If you’re thinking about homeschooling your kids, that’s great! Research shows that this can be an effective way to teach them what they need to learn in order to get into and succeed at college or even just to learn critical life skills early on. Besides, you can find high-quality tools such as software programs designed to support their academic progress.
However, there are some key health considerations you should be aware of as well, so you can make sure your child will have the best chance possible of thriving during their time in the classroom. Here are five health tips for successful homeschooling.
1) Get These Regular Checks
Eye strain is a common health issue that can happen from working on a computer all day. That’s why it’s important to make sure your children take frequent breaks and follow the 20/20/20 rule:
- Every 20 minutes
- Look at something 20 feet in the distance
- For 20 seconds
This can help remove pressure on the eyes. But it doesn’t replace eye checks with a professional!
Hearing checks are also key, especially for kids who use headphones as part of their lessons. Did you know that exposure to loud noises, such as setting the headphones on a high volume, is one of the main causes of hearing loss? So make sure you’re regular hearing checks too.
2) Practice Good Posture
Good posture is one of the most important aspects of a healthy homeschool environment. Poor posture can lead to back pain, increase the risk of eye strain, and even headaches which could all interfere with your child’s ability to learn. To make sure your child has a safe and comfortable learning experience, it is important to practice good posture when teaching them.
3) Eat Well
It’s important to keep the brain fueled so it can focus and learn. This means not only eating well but also avoiding unhealthy food. Here are a few tips on how you can keep your child’s diet healthy and give them enough power to go through their lesson:
- Plan breakfast! It fuels the brain in the morning and helps with concentration during homeschooling. Great breakfast choices include porridge and cooked eggs for a slow release of energy throughout the morning. It’s best to avoid sugar-loaded box cereals.
- Plan healthy snacks if they love snacks. High sugar and carbs treats are not helpful!
- Plan lunch breaks together, so they can relax and even help with the cooking.
4) Keep Hydrated
Keeping your kids hydrated is critical to ensure they get enough water and stay healthy. Consider setting a timer to remind them to drink, or try adding flavors such as fruit to the water to make things more interesting!
5) Spend Time Outside
It’s important to maintain a healthy balance between work and leisure when homeschooling. It’s also important to keep your kids focused by making sure they’re not spending too much time on the computer. Spending time outside can not only help relax the mind and make it easier to concentrate on their lessons, but it also serves a crucial mental health purpose. Spending time in nature promotes creativity and reduces stress, so make it a priority!
Homeschooling can be a life-changing experience for kids who struggle at school. But remember to teach them as well how to keep their days healthy!
