Start the year off right with this back-to-school checklist
Marketing and Communications Staff Writer
Keys to a great school year include prioritizing sleep, nutrition and coming up with an after-school plan.
Many things are running through a parent’s mind this time of year. Chaos and excitement are beginning, but a simple back-to-school checklist can keep your family on track.
Dr. Jennifer Dwyer, pediatrician at Akron Children’s Pediatrics in Barberton, shares seven tips to help families prepare for a healthy, safe and happy start to the school year. Don’t worry, there’s still time to get them checked off your to-do list.
1. Review your children’s immunization schedules to be sure they have received recommended shots to protect their health.
In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend children 6 months and older get an annual flu shot. “Vaccines are a key component of preventive medicine,” said Dr. Dwyer. “You’re giving your child protection from diseases that otherwise might bring pain, permanent damage or even death.”
It can take up to five days for kids to reset their internal clocks after a summer of staying up late. Children of all ages need sound, uninterrupted sleep to grow, develop and function properly. Sleep guidelines are:
Toddler: 11-14 hours, including naps.
School-aged kids: 9-12 hours.
Adolescents and teens: 8-10 hours.
3. Talk about nutrition.
Remind your kids to make good food choices when going to the vending machine, through the cafeteria line or packing a lunch. And don’t skip breakfast when they’re in a hurry. “Breakfast is an important way to start the day. Kids are more alert and do better in school if they eat a good breakfast every day,” Dr. Dwyer explained. “Protein and carbohydrates are key.”
Guidelines in the 5-2-1-Almost None formula, recommended by dietitians, have been shown to help kids and adults prevent obesity, maintain a healthy weight and improve their overall well-being.
4. Get organized early, so everyone knows what is expected of them and when.
This includes extracurriculars and class schedules, as well as homework, bedtime and morning-time routines. “Be sure to schedule ‘free time’ and family time, too,” Dr. Dwyer said. “Kids need time to relax and be creative.”
5. Review the after-school plan and age-appropriate rules if your kids are staying home alone.
This may include:
What time they – and you – will get home.
What to do in an emergency.
Specify who, if anyone, is allowed in your home when you’re not there.
6. Know how a bully acts and how to respond confidently to the threats.
Even if your child isn’t being bullied now, help them know what to do if a situation arises. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a wealth of information about bullying.
7. If your child has a medical issue, allergies or takes medication, talk to the school nurse and teachers about it and how it needs to be managed during the school day.
You should also talk to teachers about other special recommendations in the classroom that would help your child succeed. For example, kids with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should be seated in the front of the room, and a child with vision problems should sit near the board.
Start the school year off right with this checklist – and ensure your kids have a healthy, safe and successful year.
Akron Children’s School Health nursing care is offered in more than 40 school districts. From flu shots to sick visits, School Health provides convenient, high-quality care to keep your child healthy.
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