IT is that time of year again, the long anticipated start of the school year.
Some of you may be old hands at this and some of you may be just about to send your first child off to school, either way we are here to give you some tips and tricks in dealing with what can be an emotional time and to provide some fresh new lunch box ideas.
When children eat well they behave better, are able to listen well and concentrate for longer.
Packing a healthy lunchbox will help children to learn and play well and be happy at school.
It is not everyone’s favourite task, though.
Here’s some suggestions to take the pressure off:
· Always pack a water bottle
· Do a test run at home – make sure your child is able to open containers and lunchboxes by themselves
· Add an ice brick to keep lunchbox contents safe to eat until lunchtime (especially on hot days)
· Try new lunchbox ideas on weekends to make sure your child likes them
· Include ‘everyday’ foods from across the core food groups – grain foods, vegetables, fruits, dairy or calcium-fortified alternatives, and meat or meat alternatives. Try to include a variety of foods, but some kids prefer the stability of having the same familiar foods in their lunchbox each day
· Pack a main lunch item: sandwiches are a great staple, or you could vary the bread to use wraps, pita pockets, mountain bread or fruit loaf. Leftovers could be an alternative, or try a slice of frittata, a homemade vegetable and cheese muffin, or homemade pizza
· Add some cut up vegetables such as carrots, cucumber, capsicum, cherry tomatoes or snap peas. Serve with cheese, dips such as hummus or tzatziki, or crackers
· Add some fresh fruit, or a tub of fruit packed in natural juice
· And include some snacks such as pikelets, yoghurt (this can be frozen), popcorn, rice crackers or wholemeal crispbread
· Invest in some containers to pack snacks, it is more economical to buy snack foods in larger packs and portion out yourself than it is to buy multi-packs
And when they get home from school “dying of hunger”:
· Some kids may be too busy playing or talking to stop and eat much during the school day, and may come home very hungry. Try to offer some nutritious everyday foods at afternoon snack time, such as fruit and yoghurt, cereal and milk, fruit smoothie, toast with peanut butter or a ‘toastie’, or a platter of vegies with dip and some cheese.
And don’t forget to hydrate with plenty of water, especially if heading off to after-school activities.
Are you nervous about the return to school or beginning of your child’s school career? Or are the kids getting nervous or anxious about what it means for them?
Check out these handy tips to help you prepare the whole family for a great start to the 2022 school year:
· Continuously remind your child of the fun memories of school they have of school and also about milestones to look forward to
· Remind them if they are returning to school that they get to see their friends again
· If your child is starting school remind them of how exciting it is to meet new people and make new friends- give them some conversation starters to arm themselves with.
Most children are shy or unsure of how to begin a conversation, give them some guidance on how to break the ice – saying hello, introducing themselves and asking another child their name are some great starting points- practice these conversations at home in the lead up to school
· Model a positive attitude about going back to school, or starting school.
· Establish a routine and start practicing
If your child exhibits anxiety symptoms, talk with them about how they are feeling.
Speak to their teacher to not only reassure you but also allow them to support your child and remember most of these feelings will often reduce once at school or once settled in after the first few weeks.
