It's All About the Children

While some of you already paraded your children back to school last week, many others will follow suit these next few days.  Now for most, this is nothing new.  But nevertheless, I think it still is a good time to share some Back to School Tips for parents of high school students as well as those sending their children to school for the very first time.  So with thanks to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and some insight and experience from yours truly, I leave you all with a list of some Back to School Tips to help you out these next few days and beyond.

FIRST DAY ISSUES

• Anxiety is normal (and this goes for both the child and parent). Usually teachers will keep that in mind those first few days (although I can't guarantee this for the upper class students in high school).
• It is so important to stay positive with your child. Always highlight the fun to come.
• I can't say enough about being able to take your child right up to the classroom on the first day (I always make sure I get the opportunity to participate in this...I love it).

GETTING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

• If your child takes a school bus, it's best to have the lap/shoulder belts. Granted, not all do (so go ahead and encourage the school to get them).
• Make sure the bus has stopped before approaching it.
• Always remain in view of the bus driver (everyone has to take responsibility here).
• If your child is driven in a car, either seat belt or age-, weight-, and height-appropriate car or booster seat.
• For those with teens that drive, do not allow them to eat, drink, or talk on a cell phone (this should also include using the blue tooth or texting) while driving.
• If biking to school, don't forget the helmet and to wear bright color clothing.
• If your child is walking to school, make sure the route is a safe one that uses adult crossing guards at every intersection.

WHAT ABOUT THOSE BOOKS

• With backpacks, important to use ones with wide, padded shoulder strap.
• Try to pack as light as possible and if not using a roller, please use straps on both shoulders (no matter how uncool it looks).
• For those with heavier loads, a rolling backpack may be better.

DIETARY GUIDELINES

• Please pick healthy choices when using the vending machines...fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products, water (even though new literature may be more reassuring, I still prefer avoiding 100% fruit juices).
• NO SODA (this certainly deserves its own line).
• Pack your child's lunch when possible (and if not always the case, always view the cafeteria meal calendar to avoid those potential unhealthy lunches).

STUDY HABITS AND HOMEWORK

• Very important to create an environment that fosters an area where homework should be done...a permanent work space which has some privacy.
• Daily scheduling of homework is always a good idea (and without the TV).
• Without completing your child's homework, certainly make yourself available for assistance.
• Always good to take breaks periodically to prevent eye, neck, and brain fatigue (the length between breaks will depend on how old your child is).

So have a wonderful school year and for those who would like to view the entire AAP Back to School Tips, here is a link to the AAP site... http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/augschool.cfm.

Dr. Jeremy