The new school year is just beginning and with its start comes a perfect opportunity to put in place some initiatives that will make going “Back to School” easier for you and your child. Marilou Rochford, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) Educator, provides some tips to help make this a successful school year.
First, put good sleep habits in place. Rochford says, “Research shows getting enough sleep is important to your child’s performance in school.” She adds, “ In order to make sure your child is getting enough sleep and is prepared for the earlier start of the school day, gradually set back their summer bedtime to make the transition easier.”
Second, designate a space and time for homework. According to Rochford, by selecting a place in the house for homework, daily decision making and excuses are eliminated. It is recommended, that the space chosen has plenty of light and few distractions – no televisions, computers, cell phones etc. Consistency is also important, so, set the time when homework is to be done each day.
Third, healthy habits go a long way. Keep your children active during the school year by adding physical activity to their daily routine, such as a family walk. Rochford recommends, “It is also important to provide your child with a healthy school lunch that consists of a protein, fruits, vegetables and water.”
Fourth, staying on track is key to a successful year. Keep a family event calendar to remind you and your child of after school activities and special events. Additionally, make sure to schedule time to go to the library and for other things that might arise during the school year.
FCHS offers a variety of nutrition and wellness programs throughout the year. Also, FCHS is a resource for information on many issues that families face. For more information, please call 465-5115, ext. 609. Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County is located at 355 Court House-South Dennis Road, Cape May Court House, New Jersey.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County helps both youth and adults improve their knowledge and skills, enhance their quality of life, and resolve problems in areas of food, nutrition, health and wellness; food safety; agriculture; environmental and natural resource management; and youth development. This is accomplished through the use of science-based knowledge and university research. Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an education organization within the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey and is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.
Contact: Marilou Rochford, MA, CFLE, FCHS Educator at 465-5115 ext. 609