Tiffins, Tantrums & Tired Eyes: Why Iron is the Real Back-to-School Essential

Back-to-school season is here, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already packed 18 lunchboxes, answered 42 WhatsApp group messages, and wondered how your kid is still tired after 10 hours of sleep.

Welcome to September where moms go from beach mode to battlefield in under 24 hours.

But here’s something I didn’t see coming this school year:

My child looked exhausted. Not the I-did n’t-do-my-homework exhausted. The pale face, low energy, zero focus kind of exhausted.

I blamed screen time. Then bedtime. Then sugar.

Turns out… it was iron. And now I can't stop talking about it.

Why Iron is a Big Deal (Especially in the UAE)

Iron is like the unsung hero of your child’s body. It helps carry oxygen to cells, keeps energy levels up, supports brain development, and boosts immunity. In simpler mom-speak:

Iron = Focus + Strength + No meltdowns over math worksheets.

And yet, iron deficiency is extremely common in kids here in the UAE. The heat, irregular eating, junk food, and picky eating habits all play a part. Some reports say up to 30–40% of school-going children here may have low iron levels and many of us don’t even know it.

Signs Your Child Might Be Low on Iron (I Missed These Too):

Looks pale or “washed out”
Gets tired easily after school or sports
Craves chips, ice, or even clay (yes, it’s a real thing)
Struggles to focus or remember things
Gets frequent infections or colds
Complaints of stomach pain or poor appetite

Sound familiar? It did for me.

What You Can Do as a Mom (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s be real we don’t need another 7-step Pinterest chart. We need doable swaps and smart wins.

Here’s what helped me:

Boost Iron-Rich Foods

Think: spinach, eggs, lentils, red meat, dates, dried apricots, and iron-fortified cereals.

Pair with Vitamin C

Add orange slices, berries, or bell peppers to the meal it helps absorb iron better.

Ditch the Disrupters

Cut down on tea, coffee, and too much dairy during iron-rich meals they block absorption.

Check the Gut (Quietly, Not on Insta)

If your child is always bloated, constipated, or having tummy issues, their iron absorption may be affected. Keep fiber and water consistent.

Consider a Supplement if Needed

If blood tests show low iron, talk to your pediatrician about a safe supplement. Never self-medicate.

✨ And Mom, Don’t Forget You Either

You’re the menu planner, nurse, driver, tutor, and emotional coach.

If you’re running low on energy, the whole system crumbles. Iron deficiency in women (especially moms who skip meals or run on caffeine and leftovers) is real.

So maybe this back-to-school season, stock up on sharpened pencils and iron-rich snacks for both of you.