Back-To-School Boost

Wellness Tips to Keep Your Family Feeling Great from the Bus Stop to Bedtime

BY AUDREY SELLERS

It’s that time of year again: Alarm clocks are back, school buses are rolling, and your family is adjusting to a new routine. Getting back into the swing of things after summer takes more than just school supplies. It’s also a great time to reset your family’s wellness habits. Here are a few practical ways you can help your family kick off the school year feeling balanced and energized.

Ease back in. A week before school starts, start implementing earlier bedtimes and screen-time cutoffs. You could also do a test run of your morning routine to make the first day of school a little smoother.

Check in with your pediatrician. Make sure your kids are up to date on school-required vaccines. Remember flu shots and other recommended boosters. It’s a simple way to keep your kids and community healthy.

Get back to breakfast. During the lazy days of summer, your kids may have helped themselves when it came to breakfast. With school back in session, refocus on starting the day with a healthy meal. Prep smoothie packs or overnight oats the night before. You could also make your kids “breakfast captains” and have them take turns choosing what’s for breakfast.

Make hydration easier. Your kids know where to grab the chips and other snacks — make sure it’s just as easy to grab a water bottle. Try keeping a stash of clean water bottles near the door or in the kitchen for kids to fill up and go.

Reach for magnesium. A warm magnesium bath or supplement (after checking with your doc) may help kids and teens sleep deeper and feel less anxious. Magnesium helps relax muscles, calm the nervous system, and promote more restful sleep — all things especially useful during the busy back-to-school season.

Make movement part of the routine. After a summer of lounging, it’s easy to fall into the habit of less activity. Before the back-to-school hustle begins, start moving more. Have your teen walk the dog before school, do some family stretches before bed, or work in some calf raises while brushing your teeth. These little bursts of activity can help everyone feel more grounded and focused.

Set a foundation for success. You might already pack lunches or have your kids lay out their outfits the night before but, remember to add a little time for mental preparation. Talk through the next day’s schedule and let your kids voice any concerns they may have. Reassure them they can handle whatever comes their way.

Back-to-school season can feel frenzied at times, but with these wellness tips, you can help your whole family feel more grounded. A little preparation and self-care for everyone can make all the difference in starting the year off right.  

ASK THESE FEEL-GOOD QUESTIONS AFTER SCHOOL

Open, low-pressure communication is a big part of family wellness. It helps kids feel connected and supported, even on the busiest of days. Try swapping out the usual, “How was your day?” with some fun conversation starters. Here are a few ideas to try during car rides, at dinner, or when your kids are winding down at night:

1. What made you laugh today?

2. Was anything harder than you expected?

3. How did you show kindness today?

4. Did anyone surprise you, in a good way or weird way?

5. What was the most interesting thing you heard today?

6. What song matches your mood right now?

7. Did you learn anything you didn’t expect to?

8. What are you most excited about for tomorrow?

9. 
   

The goal isn’t a full debrief but rather a chance to casually chat. Over time, these little check-ins build trust and make room for the big conversations when they really matter.