The holiday is over
After the long summer holidays it’s time for many of us to send our children off to school or nursery, whether for the first time or for a ‘return visit’. As a mum myself, I know all about the ups, downs, tantrums and bumps and scrapes that inevitably follow, so here are a few pointers to help make every kid’s first term at school a happy and naturally healthy one.
Walk, walk, walk!
Walk the kids to school as often as possible. That way, your children don’t get into the habit of sitting in the back of a car playing with their Game Boy or arguing with a sibling. There are many advantages to walking apart from the obvious physical benefits. The fresh air and exercise boosts the immune system and helps to stimulate the brain for the school day ahead. Personally, I also love it as a good bonding activity; walking to school hand in hand chatting away. You’d be amazed at some of the discussions you can have about your little one’s take on the world around them. Also, as mums with older kids know, they’ll not want to hold our hand forever and will soon be walking 10 metres ahead!
Mornings may be hectic but getting up a little earlier is really worth it for the exercise, health and time spent together. If you’re not able to do it every day, try every other day, or if you live more than 15 minutes walk away from the school, why not drive part of the way, park, and then walk the rest?
Warm up their mind
As you walk to school, why not get their little grey cells ticking by playing games? My kids love to play ‘count the birds and the trees’, 'I spy or ‘read signs’. This develops their observational skills and encourages an interest in the world around them. It also takes their minds off the actual walking and reduces the cries of “how much further?”
Be prepared
It’s all going so well: they’re breathing the fresh air; their minds are active; when WHAP! TUMBLE! The Kerb Monster gets them! To prevent them arriving at the school in tears and with a bleeding knee, always make sure you’ve got some First Aid bits handy in your bag; antiseptic wipes, ointment and plasters.
Energy booster
You’ll be amazed how hungry they can be when they finish school. It’s a good idea to have slices of apple, grapes, raisins or a cereal bar for the little ‘Hungry Horaces’ to munch on the way home. It gives them an energy boost and makes them less grouchy too!
Know the lay of the land
It’s a good idea to talk to your kids about what they should do if they need the toilet or a drink of water when they’re at school. On the first day, you can normally show them where the toilets are and their own peg to hang their coat (this peg becomes their territory!). If the school allows, it’s a good idea to give them a bottle of water to keep their body and minds hydrated throughout the day.
For more fun games to play on the walk to school and other ‘naturally good’ pointers including First Aid tips, visit the Dr Greenfingers website. During October, visitors to the site can register for a box of FREE ANTISEPTIC WIPES worth £3.95 (excluding P&P) to help ensure you are prepared for these little mishaps!