WANT EVEN MORE HEALTHY IDEAS FROM SHAPE YOUR FUTURE?
As the ice melts and the days grow longer, the end of the school year is quickly approaching. There’s only one major obstacle standing between you and summer vacation: state testing. It sounds intimidating, but with just a little help, your kids’ confidence and readiness will be through the roof!
Here are 5 tips to set your kiddos up for success on test day.
Get Plenty of Sleep
A good night’s sleep is one of the most valuable tools your children can have when the big day rolls around. Prioritizing a healthy sleep schedule throughout the week will help them feel refreshed, recharged and focused. Here’s how to prep the night before testing.
- Turn off the blue light. Watching TV or using tablets and phones right before bed can make for a restless night of sleep and be hard on kids’ eyes. Put away the electronics 1–2 hours before bedtime and choose reading, meditation or quiet time instead.
- Avoid sugary drinks. The day before the big exam, encourage your children to ditch the soda, juice boxes and sports drinks. This will ensure that all caffeine and added sugars will be out of their system come bedtime, and they’ll have an easier time falling asleep.
Eat a Good Breakfast
Once your child wakes up refreshed from a restful night’s sleep, fuel their body and brain with a healthy and nutritious breakfast! Hunger can be a major distraction when trying to focus. Avoid the tummy grumbles with these recipe ideas.
- Healthy Egg Bites: For something quick your child can eat on their way out the door, whip up these egg bites. Add their favorite veggie, protein or cheese to ensure they’ll gobble up every last bite!
- Overnight Oats: The best thing about overnight oats is in the name: You make them the night before! If you’re worried about a time crunch, this recipe is perfect for you. Add fruit, peanut butter or spices for a little extra flavor!
- Breakfast Quesadilla: These breakfast quesadillas are sure to fill up any kid! Whip up this eggy recipe for a breakfast that’s sure to fight off hunger until lunch.
Pack Healthy Snacks
Hungry bellies can really throw a wrench into test day, so ask your kid’s teacher if snacks are allowed. Here are a few lunchbox-friendly ideas to get them through the morning:
- Clementines
- Whole grain crackers
- Carrot sticks
- Apple slices
- Grapes
- Water
Get Physical
Getting some exercise may seem strange during such a hectic week, especially if your kiddo is buried in the textbooks. However, getting in a little movement the week of their state assessment will benefit them. They’ll sleep better, have more drive and be able to focus longer. Here are a few ways to encourage your kids to move:
- Spend time outdoors. If the spring weather cooperates, play outside! Run, color with sidewalk chalk or ride bikes to take full advantage of the sunny evenings.
- Take a walk after dinner. Set aside time with the whole family to go on an evening walk. It will help your food settle and get your heart rate up.
- Try some workout videos. These videos are a great way to get active in just a few minutes. Choose one or two to expend some energy in the afternoon!
Stay Positive
Your kiddo is a reflection of you. If you are worried about the test, your kids will be able to tell. Be encouraging and open with them about what the tests are and why it’s important to prepare. This will help keep their nerves at bay and set them up for success. On behalf of Shape Your Future, have a great week and wish your kids good luck!
For more healthy breakfast ideas, check out these recipes — and for more tips to encourage a healthy lifestyle, head on over to the blog page!