Updated September 2026

As the school year kicks into gear, parents everywhere are looking for ways to ensure their children not only succeed academically but also thrive physically, mentally, and socially.

Whether your kids are starting at Sunnyside Elementary, attending Lafayette Jefferson High School, or heading to another school in the area, these seven practical tips will help them have a healthy school year.

 

Establish a Routine

Children often thrive on routine. Set regular times for waking up, meals, homework, play, and bedtime. A consistent schedule helps kids feel secure and manage their time well, and it protects the sleep they need to handle a demanding day.

This matters even more for middle and high schoolers. As course loads get heavier and extracurricular commitments multiply, teens often start sacrificing sleep to keep up. Help older kids build a realistic homework and activity schedule so sleep isn't the first thing to go.

As the school year progresses, check in to see if your routine is working for you and your kids. Don’t be afraid to change things up to make it a better fit for your family’s needs.

 

Plan Healthy Meals & Snacks

It’s no secret nutrition plays a vital role in your child’s ability to focus and perform well in school. Start their day with a nutritious breakfast that includes protein, whole grains, and fruits. If you pack a lunch, make sure it is balanced and that any snacks you send with your children have a variety of nutrients.

Growing kids need a lot of fuel, especially student athletes juggling practices, games, and long days at school. Busy schedules can often lead middle and high schoolers to skip meals entirely, so keep easy, protein-rich snacks on hand for the stretch between the final bell and evening activities. A quick check-in about what they actually ate that day can go a long way toward catching nutrition gaps before they become a pattern.

It’s also important to encourage all ages to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Give them a water bottle they can keep with them as they go about their day and consider replacing sugary drinks they typically have during lunch with water.

 

Keep an Eye on Their Mental Health

Mental health is as important as physical health and has just as many elements that impact it. Look out for signs of stress, anxiety, or depression, such as changes in behavior, sleep patterns, or academic performance, especially in your middle and high school students.

Middle and high schoolers face pressures that younger kids simply don't. They have more schoolwork, and the social landscape becomes more complicated right as puberty is reshaping how they think and feel. Watch specifically for withdrawal from friends or family, sudden drops in grades, changes in friend groups, or irritability that seems out of character. These shifts don't always mean something is wrong, but they're worth a gentle, unhurried conversation rather than a pointed interrogation.

Create an open and supportive environment where they feel comfortable discussing their feelings. It’s crucial that they are able to share what is going on in a judgment-free space. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Encourage self-care and self-awareness practices like mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or journaling to help them manage stress.

 

Be Mindful of Screen Time & Social Media

In today's digital age, managing screen time is crucial. Too much of it can lead to various issues, including sleep disruption, decreased physical activity, and mental health challenges. Set clear guidelines for screen use, encourage breaks, and promote other activities such as reading, outdoor play, or hobbies.

For older students, it’s also important to acknowledge the potential impacts and dangers of social media and other online platforms. Constant comparison, the pressure to stay constantly available to friends, and the risk of cyberbullying can all weigh on a teen's mental health in ways that are easy for parents to miss. Have an open discussion about this and help guide them on safe, responsible online behavior.

 

Read with Them Every Day

Reading at home is just as important as in school. Reading with your children not only improves their literacy, language, and cognitive skills but also strengthens your bond with them.

Set aside time each day to read together, whether it’s a book, magazine, or even an interesting article. By making reading a fun activity you do together, you can make literacy a part of their daily routine and something they look forward to rather than dread as some children do. This habit fosters a love of reading, enhances comprehension, and expands their vocabulary, all of which are crucial for academic success.

Reading habits look different once kids reach middle and high school, and that's okay. Graphic novels, sports biographies, and even well-written magazine articles all count, and letting teens choose their own material tends to matter more than the format. If your teen sees you reading for enjoyment, they are more likely to make time for it themselves.

 

Encourage Them to Get Involved

Extracurricular activities can be influential in your child’s development. Activities such as band, art, and sports can teach them a variety of skills outside of the classroom—including empathy, respect, effective communication, and other social skills. Plus, programs that involve movement or exercise can keep them physically active and healthy throughout the school year.

Encourage your child to get involved in one or more activities and even consider joining parent-child programs together to give them access to new experiences and the opportunity to learn new things.

For older kids, the challenge is more often knowing when to stop adding things. Overscheduled teens can end up just as stressed as those with nothing to do, so pay attention to how your teen's activities affect their sleep, mood, and grades. A season or two of trying something new is valuable, but so is unstructured downtime, and both deserve a place on the calendar.

 

Get Involved at School Yourself

Being involved in your child’s school life shows that you care about what is going on in their life. Attend parent-teacher meetings, volunteer for school events, or join the PTA.

Involvement looks different once kids hit middle and high school. Teens are building independence, and that's a healthy part of growing up, so staying involved might mean showing up to games and concerts, keeping an open line of email with teachers, or simply asking specific questions about their day instead of general ones.

Your involvement helps you stay informed about their academic progress and any issues they might face. It also demonstrates to your child that you are committed to their education and well-being.

 

Finding the best ways to help your kids have a healthy school year involves a holistic approach that includes more than focusing on physical health. It means paying attention to sleep, nutrition, mental health, and connection, and adjusting your approach as your kids grow into their teenage years.

Need help finding the right balance? The Lafayette Family YMCA offers after-school programs, youth sports, and family activities throughout the school year for families looking for extra support along the way!

 

The Lafayette Family YMCA is a community dedicated to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website here.