As children settle into a new school year, parents and caregivers can do their part to help their child stay happy and healthy in the classroom.
School is a place for children to learn, be with friends, eat healthy meals, get exercise and find support to help them grow and thrive. So it’s important for them to attend every day.
Parents and caregivers can follow these tips to start the school year strong.
Focus on sleep, exercise and nutrition. Make sure your child eats nutritious meals, drinks enough water and gets plenty of physical activity and sleep. Children who eat a nutritious breakfast do better at school. Contact your school to see if your child qualifies for free or reduced-price food.
Stay up-to-date on checkups and immunizations. If your child has not had a checkup in the last year, schedule a visit with your pediatrician. Schools also may require a pre-participation (sports) exam for those playing sports. If your child takes medication at school, your pediatrician can go over your child’s treatment plan. Your child also should receive immunizations on time, including the annual flu vaccine.
Tune into your child’s mental health. Let your child know it is OK to talk with you about how he or she is feeling. Look for changes in behavior or signs of anxiety, depression or other serious risks. Try to prioritize family routines, meals and self-care breaks, like taking walks together. Ask your pediatrician or your child’s school for help if your child needs mental health support. Keep in mind that the risk of suicide is higher for children and teens who live in a home where guns are stored loaded or unlocked.
Talk about racism, bullying and kindness. Some children miss school because of racism, hate or bullying. Encourage your child to seek help from a trusted adult if discriminated against or see others being bullied. Talk about treating others with respect and how simple acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Plan for mindful media use. Create or update a family media plan so your child can balance screen time with sleep, exercise and other healthy activities. Help your child choose high-quality programs or games and recognize and avoid false information sources online.
More information on school health and safety is available on HealthyChildren.org at https://bit.ly/3LRaFua.
