Back-to-School Reminders
Posted on September 1, 2016
The end of summer can be a busy time for parents and kids as the new school year begins. At Health New England, we want to help you and your child prepare. Below are a few tips to get your child ready for school.
Sleep schedules
During the summer, children’s sleep routines can get thrown off. Because kids can’t adjust to a new sleep schedule right away, they end up tired for the first few days of school.
Tip: It is a good idea to start working on a school sleep schedule two weeks before school starts. Start moving bedtime ahead by a ½ hour at night, and wake time ahead by ½ hour in the morning until they are back on schedule. This will help ease your child into a good back-to-school sleep routine.
Homework space
Think now about creating a quiet, well-lit space for your child to do homework. The area should be free of distractions (no TV or video games). Set a regular time for homework to be done. And make sure your child has good access to an adult to help answer questions and keep him or her on track.
Tip: A corner of the kitchen table can be a good homework spot, or create a space in your child’s bedroom for homework. Libraries can also be good, quiet places to do homework. If your child doesn’t have homework, use that time for reading.
Shots and physicals
Shots and physicals may be required before the school year begins. School-age children, from preschoolers and middle-schoolers to high school and college students, need shots to protect them against serious diseases.
Check with your child’s doctor to make sure he or she is up-to-date for the grade he or she is starting. If your child is playing a school sport, a physical may be required before he or she can play. Schedule that ahead of time as well.
Tip: If your child is going to a new school, ask his or her doctor’s office for an immunization record to give to the school.
Medications
If your child is on medication and needs to take it during the school day, schools require that the medication be given to the school nurse in the original labeled bottle with a signed form from the prescriber to allow the medication to be given in school.
Tip: For asthma inhalers, it’s a good idea to get two – one for home and one to leave at school. For other medications, parents can ask the pharmacy to put them in two bottles – one for home and one for school.
Allergies
For a child who has a food allergy or other medical conditions that may impact his or her school day, you should reach out to the school nurse before the first day of school to plan ahead. Certain preparations may need to be made.
Emergency contacts
Make sure you have an up-to-date emergency contact list with names and contact information to give to the school. Give a copy to your child’s teacher, principal, nurse, bus driver, etc. – to anyone who is responsible for your child while at school. In case of an emergency, they will know how to get in touch with you or a family member.
Keep in touch
It is very valuable for parents to stay in close touch with the school, teachers and the nurse. Kids do best when parents and teachers are communicating and following the same plans. If an issue or problem arises, addressing it quickly benefits everyone, especially the child.
Tip: Be sure to get the phone numbers for your child’s school’s main office, teacher and school nurse. Many schools and teachers can also be reached by email – be sure to ask for their email addresses.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your child will have a great start to a healthy school year!
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