Back To School Health

• Dos and Don'ts of Back to School
• School Safety

Dos and Don'ts

The first few days of the school year can be quite hectic as everyone adjusts to the new schedule. So, parents might want to set the alarm clock 15 minutes early for a few days. The extra time may come in handy until the family settles into the new routine.

Good organization and planning can help defuse a stressful situation before it occurs. But, when things start to get out of hand despite your best efforts, keep in mind these useful tips:

Do

• Improve your communication skills.
• Control your anger.
• Be a problem-solver, not a fault-finder.
• Negotiate contracts.
• Create a consistent, structured environment.
• Present a united front.
• Encourage; don't overwhelm.
• End power struggle battles.
• Collaborate with the school.
• Assert your influence.

Don't

• Order - "No son of mine will ever be late for school."
• Threaten - " If you're late, you'll get a whipping."
• Moralize - "If you are late, you will never amount to anything."
• Advise - "Why don't you make yourself get dressed faster!"
• Lecture - "When I was your age, I walked five miles to school and was never late."
• Criticize - "You are being shortsighted, and your thinking shows immaturity."
• Butter up - "Well, you always have lots of potential."
• Ridicule - "You're talking like a no-account bum."
• Over-analyze - "You can't get to school on time because you don't put out the effort."
• Take all the responsibility - "It's all my fault you can't get here on time."

School Safety

The American Academy of Pediatrics has released these guidelines for a happy, healthy, and safe return to school:

1. Before the first day of school, walk or ride the route to school together with your child.
2. Tour the school building and classroom prior to the first day, and set up play dates with classmates.
3. If your child will be walking to school, assess the route for safety. Find out about crossing guards.
4. Instruct your child to stay on sidewalks and main roads; do not allow him to cut through alleys, woods, or other deserted areas.
5. Have siblings walk together so that younger children are accompanied, or ask an older neighbor child to walk with your young child.
6. For bus riders, review basic safety rules:
   • Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
   • Do not move around on the bus.
   • Wait until the bus is fully stopped before exiting the bus.
   • Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing.
7. Let the school know whenever your child is absent.
8. Give your child some strategies for coping with bullies. He should not give in to a bully's demands, but should simply walk away or tell the bully to stop.
9. Talk with the teacher about a persistent bully. If appropriate, the teacher and principal may take steps to mediate the situation.
10. Encourage your child to talk about fears of violence, and reassure her. Explain how she can avoid dangerous situations, and steps that have been taken to ensure her safety.
11. Provide a positive homework atmosphere for your child that is free of clutter and distractions, including television.
12. Show your child you are interested in her work. Re-explain assignments if necessary, and check to see that homework is completed.
13. Having trouble fitting homework into your child's schedule? You may need to cut back on his activities, or see that his after-school care includes supervised homework time.
14. 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.
15. Remember to allow time for free play in your child's schedule.

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