While on one side you are happy that it is the first day of school for your kid, on the other hand you are also concerned about unhealthy habits he/she might develop. Well, it is very natural for all the parents to be worried about such an issue. But, just being bothered and fulfilling basic responsibilities like filling out medical forms and getting your child vaccinated is not enough. According to pediatricians, there is much more that you can do to keep you child healthy both mentally and physically without compromising on school attendance.
1. Getting enough sleep
One of the most important factors that affect the health of children during school days is lack of sleep. Approximately 10-11 hours of night sleep is very essential for children from elementary school. Now though you may feel it is very simple in most cases due to the active nature of kids it is not easy. Moreover, if the working model of parents requires them to compromise on their night sleep it becomes very difficult for children to adapt early sleeping habits. The point to note is that kids imitate their parents and thus they should try to become their role models.
Try to adjust bed timings few weeks before the school starts and do not wait for the last moment. Also according to Greg Prazar, a pediatrician in Exeter, it is quite possible that your child will reach home fully exhausted in the first few weeks due to the new adjustment. If such is the case, allow them a nap or rest for 3-45 minutes after school to help them revive.
2. Get eyes and ears tested
Now in case your pediatrician has not recommended getting the ears and eyes tested, you probably need to look for another one. You cannot assume that because you child never complains of not being able to see, his eyes are perfectly fine. There is a possibility that he may not realize that having a blurred vision is not normal. Additionally, if your child often complains of headaches, leans on one side to read or usually prefer to read closely, it could be a sign that he has a vision problem.
It is advisable to ask your doctor which tests are recommended and then be certain to get proper examination done from a doctor of repute.
3. Healthy food
Eating in a new environment and with time restrictions it is quite possible that well-balanced lunches prepared by you come untouched. It is very obvious for you to get worried however don’t much bother as this is something you cannot control. But, you can work on the alternative provide a protein filled breakfast. It will make a real difference in his energy levels. It is a good idea to munch on the breakfast with your child. This will allow you to spend some valuable time with him while he will be encouraged to have breakfast.
4. Bathroom break
No matter how active and confident your child is, there always lies a possibility that he might be embarrassed to ask to go the bathroom in new surroundings because of which there can occur an accident leading to humiliation. To help your child avoid such a situation, talk well in advance before the school starts. Educate him about the bathroom rules like raising the hand to seek permission.
If you have doubts that your child may face wetting problems in school, take precautions. Talk to the teacher and schedule bathroom breaks at home few days before the school starts.
5. Hand washing habits
Being at school gives to invitation to a gang of new germs. While your child may be happy about new friends and new activities, it is good if you are concerned about germs and unhealthy habits. Like adults, children also need to have good hand washing habits especially when they go to the bathroom and before eating. If you think that you child may not follow this practice at school consider giving a packet of anti-bacterial wipes. At the end of each day, you can also check how many wipes have been used to be sure if he is actually using it.
6. Sickness
No matter what you do to maintain healthy habits, catching cold is inevitable. Just to maintain a good attendance record to not compromise with your child’s health and also of other kids at school. Go through the copy of school’s guidelines to check when to keep a sick child at home. Ideally, you should not wait until the illness occurs even if minor symptoms exist you have got the signal.
7. Safety measures
When your child starts going to school, it is probably the first time he is away from your watchful eye. So, it is important to take some safety measures. If your child will be walking to bus stop or the school, take a walk of the route together in advance to measure possible hazards like stray dogs or busy streets. Do not let your young child walk to the destination alone neither expect a slightly older sibling to shoulder the responsibility.
If in the car remember to put the seat belt, for journey by bus advice your child to keep seated and not to place his hand outside the window. Moreover, to give protection from strangers, avoid writing his name outside the jacket or school bag. Do not scare your child by being paranoid about the child directed crime. Occasion conversations should be fine.
8. Exercise is important
While your child may be hyperactive otherwise, for which you do not feel that exercise is required, make sure he gets enough exercise once he starts going to school. The reason being he will be spending most of his daytime sitting at the desk and obviously you cannot much rely on the recess and sports class. According to Dr. Prazar, kids require 20-30 minutes of regular exercise a day. Plan things properly and watch your child growing healthy at school.
