Good sleep + mood-boosting food = a more balanced brain
Your child might sleep tight, but are they sleeping right? Good quality sleep on a consistent schedule is vital to growing bodies and brains. It’s not always easy with sports, holidays, and sleepovers. But when you can manage it, you’ll see a positive difference in lots of areas.
And here’s a gut check — the stomach and the brain are more closely connected than you might think. That’s why your child might have a stomachache before a test. Worried thoughts can cause that pain, but it can also work the other way around. Meaning what your child eats (and when) can disrupt sleep, cause stress, or sap their energy.
Bedtime & sleep
Falling and staying asleep or sleeping independently can be a struggle for some kids. Your child might wake up throughout the night or resist going to bed at all. And those sleepless nights affect how they feel throughout the day, too.
When your child feels worried or overstimulated, getting their brains “powered down” can be a real challenge. Adding a reliable bedtime routine can work wonders. The body starts to learn the cues that say “bedtime” and begin to relax into a restful rhythm before their head even lays on the pillow.
Meals & nutrition
When you have a child who is sensitive to tastes or textures, getting them to eat nutritious foods can be a challenge. On a hard day, even their favorite grilled cheese might be “too spicy.” Trying multiple times (exposure!) can help them feel ready to try new things over time.
You may have to be a food detective, too. Maybe it’s not actually the taste of the turkey sandwich, it’s that they feel tired or queasy after eating it. Notice patterns between meals, when they get “hangry,” and whether new versions of old favorites work. We can help you hone in on your child’s nutritional needs and make family meals fun again.
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