9 Tips For A Healthy School Year

Are your kids ready to go back to school? Mine sure are! And I’m excited for what the new school year holds for them. A new school year is a time to start all over, with new teachers, new friends, and possibly new schools. Three of my kids are starting new schools this year, and we’ve have loads to get ready! Every new school year requires a ton of preparation – from the new clothes, shoes, school supplies to planning pick ups and drop offs, and getting back into the daily routine. We’re all familiar with the usual long list of things that go along with beginning a new school year. But, don’t forget to focus on your child’s health! Here are 9 tips for a healthy school year.

1. Annual Check-up

Be sure to keep your children up-to-date with their well visits. There’s a wide gap in the vaccine schedule between ages 5-11 years where children don’t need any routine vaccines. We tend to see a drop-off in well checks during this time. This is because a lot of parents simply forget that their child still needs to be seen every year, since they don’t need shots. Having regular check-ups allows your Pediatrician to catch and address any ongoing physical or mental issues. We can also help to gear you in the right direction if your child is struggling in school. It’s important to stay on top of your child’s growth and development, to make sure they’re getting the nutrition they need to be successful. So make those annual appointments!

Along with this, be sure to stay on top of dental and eye exam appointments for your child. Every aspect of their health is important for comfort and success at school.

2. Vaccines

Please, please, please be sure that your child is up to date with their vaccines! Unfortunately, we’re seeing a return of illnesses like Measles, Chicken Pox, Whooping Cough, and Hepatitis A, because so many children and adults are missing these important vaccines. Even if a vaccine is not “required” by the school system, I strongly believe your child should receive all that are recommended. Protect your children and be sure their vaccines are up to date before school starts. Also, don’t forget about the flu vaccine! The flu is contagious, and I’ve seen it leave entire classrooms (including teachers!) down for 7-10 days at a time. You don’t want your child missing out on their education because of an illness that could’ve been prevented. So, protect your child and vaccinate today!

3. Physical Activity

Physical activity has so many benefits for children. Active children have a lower risk of obesity, and all of the complications that can come along with it. Physical activity and playing outside also helps to boost mood. It can also help with focusing and productivity, which are so important for school. Have your child take a daily walk, run, or ride their bike. Sign up for a sports team. Find time this busy school year to get your kids outside!

4. Sleep

It’s so important for your child to get enough sleep. Sleep has so many benefits for children, and sometimes we under-estimate its importance. Rest can improve behavior, focusing, and overall academic performance. Encourage your child to perform to the best of his ability, by making sure that he gets enough sleep. The CDC and National Sleep Foundation have specific recommendations on the amount of sleep your child needs. I know that sleep schedules can get off track over the summertime. Try to re-adjust your child’s sleep schedule back to normal about a week before school starts, by gradually getting them to sleep earlier each night.

5. Hand hygiene

Before the school year starts, spend some time talking to your children about good hygiene. Remind them to wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom or playing outside. Even if their class doesn’t have a set “hand washing” time, they should make an effort to do it themselves. Good hand washing prevents the spread of illnesses, especially things like colds, stomach viruses, and infectious rashes.

6. Bathroom habits

This is something a lot of parents don’t think about, but I see it a lot in my office. So many children don’t like to use the bathroom at school, so they hold their urine or stool, and end up with complications as a result. Encourage your kids to use the bathroom regularly to prevent constipation, urinary tract infections and other bladder problems. Encourage little girls to wipe properly (from front to back), gently, but thoroughly. This can also prevent UTIs and irritation in the vaginal area.

7. Balanced diet

Your child needs a ton of nutrients for their brain to function normally. Encourage a good, balanced diet on a regular basis. You may have to be creative with picky eaters or with a super-busy schedule. But, it’s so important. Try smoothies to sneak in nutrients or to make a quick breakfast in the morning. Use my meal-planning tips for lunchboxes and dinner to be more intentional about getting healthy meals into your children. Multivitamins are also helpful, to supplement nutrients your child may not be getting in their diet.

8. Keep sick child home

If your child has a temperature of 101 or greater, he should stay home from school for at least 24 hours. This is usually the most contagious time of an illness. Besides, if your child truly has a fever, he won’t be well enough to learn, and will just have a miserable day at school. It’s best to let your child rest and allow their body to fight whatever illness it’s facing. If you’re concerned, schedule an appointment with your Pediatrician. Also, don’t send your child to school with any suspicious rash or symptoms. It’s better to have them checked out and separate from classmates, instead of spreading an unknown illness at the school. If we all do this, as moms, we can prevent the spread of a lot of illnesses!

9. Stay in touch

Talk to your child regularly, to address any physical, emotional, or academic issues that may come about. Anxiety and depression are becoming more common in our children, and much of it is unfortunately brought on by school. Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher. You don’t want to find out about any gasps in their learning too late in the school year. Doing poorly in school can really lower a child’s self esteem. If your child is having any issues, reach out to the school to see what resources are available. If you have to get outside tutoring or help, please do. Do whatever you can to maximize your child’s success.

School is your child’s #1 job. Education is so important for their ultimate success in life. It’s so important for us as parents to give them the tools they need to succeed. This includes not just physical clothing and supplies, but also the above 9 tips for a healthy school year. Don’t forget these things as the new school year gets started!

Are you a busy mom getting ready for the new school year? For awesome resources and tips on getting out of the house on time, lunch box planning, dinner planning, and so much more – grab my Balanced Mom Toolbox! It’s a digital library of helpful printables, checklists, and guides to help you get organized and balance your many roles.

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