Sleep
\nGetting enough sleep is essential for our physical, emotional and mental well-being. Sleep deprivation can affect our attention, concentration, memory, behaviour and makes us feel anxious, irritable, overactive, aggressive and depressed. Looking after a child who has a sleep problem can be exhausting\u00a0and have a significant impact on them and the whole family.<\/p>\n
Get more\u00a0healthy sleep tips for children
\nRoutines
\nIt\u2019s important to establish family routines that ensure good eating and sleeping habits. Plenty of good sleep and a healthy balanced diet are very important to your child\u2019s health and brain development.<\/p>\n
Routines also help children to become independent. They like to know what is going to happen and when, because it makes them feel that they have some sense of control. Children also learn healthy coping skills through structure and routine.<\/p>\n
A good bedtime routine means they\u2019re not tired ahead of a busy and exciting day.
\nFamily meals
\nBenefits include:<\/p>\n
\topportunities for family members to come together, strengthen connections and build better relationships
\n \tbuilding a sense of belonging which leads to better self esteem
\n \tparents can role model and set examples of healthy eating and polite table manners
\n \tobesity prevention. Research shows that people tend to eat less during family meals because they eat more slowly and talk more.<\/p>\n
Tips for eating more meals together:<\/p>\n
\tstart with small steps \u2013 increase the number of family meals by one each week
\n \tplan a menu for the week as a family and make a grocery list
\n \tget the children involved \u2013 let them help prepare the food or set the table
\n \twork as a family to clean up afterwards
\n \tturn off the TV and set rules for no screens or devices at the table or meal times.<\/p>\n
Feeling confident
\nMost schools will arrange a play session that your child can attend before starting school. You can also attend any Christmas or summer fayres before they start to help familiarise your child with the school facilities and associate it as a fun place to be.<\/p>\n
To help your child settle into to school ideally they will be able to:<\/p>\n
\tsay goodbye to their parent\/carer with confidence
\n \ttake turns and share when playing with others
\n \tbe happy to help and tidy their belongings<\/p>\n
Parenting courses
\nParenting courses in Buckinghamshire\u00a0cover a variety of topics from useful tips and coping strategies to dealing with challenging behaviours and building your confidence. Courses run for parents of children of all ages. Some specialise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities\u00a0(SEND).<\/p>\n
You can also\u00a0get advice and support\u00a0from Buckinghamshire Family Information Service.<\/p>\n
Find out more about\u00a0family learning courses for parents and carers<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"