How to Help Your Child Thrive This School Year

Back-to-school season is full of new routines, fresh starts and sometimes a few nerves. Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or another year of high school, small daily habits can help your child feel more calm, confident and ready to take on the year.

At Calgary Co-op, we’re here to support your family with simple wellness tips and trusted products to help your child thrive.

Wellness Tips for Growing Minds and Bodies

Building healthy habits at home can help your child thrive at school mentally, emotionally and physically. Here are a few small steps that can make a big difference:

Prioritize sleep

• Set consistent bedtime and wake-up times
• Limit screen time before bed
• Create a calming routine like reading or stretching

Start with a balanced breakfast

• Include colourful fruits and vegetables
• Choose whole grains and protein-rich meals
• Cut back on sugary snacks for better focus and energy

Encourage daily movement

• Walk or bike to school if possible
• Play outside after class
• Try team sports or active hobbies

Practice mindfulness

• Take a few deep breaths together before or after school
• Ask open-ended questions about their day
• Explore kid-friendly mindfulness tools or calming activities

Gut health and mood support

A healthy gut supports both physical health and emotional well-being. Including gut-friendly foods in your child’s diet can help with digestion and mood.

Good options include:

• Yogurt or kefir with live cultures
• Fermented foods like sauerkraut or miso
• Fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains

Consider Supplements and Vitamins

Some kids may benefit from extra support to stay focused and healthy during the school year. Here are a few to consider:

For focus and brain health

• Fish Oil with GLA: Supports brain development, mood and focus
• B Vitamins (B6, B9, B12): Help with energy, attention, and emotional balance
• Choline: Aids memory, learning, and concentration
• Zinc: Supports motivation, focus, and brain function

For immunity support

• Probiotics: Help build a healthy gut and stronger immune system
• Elderberry: May reduce the length and severity of colds
• Vitamin D: Supports immune health, especially in colder months

Every child is different, so if you’re not sure what’s right for your family, visit your local Calgary Co-op. Our Natural Choice Advisors are here to help you choose safe, high-quality options based on your child’s age and needs.

Wellness Starts with Small Steps

You don’t have to do everything at once. Simple habits like eating a good breakfast, moving more during the day and talking about emotions can help your child feel more prepared for the school year.

At Calgary Co-op, we’re here to support your family’s wellness with high-quality products and personalized care with our Natural Choice advisors. Visit your local Calgary Co-op to explore natural health options for every stage of the school year.