must maintain open communication with your child to know whether something is concerning. Meanwhile, as a parent, you may also have your own stressors, be it from the pressure of homeschooling, household chores, or your work. Remember, your kid depends highly on you, and you won’t be able to fulfill your duties if you’re also stressed. So, look for ways on how to tone down the stress levels. Perhaps you can plan your time to manage your tasks properly or list all the things that stress you and see how you can solve them. Otherwise, you can take a quick break to refuel yourself. If you’re mentally healthy, then no reason why you can help your kids be the same.
Takeaway
Those are some of the best tips on how you can ensure your kids’ well-being while homeschooling. Keep in mind that it’s your duty to keep them productive and help them the best education they can get, but it is also vital that you keep them mentally and physically healthy in the process.