In any sense, going back to school is a huge moment for kids and parents, especially in light of this past year. Back to school health is at the forefront of many parents and our minds. Also, many kids have not been to in-person school for over a year. Back to school safety tips are essential for everyone’s health. Even some kids are stressed about back-to-school health. We are here to take the stress out of going back to school by making sure your child is emotionally and physically ready.
Some schools will require masks, and basically, all of them will have new back-to-school health tips, procedures, and protocols. Going back to school can cause some anxieties in children, while some kids can’t wait to bond with their friends again. If you’re wondering how to go back to school effortlessly, you’ve come to the right place.
This year a healthy back to school can be possible with the help of parents, teachers, and the participation of students. We have a list of all the back-to-school health tips you’re looking for. At Worldwide Pediatrics Group, the health and back-to-school safety tips of our patients and the community is paramount. If families follow our healthy back-to-school advice, then we can altogether avoid stress and unhealthy conditions.
Back to School Mental Health Tips
Children should be mentally healthy for back to school. During a child’s developmental years, emotions can run wild, and going back to school can cause anxiety. Maybe think back about how you felt going back to school? Mental health issues can be hereditary, so if you felt anxiety, your biological child may as well. There are also certain signs you can look for at home to check in with your child. Also, consider your child’s typical behavior to changing circumstances; this will likely translate into how they will react to the start of school.
For the most healthy back-to-school routine, parents should check in with their child’s mental health. The discussion of mental health has gone a long way, and we must continue the trend upwards. By talking about emotional realities, we can better help anyone who is suffering. Parents can begin by asking their children a simple question, “How do you feel about going back to school?” Your child may answer excitedly and prate about their friends and upcoming classes, wanting to speak about every detail. This is a good sign your child is mentally prepared.
Your child could respond with a simple shrug or all together dodge your question. Instead of pressing on, “Are you not excited?” Take a step back. Maybe relate to your child, “I remember going back to school often made me feel anxious, what about you?” This could give your child a window to open up or explain how they really feel since you opened up to them.
Mental Health: How To Go Back To School Health Tips
As a parent, there are some steps you can take to help improve your child’s mental well-being. Establishing a routine or meeting with new teachers are some excellent steps to take. You can also keep your child active or involved in community activities during the summer, so they can bond with school friends and strengthen their confidence.
- Establish a routine. Once the end of summer creeps up, maybe about one month in advance, you can begin to adjust your child to the busy schedule ahead. Start turning the alarm clock back one hour earlier so that way your child won’t feel exhausted as the school year starts. The week before school, your child should wake up at the same time they will when classes kick off. Sleep is the root of our health, and establishing a routine can keep your child energized and level-headed. Proper sleep is one of the most crucial back-to-school health tips.
- Integrate academic work. You can do this all summer long as well. Sometimes too long of a brain break can make it difficult to adjust when the school work piles up. Maybe encourage your child to do some summer reading. An excellent way to make it seem like your child’s idea is to roam into the bookstore while shopping nearby. Having your child browse through the books and letting them select one will make them feel like reading was their choice, which it was!
- Create school year goals. Maybe turn this into an art project or active activity. Turn on some music or a video about what to expect on your first day of school, and get out the art materials. Your child can create a bucket list of goals they want to achieve during the school year. Then, they are free to decorate their list however makes them feel good and inspired. You can hang their list on the fridge for an everyday reminder of their goals. Maybe have your child check off the items on the list or check in with them once a week.
- You can help regulate your child’s stress or anxiety by reaching out to new teachers. Maybe plan a meeting or a school walk-through before the big day so your child can get their bearings. Also, limiting the number of new faces before the big day can ease your child’s anxiety. You can also plan a playdate with some new school classmates to kickstart friendships and connections, check out your child’s school directory, and call some other parents up. Maybe ask the teacher to go over back-to-school safety tips.
- Encourage fun activities outside of academics. Sure, building book smarts are necessary, but allowing your child to have some time away from school books can help improve their mental well-being. Sports can be fun and physical activity can make your child feel energized and relaxed. Different sports or activities also encourage your child to bond, use critical thinking, and develop coordination skills. Children can get an emotional boost by doing what they love. Maybe even check out the art groups or other clubs open for registration. You can be sure they don’t overextend themselves by scheduling downtime at home.
Before the school year kicks off, you should consider scheduling an annual physical to ensure your child is healthy from a professional standpoint. It is important to talk about and understand your child’s development to ensure that they receive the proper nutrition and progress well.
Some schools or sports activities require certain immunizations or a doctor’s approval before signing up. These immunizations can help protect your child against certain diseases and keep other classmates safe as well. Seeing the doctor can also help you get all of your child’s health records to allow for a seamless transition if your child needs medical attention at school. You can also schedule a hearing and vision text as well.
Is your child stressed about going back to school? Call us today and make an appointment to get you and your child healthy and ready to take on the upcoming busy schedule.
