Back to Basics

Back to Basics - School

Back to School Basics

The last month of summer is upon us and the new school year is just around the corner ! No matter how fun filled summer days were a new school year brings extra excitement. Children can have an uneasy feeling about back to school with new teachers and new faces. Parents may also be worried about the first day of school, especially if their little goes to a new school, or go to school for the first time.

To avoid absences and disrupt the first days of school, do your children have updated vaccinations; schedule appointments for medical examinations, vision and dental exams before school starts. Also, make sure your children get enough sleep and eat a well balanced breakfast, rich in nutrients.

Although it is normal to be worried about any new situation, children may develop physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach associated with returning to school. If you fear that your child's concerns go beyond the normal jitters back-to-school, talk with a doctor, a teacher or school counselor for your child.

Did you know?

• The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends that young people aged 6-17 years are involved in at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
• Recent studies show that children who exercise regularly have improved brain function.
• Only 15% of your body weight should be carried in your backpack (NIH)

Preparation Tips :.

1. Establish a regular sleep schedule. Practice waking up early in the week before the start of school.
2. Review drop-off and pick-up procedures with your child. Make sure your child knows that he or she should go and what should be done after school.
3. Include a need to know the information in the affairs of your child. This should include your child's address and phone number, emergency contact information, and can also include names of teachers and bus drivers and locker combinations.
4. Take a tour of the school. Ask if a school card is available or if your child can be paired with another student, or "friend" to help adapt to new people and environment

Sources :. American Academy of Pediatrics, Child Health, Greatist, National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Association Head Start, the National Institutes for Health, LifeWork EAP strategies and Adventist HealthCare. The Health Council of the week is for educational purposes. For medical advice, consult your doctor. Feel free to copy and distribute this health resource.

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