Our local school board along with the HKPR District Health Unit and OPP are sending a few tips for local parents. In a recent newsletter, information about mental health, digital citizenship and healthy eating was highlighted. They’re encouraging parents to talk to their kids about ‘netiquette’ and to not be a cyber-bully. A few tips for reducing bedtime stress include turning off electronics and developing a bedtime pattern so children resist less when it’s time for sleep.

You can find more tips in the newsletter, found below.

Health Eating:

  • Pick a variety of foods from each of the four food groups
  • Enjoy vegetables, fruit and whole grain products like whole grain breads and cereals
  • Choose lower-fat dairy products, leaner meats and foods prepared with little or no added fat, sugar and salt
  • Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight by enjoying health eating and being physically active on a regular basis
  • Drink water regularly

Reducing bedtime stress:

  • Develop a regular sleep schedule
  • Develop a bedtime pattern that is the same every night and include calm and enjoyable activities with one-on-one time to keep up communication with your child
  • Set up a soothing sleep environment.
  • Be sure to set clear limits, such as what time lights must be turned off and how many bedtime stories you will read
  • Turn off televisions, computers, and radios

Practicing digital citizenship:

  • Teach your children to use proper netiquette and not be a cyber bully
  • Encourage them to speak up if they or someone they know is a victim of cyber bullying
  • A good resource for young people to access is Kids Help Phone