Peninsula Pediatrics

Author: Splash Creative

Instilling Good Homework Habits in Kids

Posted on by Splash Creative

It’s back-to-school season and children will be adjusting to new routines, classrooms, and getting back into doing homework and studying for tests again. It’s common for kids to struggle with the transition from relaxing at home upon their return from school to completing their homework. But, instilling good homework habits in children from the start of the new school year can set them up for homework success for the entire year. We have tips to guide families on supporting their kids with their homework. 

If your child is showing resistance to doing their homework, it’s important to identify the cause of this resistance. Perhaps your child feels that their homework is too challenging or they have difficulty with concentration. In this case, it can be helpful to let them know that you are there to help. That doesn’t mean that you will be doing their homework for them, but you can certainly guide them and teach them skills for managing their work load. For example, some organization skills can come in handy such as creating a check list of all the homework items that need to be completed and breaking down the homework into small chunks to help with focusing on one task at a time. 

When your child is struggling with how to do their homework, you’ll want to teach them how to figure out the answers on their own rather than provide the answers for them. Guide them on where they can find the lesson in their textbook that will provide them the information they need to complete their homework or help them brainstorm ideas to get them started on an essay they may need to write. Ask them questions that can help them generate ideas or get them into the right thought process. Just knowing that you are there to support them can make their homework feel less daunting and motivate them to get it done. 

Some kids have problems with concentration and this is especially the case for children with ADHD or learning challenges. What can help improve focus is designating a homework space within the household that is quiet and free of distractions. Keep electronic devices like the TV, laptops, and smartphones away, with the exception of these devices being needed for their homework. Another tip for helping with concentration is encouraging your child to take breaks when they need to, especially if it’s hard for them to focus for a long period of time. Simple movement and physical activities like a short walk for five minutes can make a significant difference and free any tension your child might have around their homework. An energy-boosting snack can also be helpful, such as an apple or banana. 

If your child remains overwhelmed with doing their homework every day after school, remind them that it can take some time to develop their homework habits but it’s something that gets easier once they’ve built the discipline they need. Knowing that it won’t always be so difficult can boost your child’s confidence and motivation. If your child is still struggling with focus because of ADHD or another learning disability, know that we are here to help. Call our office to speak to our pediatrician who can provide your family with the right resources. 



Why Breakfast is So Important and How to Encourage Your Kids to Eat a Healthy Morning Meal

Posted on by Splash Creative

It’s often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and that is indeed true! Unfortunately, breakfast is skipped by many children, especially when they return to school. As kids will be adjusting to a new routine and perhaps getting up earlier for school than they did during the summer, they might not prioritize having their morning meal. But, breakfast is essential for providing the body with energy after a night of fasting. The benefits also include help in concentration, academic performance, the ability to perform physical activities such as sports, and maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, breakfast boosts memory and brain function and lowers the risk of metabolic conditions like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. 

Start the new school year with breakfast becoming a part of your child’s daily routine. If your child has a hard time getting up early enough and prefers to snooze in the morning, this is usually because they’re going to bed too late. Adolescents in particular have a challenge of waking up early as their circadian rhythm (the body’s internal clock) delays their sleep cycle. Thus, it’s important to encourage your kids to stick to an early bed time each night and avoid using electronic devices within an hour of their bed time. Electronic devices can keep kids awake at night, especially as the light from these devices have a stimulating effect. Have your child do something relaxing or engage in light exercise before going to bed as these can help put them to sleep.

Another tip for encouraging children to eat breakfast is to eat together as a family when possible. Kids are more likely to stick to a breakfast routine when the entire family does it together. It’s also an opportunity to serve as a role model for your children. Some families might be crunched for time in the morning, but there are ways to streamline the process. Prepare breakfast the night before so that you don’t have to be in a rush in the morning. You can also choose simple and quick to prepare breakfasts such as cereal, oatmeal, or grain toast with peanut butter, hummus, or avocado. 

On days that your kids do not wake up early for breakfast and are in a rush, give them a breakfast snack that they carry on the go or take with them on the bus. It is still better to eat something in the morning, even if it’s small, than nothing at all. Great snacks to eat on the go are energy bars, fruit and nuts, yogurt, or a whole grain bagel. It is always more ideal to eat breakfast at home together as a family, however, and it is also important to have a well-balanced morning meal that is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. This will help sustain them for several hours until they have lunch in school. 

If your child has trouble with sleep or if you have any questions or concerns about their diet, contact our office to speak to our pediatrician.

Growing Your Children’s Skills During Summer

Posted on by Splash Creative

As kids enjoy their summer break, it’s important that they also maintain and grow their skills so that they’re prepared for the new school year ahead. You can help them set routines and participate in activities that will not only keep them learning but also make it fun so it doesn’t feel like a boring chore! We have tips to encourage your children to grow their physical, mental, and emotional skills. 

Physical activity is essential for children as it strengthens their body and helps keep them at a healthy weight. It also teaches your kids valuable skills. For example, when kids play sports, they learn teamwork, coordination, and problem-solving. It is recommended that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, so try to engage your kids in activities and games that they like, i.e. roller blading, bike riding, soccer, baseball, etc. Swimming, in particular, is a great sport for kids to learn because they also develop water survival skills that can protect them from drowning. 

In addition to physical activity, it’s also good for kids to spend time outdoors and in nature. Consider taking walks with them and point things out to spark their curiosity. A walk in nature can enhance children’s understanding of their environment and develop language skills as they learn how to describe their observations. You can also play fun games with young children like having them count the number of animals or trees they see to maintain mathematical skills.

Indoor activities during the summer are beneficial too. Encourage your children’s creativity by having them draw or paint pictures, using clay or Play-Doh to make art, learning how to play an instrument, or participating in games like charades and dance challenges. Creativity can strengthen academic skills and improve your child’s learning abilities for when they start or go back to school. It is also recommended that kids spend time reading books. Reading teaches kids new vocabulary, grammar, and writing, introduces them to world and life concepts, and grows their language and cognitive abilities. It’s an important skill to maintain during summer vacation so that they are ready for a more advanced level of reading when they begin the next new grade in school.

Another fun way to enrich your children’s learning is to take them to a museum. Going to the museum is a great opportunity for education while also being an interactive and engaging experience for kids to learn new topics or retain knowledge of things they learned in school. There are also a variety of summer camps and classes for kids to spend time out of the house, interact with their peers, and build relationships. Try to find workshops and camps that suit your kids’ interests, i.e. art, music, STEM (Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering), etc. 

We also recommend doing things at home together as a family like cooking meals and baking. Cooking engages your children’s senses as they get to explore different tastes, smells, and food textures. It’s an opportunity to teach kids about nutrition and healthy habits as well. Make sure to talk about the different food groups and ways to balance them as you create recipes together. 

Remember, learning can be fun and done through enriching activities that inspire your kids to continue building their skills so that they are prepared and ready to start the new school year!