Back to School Tips
Your kids are heading back
for another year at school. For some kids this is an extremely exciting
time and for other kids the mere idea of this can cause anxieties.
For many families this may be the first year your child is attending
school and for others starting school has become routine throughout
the years. To make for a smooth and healthy transition, we did some
research and put together some essential tips and hints for everyone
starting the school year. CHECKLIST FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
| · | Is your child registered? When is the first day of school? What time does school start? |
| · | What time is lunch? Can your child buy it at school, and how much will it cost? Will she/he need a snack? |
| · | Have you filled out all the health forms or emergency contact forms that have been sent home? |
| · | Have any new health problems developed in your child over the summer that will affect his/her school day? Does the school nurse know about this condition, or is an appointment set up to discuss it? |
| · | If your child needs to take medication at school on the first day, have arrangements been made for this? |
| · | Does your youngster know where she/he is going after school (e.g., home, babysitter)? Does she know how she will get there? If you will not be there when she arrives, does she know who will be responsible for her, what the rules are, and how to get help in an emergency? |
BACKPACK SAFETY
When choosing the right backpack, look for the following:
| · | Wide, padded shoulder straps - Narrow straps can dig into shoulders. This can cause pain and restrict circulation. |
| · | Padded back - A padded back protects against sharp edges on objects inside the pack and increases comfort. |
To prevent injury when using a backpack, do the following:
| · | Pack light. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the student's body weight. |
| · | Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles. Wearing a backpack on one shoulder may increase curvature of the spine. |
| · | Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. |
| · | Use a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried upstairs. And they may be difficult to roll in snow. |
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WALKING AND BIKING TO SCHOOL
| · | Walk with a buddy. |
| · | Mind all traffic signals and/or the crossing guard. Never cross the street against a light, even if you don't see any traffic coming. |
| · | Wear reflective material. It makes you more visible to street traffic. |
| · | Walk your bike through intersections and always wear a helmet. |
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE
| · | During middle childhood, youngsters need supervision. A responsible adult should be available to get them ready and off to school in the morning and watch over them after school until you return home from work. |
| · | Children approaching adolescence (the 11-and 12-year olds) should not come home to an empty house in the afternoon unless they show unusual maturity for their age. |
| · | If alternative adult supervision is not available, parents should make special efforts to supervise their children from a distance. Children should have a set time when they are expected to arrive at home and should check in with a neighbor or with a parent by telephone. |
| · | When evaluating child-care options, determine whether other family members can handle these responsibilities. For example, does a grandparent or other relative live nearby, and is he or she available and willing to help? |
| · | If you choose a commercial after-school program, inquire about the training of the staff. There should be a high staff-to-child ratio, and the rooms and the playground should be safe. |