Health Experts Give Parents a Few Back to School Tips

GREER. S.C. (WSPA) – As parents, teachers and students get back in their school year routine, Spartanburg Regional health experts said to remember the impact these three things: a regular bed time, limited screen time and a healthy diet.

Arguably the most important of the three according to Doctor Kristen Landy, is a consistent sleep schedule.

“It is vital especially for younger kids. In order to keep them on track with growth and development just make sure they stick to that routine especially when it comes to sleep,” said Dr. Landy.

She said this means going to bed at the same time every night, limiting their screen time especially before bed and waking up at the same time everyday.

Landy said the more screen time a child has the higher the chance of anxiety, depression and difficulty sleeping they may have. She said these factors can compound to hurt your child’s overall growth and development.

Both Dr. Landy and registered dietitian Kerri Stewart said most parents know what they should be doing, it is implementing it into their daily routines that may be difficult.

One thing Steart said can help parents is meal prepping. “When I think about breakfast or just fueling our families in general, I think “B” is for breakfast, “B” is batch cooking. Anytime we can make something in a large quantity and then just reheat it over the course of the mornings, it makes it so much easier,” said Stewart.

Another tip Stewart gave was to involve children in the kitchen. “When they’re choosing what recipes and they are helping to choose even something as simple as what vegetable they want, what fruit they want, they feel empowered by that. They are a lot more likely to eat it,” explained Stewart.

Stewart said a good goal for children is five fruits and vegetables a day. That being said, she said using breakfast and snacks as an opportunity to get in more nutritious foods is crucial.

Experts also said not to forget to send your kid with a water bottle and sunscreen while temperatures are still high and to make an appointment for annual physicals.

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