Back to School Already?

Getting your children prepared to go back to school can seem quite overwhelming as a parent. On top of all the school supplies and new clothes to buy, there are shots to get, lunches to prepare and routines that need adjusting.

In addition to the stress you might feel as a parent, try to remember the back-to-school jitters you felt as a kid. It's important to help calm a child's nerves before the "big first day." We've provided some helpful preparation tips for the first day back, along with some important reminders for throughout the school year.

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Making the first day easier

• Remind your child that he is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
• Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. He'll see old friends and meet new ones.
• Refresh his memory about previous years, when he may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because he had a good time.
• Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.
• If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with him) to school and pick him up on the first day.

Establishing healthy sleep routines

Some kids may dread the end of summer and back-to-school schedules, especially when it comes to getting to bed earlier. But, it's very important for kids and teens to establish healthy sleep routines to help them be successful in school.

Generally, between the ages of 6 and 9, most children need about 10 hours of sleep a night, while preteens need a little over 9 hours. Your child may require more sleep if he or she:

• Has a short attention span, or is irritable or restless
• Has unusually low energy low energy and activity levels
• Is more tearful, anxious, defensive or impatient than usual.

Get more information from our sleep expert on how you can help your child get back on a good sleep schedule.

Back to school immunizations

School systems typically require that each student receive mandatory immunizations and regular physicals to prevent the spread of many common diseases like chickenpox, measles, mumps and whopping cough. But what shots does your kid need and at what age?  The world of immunizations can be very confusing. Check out our back-to-school immunization guide to help you get started.

Making it to school safely

It’s important to review safe traffic rules with your children, whether they walk, bike or take the bus to school. Here are some tips you can review with your kiddo:

School Bus

• Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
• Do not move around on the bus.
• Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing.
• Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver.

Car

• Check out our car seat safety page to make sure all your kids are sitting safely in the car.

Bike

• Make sure you and your kids always wear a bicycle helmet.
• Ride in the same direction as auto traffic.
• Use crosswalks whenever possible while crossing the street.
• Use appropriate hand signals.
• Respect traffic lights and stop signs.
• Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility.
• Know the "rules of the road."

Walking to School

• Plan a walking route to school or the bus stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and, if possible, with intersections that have crossing guards.
• Walk the route with your child beforehand.
• If possible, have your child walk to and from school with a sibling, friend, or a trusted adult.
• Make sure your child's walk to a school is a safe route with cross-walks.
• Be realistic about your child's pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.

Liven lunch up

Good news on the lunch line front - the Senate just passed the Childhood Nutrition Act, which will require food sold in schools to meet new nutrition guidelines, whether sold in the school lunch lines or in vending machines. Schools still may be allowed to sell pizza and other favorites, though they may have to substitute healthier ingredients to qualify.

If you're packing your child's lunch, try switching things up. Instead of brown-bagging it, try sending them packing with a Bento Box. A Bento box is a small Japanese lunchbox that typically uses dividers or compartments to separate food, allowing you to easily pack a balanced meal.

Here are a few other lunch options to consider:

• Cold-cut roll ups (lean, low-fat turkey, ham, or roast beef with low-fat cheese on whole wheat tortillas)
• Cold pizza (shredded mozzarella cheese with pizza sauce on a flour tortilla, whole wheat pita, English muffin, or mini pizza shell)
• Cracker sandwiches (whole-grain crackers filled with low-fat cream cheese or peanut butter and jelly)
• Veggie sticks with low-fat dip or dressing
• 100% fruit juice box or bottle of water
• Optional dessert (choose one): flavored gelatin, low-fat pudding, oatmeal raisin cookie, graham crackers, fresh fruit

Before- and after-school child care

• A responsible adult should be available to get kids ready and off to school in the morning and watch over them after school until they are old enough to be home alone.
• If alternate adult supervision is not available, parents should make special efforts to supervise their children from a distance. Children should have a set time when they are expected to arrive at home and should check in with a neighbor or with a parent by telephone.
• If you choose a commercial after-school program, inquire about the training of the staff. There should be a high staff-to-child ratio, and the rooms and the playground should be safe.

Developing good homework and study habits

• Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Kids need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.
• Set aside ample time for homework. 
• Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's homework for them.
• If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren't able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child's teacher first.