ORANGE, CA--(Marketwire -09/04/12)- The summer is winding down, and with that comes the beginning of a new school year. This year Budget Blinds Canada is focusing on the scholarly success of the next generation by sharing tips for your child's health during the back-to-school season. Proper sleep and safety are two important factors in ensuring your child is ready for the long school day. Say goodbye to those summer-time sleep habits of staying up late and sleeping in. With the new school-year approaching, parents all over Canada will be getting ready for the struggle of getting their little ones to bed at an appropriate hour. Getting your children to sleep on time is essential for them to battle new challenges and emotions that the school day demands. Studies show that sleep deprivation is linked to lower academic performance, lack of attention, and unstable behavior patterns. Research by Dr. Ehlinger with the Boynton Health Service at the University of Minnesota shows that students who received enough sleep had a mean grade point average of 3.27 compared to a 3.08 for those who were lacking in sleep.(1)

"The more days that students get adequate sleep -- the better GPAs they attain," Dr. Ehlinger said. "There is a direct link between the two."(1)

The number one reason kids suffer from lack of sleep is having trouble falling asleep. There are many ways you can prevent your child from falling behind in school by helping them fall asleep.

1. Get your child on a consistent sleep schedule
2. Create a comfortable sleeping environment
3. Talk to your children about any worries they might have and try to calm them down
4. Eliminate any violent or unsettling TV programs before bedtime

To create a comfortable sleeping environment for your child, you want to make sure their bedroom is temperature controlled with window coverings that are a relaxing color and block outside distractions. Cellular shades create a temperature controlled environment with light filtering and darkening qualities. Cellular shades also offer insulating properties which make your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In addition, cellular shades are considered the safest out of all other options including: horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, draperies, Roman shades and roller shades. Make sure your child is getting proper sleep and maximum safety with cellular shades by Budget Blinds.

Budget Blinds helps keep your children safe with blinds and shades that are built with child safety in mind.

Did you know?

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• At least one child dies from window cord strangulation every month

• During that one month period at least one more child suffers a near strangulation

Budget Blinds has cordless options for blinds and shades that allow you to do away with dangerous cord loops and hanging tassels. Another safety option available to you are motorized blinds or shades that also help the process of raising and lowering window coverings. Remember kids will be kids, so don't overlook any possible dangerous threat that may be lurking in your home.

"Children are just naturally curious. Safety features give moms like me peace of mind," said Budget Blinds Stylemaker and mom, Cari Meister.

If your home is already fitted with window coverings, consider adding these safety features available through your local Budget Blinds:

• Spring assisted clutches that allow you to raise and lower shades without the use of cords

• Sliding panel track systems for vertical products with side to side openings

• Break-away tassels that are designed to pull apart under minimal pressure

• Cord stops for horizontal window coverings that restrict how far the internal ladder cords can be pulled from the blind

• Cord cleats to safely tie dangerous cords out of your children's reach

Get your child prepared for a safe and successful school year by implementing temperature controlling, light filtering and darkening shades by Budget Blinds.

(1) U of Minnesota study is the first to show direct link between health-related behaviors and grades
Lack of sleep, excessive computer screen time, stress and more hurt college students' GPAs
University of Minnesota October 21, 2008, on Eurekalert.org, http://www.eurekalert.org
pub_releases/2008-10/uom-uom102108.php, accessed August 2012.

About BUDGET BLINDS Budget Blinds®, a Home Franchise Concepts, Inc.® brand, is a custom window coverings franchise that offers convenient shop-at-home service for window coverings and home décor accessories.

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