What helps kids focus and learn at school?
Let’s be real, there’s a lot competing for kids’ attention these days. While there isn't a single magic trick for improving focus, there are small, everyday habits that can help support learning, concentration, and steady energy throughout the day.
One of the biggest? What we pack in their lunchboxes.
What Gives Kids the Best Chance for Learning?
Every parent wants to give their kid the best chance to learn and stay engaged. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that simple habits like eating well, getting enough sleep, staying active, and finding a healthy balance with screens can all help support healthy development. [1]
Every child is different, but these everyday routines can help kids feel more ready to learn and stay engaged throughout the day.
Fuel Focus with Breakfast
Breakfast is one of the easiest ways to help kids head into the school day feeling ready to learn. Research suggests that kids who eat breakfast may have an easier time concentrating and remembering information during the school day. [2]
A simple combination of fiber, protein, and fruit, like oatmeal with berries, yogurt and fruit, or whole grain toast with nut or seed butter can help kids start the day feeling energized and ready to learn.
How to Build a Balanced Lunchbox
Food isn't the whole story when it comes to focus, but it is one important piece of the puzzle. Here are our top three tips for building a lunch box that supports steady energy all day long:
- Fiber: Fiber helps keep kids feeling fuller for longer, and can help support more steady energy throughout the day. Our favorite easy high-fiber lunchbox additions are apples or pears, strawberries, whole grain crackers, granola bars, and veggies with hummus.
- Protein: Pairing snacks and meals with protein can help make them more satisfying and help keep hunger from showing up an hour later. Try cheese cubes, Greek yogurt, turkey roll-ups, hard-boiled eggs, or edamame.
- Bright, colorful fruits and veggies: They aren't just fun to look at, they're an easy way to add variety to lunches. Think grapes, strawberries, cucumber slices, snap peas, bell peppers, or orange wedges.
For more expert tips, don’t miss Toddler Dietitian Tiffany’s Top 5 Back-To-School Lunchbox Tips for Busy Parents.
Why Does Hydration Matter for Kids?
Hydration supports more than physical health, it also helps kids’ brains function at their best. [3] To help kids stay hydrated, pack a reusable water bottle and make sure they know how to refill it using bottle refill stations or water fountains.
Have a kid who doesn’t love water? Check out What to Do If Your Kid Won’t Drink Water. Hydrating snacks like cucumbers, watermelon, and strawberries are another easy way to support hydration, and our SuperJuice Prebiotic Juice Boxes with 1g of cassava root fiber are a convenient option too.
The Power of a Lunchbox Note
Sometimes the boost kids need during the school day isn't something they can eat, it's a reminder that someone is cheering them on. To help make the back-to-school transition a little easier, we've created a free set of printable lunchbox notes to spark smiles and create moments of connection throughout the day.
Download DeeBee's FREE Lunchbox Notes
Don’t Forget the After School Reset
After a day of listening and concentrating, kids may need an outlet for pent-up energy. Some simple unstructured play at the playground, riding bikes around the neighbourhood, or dancing in the living room can help kids reset after a big day of learning.
Giving Kids Their Best Chance to Shine
We can't eliminate every distraction competing for our kids' attention, but we can help create supportive routines as they learn and grow. Nutritious meals, healthy habits, and little reminders from the people who love them most can help kids feel energized, confident, and ready to take on the day.
Shop DeeBee's SuperJuice Prebiotic Juice Boxes and tuck one into a lunchbox with a note, then keep the fun going after school with a freeze-at-home SuperFruit® or SuperJuice® Freezie Pop made with organic fruit.
