Your roundup of back-to-school resources
Transitioning from the more laid-back tempo of the summer to the structure of the school year can be overwhelming for children and families. There are new school supplies to purchase, new classmates and teachers to meet and new routines to follow.
In this article roundup, you’ll find tips and advice to help you navigate this hectic time and support the health and well-being of your children as they return to the classroom.
Anxiety and stress
Back-to-school anxiety peaks for many children a day or two before they start school. Learn how to help your child manage first-day jitters and how to set them up for success this school year.
Sound mental health isn’t just important for children. Learn why parents’ mental health matters and what you can do to make it a priority in your life.
Healthy habits
Helping children reach their full potential in the classroom begins with healthy habits and action steps before they walk through school doors. Explore these six tips for supporting your child’s body and mind or learn more about how to help your child get a good night’s rest.
Heavy backpacks
Children often lug heavy items, such as binders, books and laptops, from class to class. Christopher Melich, DC, a chiropractor at MultiCare Rockwood Chiropractic Center, offers guidance on how to choose a backpack that won’t slow them down or lead to unnecessary wear and tear on their bodies.
Hygiene
Nobody wants to be known as the “the stinky kid” at school. If your child is heading toward puberty, it may be time to talk about good hygiene habits, from how often to shower to deodorant use. Mary Bridge pediatrician Joey Garcia, MD, offers tips for keeping your preteen smelling as fresh as a daisy.
Immunizations
Does your child have the vaccinations they need to start school? Staying up to date on shots helps keep children, school staff and the community safe from potential outbreaks of disease. In this back-to-school immunization guide, find answers to common questions, including how to address the fear of getting shots and how to access your vaccination records.
Nutrition for student athletes
Making sure your kids eat right is important — especially when they participate in sports. A pediatric sports medicine specialist and a registered dietitian at MultiCare Health System offer guidance on helping kids fuel up, stay hydrated and play strong.
Nutritious lunches
There are a lot of options when it comes to lunch containers, yet what matters most is not what kind of box, sack or bag you get for your child but what you put inside. Erica Lewis, a wellness dietician at the MultiCare Center for Health Equity & Wellness, offers guidance about how to pack an appetizing, fun lunch your child will actually eat.
Transportation
Transportation safety isn’t necessarily top of mind as children and parents dash out the door in the morning to make it to school and work on time. That’s why it’s a good idea to review travel safety before that first frenzied day. In this two-part series, learn safety tips for walking and biking as well as driving and bussing.