How You Can Make Sure Your Kids Are Ready For The New School Year

The start of the school year has arrived! It is time for parents and carers to think about some of the health and wellbeing challenges that come when children return to school. By reviewing a checklist ahead of time, families are more likely to prevent issues rather than having to deal with them later.

While your child’s return to school may be different during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is helpful to remind them that simple preventive measures can help keep them safe. Ask a few questions with your child’s school about particular precautions they intend to take and prepare your child appropriately. 

Use age-appropriate terminology and information when conversing with your child. For young children, simply reminding them to wash their hands frequently and cover their mouth with their arm when coughing may be enough. Older children may have legitimate concerns about their safety at school.

Here, we look at how you can make sure that they are ready for a brand new school year.

1. Talk to them about their fears and concerns

Each school year brings new changes and developments. This is especially true during major life transitions, such as graduation or transferring to a new school. It is critical to talk to your child about what to expect and how they are feeling. Communication that is frequent and open is the best way of evaluating how they are dealing with change. Remember to feel empathy with their emotions and to keep in mind that fretting and feeling stressed are completely valid feelings.

2. Make sure that they are up to date on medical care and checkups

Every child should have an annual physical exam beginning at the age of three. This enables your child’s pediatrician to identify any health concerns and check for potential future problems. Vaccines are also typically administered to children prior to the start of preschool, seventh grade, and college. it is also a good idea to have regular eye tests, hearing tests and to visit pediatric dentist specialists if there are any dental issues. 

3. Have a healthy breakfast every morning

Did you know that children who eat a nutritionally balanced breakfast every morning have more energy and cognitive functioning in school? Consider transitioning into better eating habits as the school year begins. This includes staying away from sugary cereals and greasy fast food. A healthy breakfast should instead include a form of protein, a vegetable or fruit, and a modest amount of carbohydrates.

4. Make sure they have an appropriate bag

Choosing a new backpack can be a fun part of getting ready for the school year. Look for wide and covered straps, as well as a bag with a padded back. A well-fitting backpack should sit at your child’s waist and be worn with a strap on each shoulder to avoid strain on the muscles.  Try to engage your child in the selection of a backpack that is both fun and unique to their look.

5. Make sure they are getting quality sleep

Every night, children and teenagers require a minimum of eight hours of sleep. The most practical way to make sure your child gets enough sleep for school is to practice good sleep habits all year round. Believe it or not, getting ready for a good night’s rest begins during the day. Make sure your children do not consume caffeinated drinks such as tea, cola, or coffee.  Lots of regular exercises and restricting screen time throughout the day are also important for getting a good night’s sleep. Finally, all electronic devices should be turned off at least two hours before bedtime. 

6. Make sure you have somewhere they can do their homework

Homework is an extension of the classroom experience. A home environment that most closely resembles a school environment is ideal for assisting your child in concentrating at the end of the day. Provide a committed quiet space in your home for your child to study, complete with a flat desk or table. This is preferable to their bed or couch, where they may become too comfortable to stay attentive and awake.

7. Talk about safe internet use

Children’s screen time should always be monitored. Use any parental controls and privacy settings that are available, and keep a close eye on any social media sites or apps that your child uses. Implementation is most successful when it begins early, as it is with other healthy habits. Do not include any personal identifying information in your child’s back-to-school photos. Avoid providing any information that could assist someone in locating your child or stealing their identity. This includes the middle and last names, birth date, school, and class or teacher’s name. Assume that whatever you post can be viewed by the general public. Teach your children to be cautious about the information they share too.