Healthy Habits to Help Your Kids Have a Great School Year

It’s that time of year again! The kids are getting ready to head back to school, and parents are trying to get their routines in order. Now is the time to start establishing healthy family routines to ensure your kids start the year off on the right foot. From practicing healthy backpack wearing to setting a consistent sleep routine, small changes can make a big impact on your child’s physical, mental, and emotional health.

At Kennedy Chiropractic Center of Wauwatosa, Dr. Corinne Kennedy helps individuals and families live healthy lives with expert chiropractic services. Did you know chiropractic goes far beyond spinal adjustments? In addition to traditional chiropractic techniques, Dr. Kennedy can advise and consult with you on healthy nutrition, movement, and sleep habits to help you feel your best every day. Contact Kennedy Chiropractic today to learn more.

Keep reading for our top tips to help your kids have a healthy school year.

Hack Backpack Wearing

One way to help your kids have a healthy school year is by practicing healthy backpack wearing. A heavy, incorrectly positioned backpack can contribute to back and neck pain, headaches, and even posture problems. Help your kids avoid these issues by following these tips:

• Choose the right backpack. A backpack should be made of lightweight material and have wide, adjustable straps that offer a connection around the waist.
• Pack lightly. A backpack should be no more than 10% of your child’s body weight — preferably much less. If your child consistently carries a backpack that is too heavy for them, talk to their teacher about ways to lighten the load.
• Pack strategically. The heaviest items in your child’s backpack should be packed closest to the child’s back and the backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline.
• Lift properly. When putting on or taking off a backpack, your child should always use both hands and bend at the knees – not at the waist.
• Disinfect regularly. Backpacks spend a lot of time on the floor. Make a practice of helping your child wipe down their backpack with a disinfecting wipe each day when they get home. Once a month (or more), run the backpack through the washing machine.

Set a Sleep Routine

Another important tip is to establish a consistent sleep routine. Getting enough sleep is crucial for kids’ health and well-being, and it can be tough to get enough during the school year. Try setting a bedtime that works for your family and sticking to it as much as possible — even on the weekends. You might also want to consider limiting screen time before bed so that your kids can wind down more easily.

Have a Healthy Start to the Day

Starting the day with a healthy breakfast is another great way to help your kids have a healthy school year. A balanced breakfast consisting of healthy carbs, protein, and fat, will give them the energy they need to focus and learn during the day. If you are short on time in the morning, consider meal prepping on Sundays. Homemade smoothies (try spinach, pineapple, and plain yogurt – yum!), oatmeal bakes, or even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with an apple are all quick and healthy breakfasts your kids will (hopefully) love.

Consider Chiropractic

If you’re looking for a way to help your child feel their best physically, consider adding a monthly chiropractic adjustment to their health care routine. Regular chiropractic care can help kids (and adults!) feel their best by reducing inflammation, relieving joint pressure, improving posture and mobility, and keeping their nervous system functioning properly. Call Kennedy Chiropractic today to learn more.

At Kennedy Chiropractic, we are committed to helping families in Wauwatosa and the surrounding area achieve optimal health and wellness. We offer a variety of services that can benefit your whole family, from pediatric chiropractic care to nutritional counseling. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you have a healthy school year!