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The morning rush—all parents have been there. Getting the kids up, dressed, fed, washed and over to school on time can sometimes feel like a marathon. Even more so if parents themselves have to be prepared for their own day. People tend to want the best for their children, which goes even further than just the morning rush. Helping with homework, reading with them and attending parent-teacher conferences are all the usual ways that parents help their kids get through the school year. Some parents even download educational apps or hire tutors.
These are undoubtedly useful ways to be involved in your child’s education, but when considering ways in which to help children prepare adequately every day for school there are two important actions that parents often overlook. Both have been shown to help with school performance and in obtaining higher attainment levels, but sometimes ensuring that they are part of a daily routine is difficult: one is eating breakfast, and the other is adequate sleep levels.
Skipping breakfast can leave children hungry and unable to concentrate in class and interferes with information retention. One study that took place over three years showed that a daily breakfast actually improved math and reading scores, and also had a positive effect on behavior and tardiness. That’s great news, but sometimes it’s difficult to squeeze in a sufficient breakfast every morning when parents are focused on trying to get ready for work themselves whilst also spending time ensuring that their children are up out of bed, dressed suitably and have everything they need for the day.
However, it is probably worth waking up fifteen minutes earlier each day to find the time to give your child a small bowl of cereal or a slice of toast. Adding in yogurt or some peanut butter will quickly add extra nutrients and help to set them up better for the day. Chopping up fruit or boiling eggs at the start of the week are also easy ways to save time in the mornings, freeing up time for parents to get ready. Alternatively, those who take the car to school could keep a stash of easily transportable foods, such as cereal bars and bananas for their kids to enjoy during the journey. These methods will help to prepare your child more adequately for the learning that will take place, and also help to create a more balanced nutritional intake over the course of the day.
Sleep is another critical component that can affect learning. It’s no huge secret that tiredness can affect performance and motivation, but too little sleep can have negative effects on memory and behavior as well. Some research has shown that tiredness can affect academic performance in children, and that constant sleep deprivation can lead to health problems too.
Age is a determinant for how many hours of sleep a child requires, but it is important for parents to consider their child on an individual basis and remain aware of sleep patterns and tiredness levels. In doing this, parents can ensure that their child gets the sleep they need to be fully prepared for learning during the school day.
Of course, this is often easier said than done, especially for parents of older children. Some ways to help ensure that each child gets enough rest is to first develop a nighttime routine that falls within a consistent timeframe. Parents should also be sure that electronic devices are not used for the last 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime as they are known stimulants. Encourage a shower or bath and some quiet reading time to help with relaxation and ensure that bedrooms are kept at a comfortable temperature.
While giving children enough rest and a morning breakfast are simple, almost primal, actions, their importance for success in school is often overlooked. Incorporating them into daily routines will help to better set your child up for their day and may prove to be what makes the difference.
The research involved with this article was provided by Matt Jarvis in his 2005 book: The Psychology of Effective Learning and Teaching.
