Back To School Online

Tips, tricks, and essential supplements to support young scholars.

- By Lisa Turner

As Covid-19 restrictions impact school openings in the fall, back-to-school may look really different for your family this year. On the one hand, taking a break from rushed breakfasts, chauffeuring kids to extracurricular activities, the monotony of packing lunches, and the endless parade of germs kids bring home doesn’t sound all that terrible. But online education presents its own unique challenges. Here’s a round-up of essential tips, tricks, and must-have supplements to keep kids happy and healthy in this brave new world of learning.

Promote focus and attention. It’s harder for some kids to focus without the structure of a classroom setting. First, make it clear that this is not a vacation, but simply a different way of going to school. Emphasize structure with a daily schedule built around online school hours, and create a dedicated space—ideally, one that’s used just for school and homework in a location that minimizes distractions. If space is limited, get creative about underused areas such as hallways or landings. And let kids customize their own spaces. If they’re sharing a space with siblings, create mini-cubicles with cardboard partitions around tables or desks. Stock up on supplies such as pens and pencils, erasers, staplers, and writing paper, and make it comfortable, with desks and chairs that support posture. For extra support, consider omega-3 fats, choline, phosphatidylserine, and other supplements that promote focus and attention.

Back-to-school essentials: Nordic Naturals Omega Focus Jr.; MRM Kids Attention!; Carlson Kid’s Chewable DHA.