eDiets Contributor
Whether you want to indulge a new kindergarten student or a blase teen, 'tis the season for discount back-to-school shopping! Wish that you could afford great gifts like the celebrities can buy? No worries -- we've got your budget covered with affordable goodies for your young scholar:1. One word: Exercise. Statistics show that obesity among children and teens has become an epidemic. Children and teens devote many of their waking hours to video games, computer diversions and the seductive TV. Tempt them to get up and boogie with exercise gear (how about a new pair of sport shoes for your 16-year-old?), gadgets (teach your elementary school child to use a hula-hoop -- you'll both have so much fun that you'll want to get one of your own!) and other calorie-burning fun.
2. You may have the opportunity to talk with a school administrator before school starts. That chat can be helpful to check on any recommended purchases, such as supplies for kindergarten, and any guidelines for attire (especially helpful if you have a teen addicted to on-the-outer-fringes gear, such as ragged jeans).
And here's where that discount shopping budget comes into play: Your child or teen may try to play the game of "Well, my best friend's Mom bought her a...(fill in the blank), and if you really loved me, you'd buy me one too." Look for a substitute if it's an item that you agree is suitable and needed (for example, Wal-Mart often has great deals on name-brand products).
3. Back-to-school has become big business since the days of picking out that brand-new Trapper Keeper. Make your child's back-to-school experience a lot cooler with supplies like fun, retro alarm clocks and hot technology gadgets, like USB drives and mobile workstations with built-in speakers and MP3 player adaptability ($129 at Pottery Barn Kids).
4. What's for breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks? If you hear "I'm too busy for breakfast, gotta run," from one of your offspring, be prepared. Healthy energy bars or protein shakes are quick-grab healthy breakfasts that are much better than nothing.
Ask your child or teen what he or she likes for lunch and see how nutritious you can make it. For example, use whole-wheat bread rather than white bread; use mustard as a spread rather than mayo. Keep fresh fruit, pre-sliced veggies with salsa or low-fat ranch for dunking and beverages such as sugar-free, tasty flavored waters.
5. Plan something special to celebrate the first day of school. Children of all ages often dread the end of summer and the start of the school year. For example, if the weather's nice, how about a family walk to a nearby park and a barbecue of turkey hot dogs, fresh vegetables, and sliced fresh fruit for dessert? Bring Frisbees to toss and make it an experience that will start off the school year in style!
Like this post? We think you'll like these:
-- How to Organize and Get Healthy
-- Kids Healthy Chocolate Milk: Sip, Sip, Hooray!
-- BreakFAST: 5 Quick, Healthy Ways to Start the Day
Joanne Eglash is a writer and an editor specializing in health, weight control and fitness. She's written for a variety of publications and Web sites, ranging from Energy for Women magazine to KidsHealth.org and is a certified personal fitness trainer currently completing her M.S. in nutrition.
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