Starting back at school after a wonderful summer break can be draining on energy levels. It is really important over the next few weeks that your child is well hydrated throughout the day, so they remain alert, feel comfortable and get the most out of their time in the classroom.
We recommend your child brings a reusable water bottle to school and frequently refills it during the day. There are chilled water filters for the students located around the school, as well as water fountains and taps for refilling water bottles. Fruit and vegetables have a high water content, which contributes to daily liquid intake, as well as providing additional fibre and nutrients. This is an efficient way to increase fluid intake. Seasonal examples are watermelon, cucumber and tomatoes, all of which are readily available and reasonably priced at this time of year.
If your child struggles to eat breakfast before school, encourage them to include additional food when they make their lunch, that they could eat prior to school or at interval. Planning and preparing what they will eat during the day develops feelings of responsibility and independence in your child and can be an opportunity to learn more about food and its role in their body. However if your child purchases lunch at school, we have a wonderful new canteen provider who has an excellent range of healthy and affordable food options for sale.
Inspiration for school lunches can be challenging, however there are many websites you can encourage your child to access which provide ideas for healthy snacks and school lunches, I have listed a few below:
https://www.nutritionfoundation.org.nz/nutrition-facts/healthy-eating-for-all-ages/Teenagers-2
From Elizabeth Beaumont, TIC Food Technology
