5 Simple Things to Do Before the First Day of School

By Stephanie Ray, ND, Naturopath, Chinese Herbalist & Mom

The backpacks are coming out, schedules are filling up, and those easy summer mornings are about to change.

Before the first day of school, a few simple habits can help get kids and teens ready for the busier days ahead.

Here’s the back-to-school checklist:

☐ Get Sleep Back on Schedule

Summer usually means later nights. Start shifting bedtime and wake-up time before school begins.

Kids ages 6–12: 9–12 hours
Teens: 8–10 hours

Sleep is when the body gets important time to restore and repair. A consistent sleep schedule also makes those first early school mornings a little easier.

☐ Start the Day with Lemon Water

After a full night of sleep, give the body water first.

Try:

Fresh lemon

• water

• a little maple syrup or honey*

It hydrates and provides naturally occurring vitamin C and plant compounds. Simple enough to make it a morning habit.

*Honey for children over 1 year old.

☐ Get Vitamin C in Every Day

Vitamin C is one of the nutrients the immune system uses every day.

Think berries, citrus, kiwi, peppers and broccoli. NDF Immune® and All Systems Glow® also provide vitamin C along with other nutrients and plant compounds.

The goal isn't to make another thing complicated. Just make vitamin C part of the everyday routine.

☐ Make Sure They're Pooping.

The intestines are the first line of defense, which is why healthy digestion and regular elimination are so important.

If things have slowed down, look at water, whole foods, fiber and movement before the school schedule gets busy.

☐ Have NDF Immune® Ready

Back-to-school is a good time to make sure NDF Immune® is in the cabinet.

Use it when you notice the first signs your child needs extra help—a tickle in the throat, thicker mucus, tiredness or body discomfort.

Ready for Back to School?

☐ Sleep schedule
☐ Lemon water
☐ Daily vitamin C
☐ Regular bowel movements
☐ NDF Immune® in the cabinet

Five simple things to put in place now, so they're already part of the routine when school begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prepare my child’s immune system for back to school?

Start with the basics: consistent sleep, good hydration, whole foods, daily vitamin C and regular bowel movements. Having NDF Immune® on hand can also give kids extra help when they need it.

How much sleep do kids and teens need for a healthy immune system?

Children ages 6–12 need about 9–12 hours of sleep each night, while teens need about 8–10 hours. A consistent sleep schedule gives the body time to rest, restore and repair.

What are good sources of vitamin C for kids?

Berries, citrus, kiwi, peppers and broccoli are good food sources of vitamin C. NDF Immune® and All Systems Glow® also provide vitamin C along with other naturally occurring nutrients and plant compounds.

Why is regular elimination important for kids?

The intestines are the first line of defense, which is why healthy digestion and regular elimination are important. Water, fiber-rich whole foods and daily movement can all help keep the bowels moving regularly.

What is a simple morning drink for kids before school?

Fresh lemon in water with a little maple syrup or honey is an easy way to start the morning with hydration. Lemon also provides naturally occurring vitamin C and plant compounds. Honey should only be given to children over 1 year old.

When should parents reach for NDF Immune®?

Keep NDF Immune® on hand for times when your child needs extra help, such as the first tickle in the throat, thicker mucus, tiredness or body discomfort.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.