STUDENT WELLBEING

"HUNGRY"

There are many things that can cause our kids to become unsettled. It can often be easier to see them when they are external, yet internal ones can have a big impact on them too.

One way that we can help our kids to see what is internally making it challenging for them to regulate themselves, is by using the acronym ‘HALT’.

Hungry, Angry/Anxious, Lonely, Tired.

As a baseline, when these things are present for anyone, it can make everyday life more challenging. Today we are looking at the first: Hungry!

One thing about our bodies is that hindsight often shares more than the present experience. How often have you been out of sorts, and then eaten some food, or had a drink of water, and a clarity comes to your mind? Or the frazzle starts to dissipate? If a student skips breakfast, or doesn’t eat something till later in the day, it can have a significant impact on their ability to focus and process information. Same for drinking water too. Two symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration are dizziness, and headaches. If the dehydration progresses, irritability and confusion can set in (these are not the only symptoms). 

But, these are hardly conducive to learning, let alone clear decision making.

What we will find in the HALT acronym, is a tool to help meet the needs of our kids. A healthy body and mind is aided by healthy eating, regular exercise, good friendships, good sleep and having a purpose in life. Interestingly the things that we do physically, often have a great impact on us mentally. I know it is not always easy to get our kids to eat. But making good food easy, accessible and enjoyable can help. 

Here are some examples:

Having a fruit (and possibly veggies) bowl on the table makes it easy to take and go, helping with accessibility.

Eating together and having conversations that they are willing to engage with can make it more enjoyable.

Having a water jug and some stackable cups on the table or bench, where they can be used whenever is needed.

Our kids might not always be able to consider if they are presenting with any of the HALT’s, and that’s where we can assist. One of my friends had it on the wall at their home, as a visual reminder. Yet the hope as they get older, is that they begin to ask themselves.

Who knows, we might find it helpful too!