As children prepare to return to school, there is a lot on the to-do list. Make a doctor’s visit a priority on the list. Talk with your child’s doctor about the following:
- Age related milestones
- Sports/sports physical
- Vaccines or accepted exemptions
- Vision/hearing checks
- Health or mental health concerns and any needed medications, treatments, or IEP/504 plan
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following to make the transition to school or back to school as smooth as possible:
- Take your child to visit a new school or classroom before the first day of school.
- Develop a sleep routine to help the child adjust to earlier bedtimes.
- Discuss transportation safety and rules: bus, walking, riding, driving.
- Plan easy nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks.
- Consider sending water with your child to school instead of sweet drinks.
- Choose a wide strap backpack and help to keep it organized.
- Create a comfortable environment, along with enough time, for homework.
- Listen to your child and address any worries they have.
For more information from the Academy of Pediatrics, go to
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/Back-to-School-Back-to-the-Doctor.aspx or https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/back-to-school-tips.aspx