How Do Lifestyle Choices Affect Your Child’s Education?

There are many things that parents can do to help their children perform well in school, from ensuring they have a suitable study space at home to hiring a private tutor to help them with their homework and exam revision. One thing you may not have considered as a way to help your child succeed academically is to ensure they make healthy lifestyle choices. I have teamed up with a primary school in Blackpool to explore how certain lifestyle choices can affect a child’s education. 

Diet

The foods we choose to eat can determine whether or not we are able to concentrate throughout the day. Sugary snacks, for instance, can lead to a temporary energy high, followed by a subsequent crash. With that said, it would be wise to start your child’s day with a nutritious, filling breakfast so that they are able to focus in their lessons. Yoghurt or porridge with fruit are good options for breakfast, as opposed to sugary cereals. 

Like the crash followed by unhealthy foods, dehydration can also lead to a similar sluggishness. Invest in a decent reusable water bottle for your child that they can take to school and fill up throughout the day. This will keep them alert in class so that they can engage with the tasks at hand. 

Exercise

Children are becoming increasingly more addicted to their smart phones and other digital devices, which often means they’re not getting enough exercise. While exercise is obviously great for fitness, it can also help with memory and attention span, which are necessary for children who want to perform well in school. 

For young children, exercise aids the development of motor skills, as well as cognitive and social skills. Generally speaking, exercise tends to release endorphins that reduce stress, which can help children who might be struggling with a subject at school, friendship troubles or other problems. Reduced stress can help them focus on their studies. 

If you’re struggling to get your child to engage in physical activity, perhaps encourage them to join a sports or drama club so that they have an opportunity to get out of the house and stretch their bodies.

Sleep

Experts advise us to get around eight hours of sleep per night. Depending on your child’s age, this number might be higher. Not getting enough sleep can lead to a range of problems, some more serious than others. Sometimes it can cause behavioural issues and inability to concentrate. Other times it can result in high blood pressure, obesity and even depression. 

If you want your child to be happy, healthy, and able to pay attention at school and retain information, ensure they stick to a regular bedtime. You might need to set a rule that they switch off all digital devices an hour or so before bed so that they are not too alert while trying to sleep. 

Of course, there are various other aspects to a healthy lifestyle, including things like socialisation and leisure time. Just try to remember the phrase “everything in moderation” and your child should be fine! Stick to a consistent routine and be a good role model when it comes to things like exercising, eating healthy foods and going to bed at a reasonable time.