August 17, 2018 at 4:03 p.m.
10 tips for a healthy start to the school year
10 tips for a healthy start to the school year
Here are some tips to help your child stay healthy to get the school year off on the right start.
1. Wash away the germs. Encourage your child to wash their hands often. Whether it's soap and water or hand sanitizer, clean hands go a long way in reducing the spread of germs and infectious diseases.
2. Don't skip the shots. Before your child walks into the classroom, make sure their immunizations are up to date. And don't forget about the flu. It is recommended that all school-age children get the flu vaccine, unless they have an allergy to the vaccine or a health problem that will cause complications from the vaccine.
3. Visit the doctor. A check-up is a wonderful way to make sure your child's school year gets off to a healthy start. It's also an opportunity to get a physical for your child, which is usually required for kids who will be playing a sport.
4. Get sleep schedules back on track. Before they head back to classroom, get your kids back on their school year sleep schedule. Start readjusting bedtimes several days out so children are hitting the pillow earlier. And encourage them to cut back on playing games and watching their favorite programs in the evening.
5. Healthy food = good health. A healthy diet is the fuel children need to succeed in the classroom. Make sure you child is eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and foods low that are low in fat and rich in protein, such as fish, eggs and beans.
The start of a new school year is exciting, but it can also be a little scary for some children. It's a big shift from summer's freedom to the measured routines of school - and sometimes that can build up in to big, emotional outbursts and other classic signs of anxiety.
Here are some additional tips to ease back to school anxiety for children:
1. Listen to your child - Be available and give your child your undivided attention to express his/her feelings or fears. Tell them it's normal to experience these things.
2. Focus on the positive aspects of going to school such as being with friends, learning a favorite subject and playing at recess. Talk through previous triumphs and remind them of their own successes with previous situations.
3. Pay attention to your behavior - Kids often feed off the anxiety and energy they sense in the adults around them. That's why it's important that you remain calm and positive. The more confidence and comfort you can model, the more your child will understand there is no need to worry.
4. Get back into a routine - A week or two before school, start preparing your child for the upcoming transition by getting back into school year routines like realistic bedtimes and selecting tomorrow's clothes.
5. Be patient - Erasing anxiety can take time and each day can bring new challenges. Be patient with your child and with yourself, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to childhood anxiety.
Amy Slette, MD, is a pediatrician with Ascension Medical Group for more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 715.361.4700 or visit ascension.org/wisconsin.
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