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