As summer break winds to a close, parents have a laundry list to complete before the first day of classes. Sending the kids back to school can mean shopping for essentials like supplies, clothes and that new pair of cleats—but there is also an array of tasks, both medically and physically, parents are responsible for with the start of each new grade.
Below is our back-to-school checklist to ensure your child is set up for success in the new school year.
Sleep Schedule: After a summer of staying up late and sleeping in, readjusting your child’s sleep schedule can be one of the hardest things. The National Education Association suggests reinstating your kid’s bedtime, as well as when they are expected to wake up, at least two weeks before school starts. Limiting screen time an hour before bed and replacing it with calm activities such as reading or family conversation can assist in a restful night’s sleep.
Healthy food habits: Much like getting back into the swing of things with sleep, encouraging your kids to eat on a schedule can be frustrating. Your kid may skip breakfast and eat snacks all day during the summer, but studies show eating breakfast before school can positively affect a student’s performance. Starting this daily trend a few weeks before the beginning of the school year will help your morning routine once classes start. Limit daytime snacking and instead provide a balanced meal around lunch time. Meal planning and prepping with your kids can be a fun activity for the whole family, and may get them excited to eat their lunch.
Scheduling doctor’s appointments: Making sure your child is healthy and happy before starting school is so important. An annual wellness check is a great time to ask any questions about behaviors you may have observed over the summer and get refills to any medications. Most middle and high school sports programs require a physical, so be sure to schedule this appointment before the season starts. Visit oklahoma.gov/health/backtoschool to find this year’s current immunization requirements and schedule your kids accordingly. Ask for a current copy of their shot records for your files and to provide the school.
Medication Management: If your child takes any medication that the school may need to administer, have an updated prescription in its original packaging and your doctor’s written instructions to provide the school. Most schools have their own medical authorization form which must be completed by your doctor, so have that filled out and ready before classes begin.
Food Allergies: According to the CDC, an estimated 8% of children have food allergies. It is essential that you communicate any and all allergies to your school and discuss the protocols in place to protect your child. FARE (Food and Allergy Research and Education) has a printable food allergy and anaphylaxis care plan available on its website with specific instructions on what to do in the case of an emergency. Sending a note home to classmates informing their parents of a severe allergy, having safe snack alternatives available and teaching your child about their allergy are all ways to work together with the school to guarantee a safe school year.
Communication Is Key!
Every school has different protocols and procedures, especially when it comes to medications and allergies. Ask questions about the policies your school has in place. Visit the school’s website to update all health and medical information and find authorization forms. Attend back-to-school events and develop a relationship with your child’s teachers and school administrators. Remember that everyone’s goal is that students remain safe, happy and healthy in the new school year.
