As the new school year is approaching, it might be time to get children back into a routine for getting ready to go to school.

Iowa State University Extension Human Sciences Food and Health Specialist Renee Sweers says having a steady, repeat bedtime for adequate sleep helps with better concentration, physical health and a reduction of disease risks for everyone, but getting enough sleep is especially important for youth.

“And then when we’re thinking of our children, who are growing and developing, and now we’re expecting them to concentrate all day at school, it really is critical.”

Sweers notes that elementary kids should get 9-12 hours of sleep and teens are recommended to get 8-10 hours. She describes another way that parents and guardians can set their youth up for success is making sure they eat breakfast before they leave for school and go over all the options.

“Does that mean you’re going to eat (breakfast) at school? Does that mean we need to have some things that are really quick for us to be able to grab? And kind of include the student into that planning will probably help it be successful.”  

Sweers adds that these conversations can happen with any school-aged kid because it gets them engaged and lets them make decisions of what they want to do.