IT'S COOL TO BE READY FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor
Are you ready for backpacks, pencils, and pumpkin spice lattes? It is back to school time in just a few short weeks and it's not too early to start planning ahead to make the most of the new school year.
Here are some tips from HealthyChild.org to help you and your student transition to a fresh new school year.
Whether you are a seasoned professional back-to-school prep veteran or a first-timer, it is never too early to schedule that back to school clinic appointment and make sure everything is on track for a healthy school year.
Most schools have the school supplies listed online. Check it out before you go shopping to make sure you are getting what you need for each student.
Take your child to visit the new school or classroom before the first day of school. Attend any orientations and open houses (see the list on this page) you can and take an opportunity to tour the school. Remind your child that teachers know that students may be nervous about the first day of school; they will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible. If your child seems nervous, ask them what they are worried about and help them problem-solve ways to master the new situation.
Point out the fun aspects of school starting to help your child look forward to the first day of class. Talk about how they will see old friends and meet new ones, for example.
Develop a healthy sleep routine.
Help your child adjust to earlier bedtimes a week or two before the new school year starts, just to help them ease into new routines. Set a consistent bedtime for your child and stick with it every night. Getting enough sleep is critical for kids to stay health and be successful in school. Not getting enough sleep is linked with lower academic achievement, as well as higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness.
Create a bedtime routine that is consistent to help your child settle down and fall asleep. For example, a calming pre-bedtime routine may involve a bath/shower, reading with them, tucking them in and saying goodnight.
Have your child turn off electronic devices well before bedtime. Try to have the home as quiet and calm as possible when younger children are trying to fall asleep.
Practice a morning routine
Practice the morning routine with your child to identify potential bottlenecks and adjust accordingly. This might involve laying out clothes, packing backpacks, and preparing breakfast the night before.
Address concerns
Listen to your child: Talk to your child about their feelings regarding back to school, address their concerns, and offer support.
Prepare for anxiety: If your child is feeling anxious, consider techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or visualization to help them manage those feelings.
Seek help if needed: If school refusal is a concern, consider seeking professional help from school counselors or mental health professionals.
Plan for safe travel to and from school.
Review the basic rules with your student and practice any new routes or modes of transportation:
Taking the school bus
Remind your child to wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb. Kids should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or to the school building. Make sure your child walks where they can see the bus driver (which means the driver will be able to see them, too).
Remind your student to look both ways to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street, just in case somebody does not stop as required. Encourage your child to actually practice how to cross the street several times before the first day of school.
Check on the school's policy regarding food on the bus. Eating on the bus can present a problem for students with allergies and also lead to infestations of insects and vermin on the vehicles.
If your child has a chronic condition that could result in an emergency on the bus, make sure you work with the school nurse or other school health personnel to have a bus emergency plan.