AD| How Do My Child’s Lifestyle Choices Affect their Education?

We’ve all had those nights where we just have to watch one more episode of that amazing show we’ve been binging on, and we find ourselves getting into bed way later than usual. Ever noticed the next day how your concentration seems to slip at the drop of a hat? That’s because sleep, amongst other things, plays such a huge role in productivity and general cognitive performance. It’s not just us adults who fall victim to this; our children’s lifestyles can also play a role in their productivity and concentration. I’ve teamed up with an independent school in London to investigate the link between our children’s lifestyle choices and their academic success.

Sleep

As already mentioned, a bad night’s sleep has the power to affect our mental ability the following day. Having your child stick to an agreed bedtime, that ensures they get a sufficient amount of rest will make a world of difference. You might want to consider reviewing their nighttime routine before they get to bed too. Studies have shown that the light from our electronic devices can have a negative impact on our sleep. Limiting screen time for an hour or two before bedtime has been shown to reduce this effect.

Nutrition

We are what we eat, as the saying goes. If your child tends to skip breakfast or has a bowl of sugar-laden, nutrient-void cereal before they leave the house in the morning, there may be a reason that their teacher reports their concentration starts to wane around mid-morning.

Starting the day with a filling, nutritious breakfast will assure their blood sugar levels remain steady and sees them through until lunchtime. This will lead to better concentration and avoid the inevitable ‘crash’ linked to sugary food.

Exercise

Not only is exercise great for contributing towards overall health, there are specific benefits that could support your child’s efforts in the classroom. Exercise is a known stress reliever and has a positive effect on the mind which can make tackling difficult topics seem more manageable. Exercise also encourages a healthier sleeping pattern which as mentioned, has numerous benefits for productivity. Find an activity your child loves as they will be more likely to stick to it and incorporate it into their day-to-day lifestyle.