Looking for more ways to prepare for the return to school? If you're trying to cut pounds by cutting calories from lunches and keeping activity levels high, consider the weight added from ye olde backpack!
Kids can develop lots of aches and pains when they're loaded down with books, so check their bag when it's full of homework and gear. The pack should weigh no more than 10 - 15% of a child's weight. Grab a bag that has nice thick pads on the shoulder straps and make sure your kiddo knows to put the heaviest items closest to their body to help balance things out. Also consider a backpack with a waist strap to even the load, or better yet, a rolling pack like this one from L.L. Bean. I love the many patterns available and the price ain't bad considering the quality this company has offered for so long.
Other ideas:
- Shut down the system - the computer system, that is! Kids can develop neck and back pain, not to mention eye strain, from staring at a monitor for too long. Whether they are just IMing with new friends from school or working on homework, make sure they are taking a break no less than each hour. Teach them to sit at least 24" away from the screen as well.
- Last but not least, prepare for the earlier days a couple of weeks in advance. Set bedtime a bit earlier each night and wake everyone up earlier each morning, starting about two weeks prior to the start of classes. That way their bodies are ready to roll come the big First Day of School. Having issues with the earlier bedtime? Cut out caffeine in the evenings and try having your biggest meal at lunchtime, rather than dinner. This one's better on the digestive system and the waistline too - much more time for a big meal to settle and calories to burn off if it's served at lunch rather than an hour or two before bed!
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