Parents urged to adopt healthy habits for back-to-school season

Registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner recommends families ease into the school year by gradually shifting bedtime and wake‑up times, limiting screen use an hour before sleep, and adding a brief morning routine of dynamic stretches to boost alertness. She also advises a balanced breakfast that pairs high‑quality protein with colorful vegetables, such as broccoli‑cheddar egg muffins, to sustain energy throughout the day.

A separate guide offers a practical checklist for parents: reset sleep schedules, confirm uniforms, transport and school details, and pack bags the night before. Centralising school information in a family calendar or notes app, preparing meals and supplies in the evening, and assigning age‑appropriate responsibilities to children can further reduce September stress and create a smoother first‑week routine.