Sustenance, Screen Time & Sleep: Where do you draw the line for your children

Recent studies have shown that children are highly susceptible to sleep disruption from screen-based media use and exposure, far more so than adults. The majority of research reveals that more digital media use is linked poorer sleep quality for children whose eyes, brains, and sleep patterns are still forming. But, as parents, it can be hard to know where to draw the line. In this increasingly digital age, banning all electronics from our homes seems pretty unrealistic. Do not fret, help is on the way!

We believe that children thrive when they develop a strong sense of self, belonging and purpose. These three elements of wellbeing are just as important as exercise, reading and eating right; they help children learn to care for others, develop resilience and problem-solve in their families and communities. As part of our on-going commitment to improving communication with our parent community, we would like to invite you to a Mindful Monday session focusing on healthy lifestyle and wellbeing for children.

The session will cover nutrition, fitness, screen time, social media and healthy sleep and its impact on physical and mental development. We are aware that with increasingly hectic schedules for children and adults alike, it can be difficult to find adequate time for all these needs to be met on a regular basis. We will be looking at strategies and tips to promote healthy lifestyles for children that will benefit them physically, emotionally and academically.

When children are young, parents and other caregivers are responsible for providing an environment that helps them maintain a lifestyle that is beneficial to their health. In this Mindful Monday workshop, we will explore ways that you can help improve wellbeing for your whole family.

• We will look at healthy nutrition choices including how nutrition affects children’s physical and mental development, taking a close look at food groups and portion size.
• We will look into exercise and ways to get children more active in an increasingly sedative world in which we live.
• We will look at the effects of sleep on child development. We know that making sure families get enough sleep isn’t easy, especially with parents working longer hours, more elaborate after-school activities, bedrooms full of cool electronics, and the pressure to pack more into every day.
• We will look at social media, the impact it can have on wellbeing and ways to manage this with children.

Book your seat now to attend this free parent workshop on Monday, November 4th, 2019, from 8:00am to 9:00 am at the Regent International School Canteen.