Back-to-school season gets busy quickly. Between school supplies, lunches, new schedules and after-school activities, health can easily fall to the bottom of the list. Here are seven simple things
parents can keep in mind as kids head back to school.
1.
Get sleep back on schedule
Summer has a way of pushing bedtime later and later. If possible, start moving bedtime and wake-up time earlier before the first day rather than trying to reset everything overnight. Keeping roughly the same sleep and wake times, each day can make the transition back to early mornings a little easier.
2.
Keep school lunches simple
Keep lunches simple and choose foods your child enjoys. Sandwiches or wraps, yogurt, cheese, fruit, vegetables and favourite leftovers are all easy options. Aim for a balanced mix that keeps them full and energized, with water as the everyday drink.
3.
Check their vaccinations
Back-to-school is a good time to make sure immunizations are up to date. In B.C., some routine
vaccines are also given during the school years, including HPV vaccine in Grade 6 and meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine in Grade 9. If you’re unsure, check your child’s immunization record or speak with your healthcare provider.
4.
Don’t forget medications
Does your child have asthma, a serious allergy, diabetes or another ongoing health condition? Make sure the school knows. Check that medications aren’t expired and that any necessary school health or emergency plans are in place.
5.
Check in on how they’re doing
A new school year can bring excitement but also stress or anxiety. Check in regularly, especially during the first few weeks. Instead of just asking “How was school?”, try “What was the best part of your day?” or “Was anything stressful today?” Small changes in mood, sleep or behaviour can sometimes be a sign that something is bothering them.
6.
Make movement part of the day
Children and youth aged 5-17 should get an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. It doesn’t have to be organized sports. Walking, biking, playing outside or being active as a family all count.
4.
Pay attention to the little things
Can your child see the board clearly? Any tooth pain? Frequent headaches? Trouble sleeping? A concern that kept coming up over the summer? Back-to-school season is a good reminder to follow up on things that may have been put off.
As another school year begins, a few simple habits can go a long way. Good sleep, balanced meals, regular activity and checking in on how kids are doing are a great place to start.
For more back-to-school health tips, families can visit HealthLink BC.
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