Did you know that kids opting active school travel (AST) or in simple terms walk or cycle to school reportedly show higher levels of happiness, enhanced mental health, and experience much lower levels of stress throughout the day? Research also shows that kids commuting to school on foot or on bicycle have better immunity, attention spans, traffic sense and to top it all – exhibit better academic performance.
Ah, the perks of sending your child to a school nearby! Check out a few more benefits a school in your surroundings can offer:
Better use of the child’s free time
Children can reach home early, relax and restart their after-school activities like completing homework, nurturing a hobby, or simply helping at home.
Better use of school amenities
In-house sports facilities, school playground, after-school academic support and/or extra-curricular activities – your child can spend more time at school, utilising the amenities the school can offer and not worry about the commute back home.
Better management of your morning time
Gives you more time to prepare your child for school every morning; reduces the stress of waking up way early to prepare for school and worrying about your child’s tedious travel to school.
Better involvement in your child’s schooling
Chances of your involvement in your child’s schooling – showing up for Parent-Teacher meetings, school gatherings, managing adhoc pick-up and drop-offs, being available during emergencies, random quick check-ins with teachers etc., are higher when your child’s school is not far off from the place you stay.
Bearing in mind the need to encourage active living and immunity-enhancing habits in school-going children in post-COVID era, it is smart to select a school in your neighbourhood. This academic year, give your child the gift of active lifestyle and yourself the peace of mind a friendly neighbourhood school can offer.