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#1. School Forms and Medication Plans
Before school starts back up, parents need to make sure everything is in order for their child when it comes to their health care needs. Usually, this starts with the school.
Have you completed all the paperwork? Like if your child needs medications at school, have you scheduled an appointment with your child's doctor to make sure that you have the appropriate medications and paperwork done for your child to have their medications administered or be allowed to carry them at school? This is especially important for kids who need ADHD medications given at school, or if your child has asthma and needs to have an albuterol inhaler. If your child has allergies that require an EpiPen, does the school know about this, and have you completed those forms? If your child has special dietary needs, have you gotten that specific form completed?
There are a bunch of forms, and many parents don't think about these things until after the school year has started. And then it's a rush to try to get to the pediatrician to get all this taken care of. With how many kids we see on a daily basis, it's better to get those forms and prescriptions done before the school year starts. Also, you normally need to do those every year. The forms don't carry over from year to year. So plan ahead.
#2. Designate an Emergency Contact鈥攁nd Tell Your Child Who It Is
The school will also ask, in addition to filling out forms on your child's health care, that an emergency contact be listed in case you, as the parent, are not available. Make sure that your child knows who this emergency contact is.
#3. Make Sure Vaccines Are Up to Date Before School Starts
Next are vaccines. Every year, we have families that scramble to get vaccines done, often because they have not come in for their well-child visits on time, and then they usually have to have visits with their providers, not just quick nurse visits. The schools usually give a little leeway. But after a certain date, they won't let the kids come back to school unless their vaccines are updated. We see it every year. If you make sure your child has their well visit every year, this won't be an issue.
#4. Schedule a Well-Child Visit That Covers Vision
Well child exams also include vision screening. Every year, we find that there are kids who really can't see well. Your child would need an additional visit to an optometrist to get their prescription for glasses if that is the case.
#5. Catch Up on Dental Visits
And don't forget about dental visits. It's easier to get them in during the summer, when you don't need to worry about taking your child out of school for an appointment.
#6. Ease Back Into School Sleep and Screen Time Routines
Sleep schedules are usually way off during the summer for most kids. So, gradually get them back into their school bedtime routine and wake them early enough to give them adequate time to get ready in the morning. This is also going to affect screen time. Many kids get a lot more screen time during the summer than they do during the school year. So they are going to need to start weaning down on that as well. Two hours or less per day is the goal, and it shouldn't start until after school work has been completed.
#7. Check Your Child鈥檚 Backpack Fit and Weight
If your child will be carrying a backpack, make sure that it's not too heavy and that they use both shoulder straps, not just one. Make sure the straps fit properly, too, so it's not too big and it's not too tight.
#8. Review School Sick Day Rules
We see a big increase in illnesses about two weeks after school starts every year. So make sure you review with your school what their policies are about sick days and when your child will need to see a doctor before returning to school.
#9. Ask Your Child How They Feel About the Upcoming School Year
Finally, check in with your child's mental health. How are they feeling about the upcoming school year? Are they excited, anxious? Make sure that your child knows that you can't wait to hear all about their new adventures and what they're learning about.
Following these simple getting ready to get back to school checklist items, your kid is going to be set up for a successful school year.
Referenced in this Podcast
Treating A Child's ADHD With Medication
Children diagnosed with ADHD are often prescribed stimulant medications to help manage the condition. Learn what research has shown about how these medications work, why they work, as well as some common side effects and risks for children.
Managing Asthma in Children
Asthma can be a daunting diagnosis for parents, but it can be managed effectively with the right knowledge and tools. Learn how to recognize asthma symptoms, the importance of treatment adherence, and strategies to prevent exacerbations.
Understanding and Managing Food Allergies in Children
Food allergies in children are becoming increasingly common鈥攁nd often misunderstood. Learn how to recognize allergic reactions, what to do in an emergency, and how to safely manage allergies both at home and at school.
Tips for Keeping Your Child鈥檚 Vaccinations Up-to-Date
One of the most important parts of school registration is getting your child up-to-date on vaccinations. Learn about vaccine exemptions and the best way to keep track of the boosters your child receives through the years.
The Role of Well-Child Visits in Preventive Pediatric Care
Your child may seem healthy, but annual well-child visits are still essential. Learn how these visits differ from sick visits, what screenings to expect, and how insurance policies affect what gets covered.
The Basics: Vision Screening for Young Children
A majority of children will not develop 20/20 vision until they are four to six years old. During those first few years, what should parents do to make sure their kids maintain healthy vision?
Three Health Risks When Kids Don't Get Enough Quality Sleep
Parents know a sleep-deprived kid is a cranky kid, but lack of sleep can also have a negative impact on your child's health and performance in school. Learn why it is important to get your kids to bed on time to ensure they get the sleep their minds and bodies need.
Is Social Media Taking Over Your Teen's Life? What You Can Do About It
Teens are spending more time on social media than ever before, and it is taking a toll on their mental and physical health. Learn about the urgent concerns surrounding excessive social media use among teenagers, the rising rates of depression, self-harm, and obesity linked to screen time, and how parents can step in to make a difference.
Protect Your Child's Back with the Right Backpack
Heavy backpacks can do more harm than you might think鈥攍eading to muscle strain, posture issues, and even spinal stress in growing kids. Learn how to properly size and fit a backpack, how much is too much to carry, and when to see a doctor for back pain.
The Basics: When Should My Sick Child Stay Home from School?
Children do not learn very well or get much out of school when they are sick. Learn how to know when to keep your child home from school, and when it is safe for them to return to school after recovering from an illness.
Recognizing Depression in Children and Teens
More children are struggling with depression than ever before鈥攁nd not always in ways parents expect. Learn about the signs to watch for, how to talk to your child, and when it is time to involve your pediatrician or a mental health specialist.