1
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Get bedtimes on track, and tidy up the sleep hygiene.
In the summer, when it’s light after 9 p.m., it’s easy for bedtimes to slip. But with early school wake-up calls coming, it’s key for children and teens to get to bed so they get enough quality sleep.
2. Get your young athlete a sports exam.
Any student who plays a school sport needs a sports physical, which is more focused than an annual wellness checkup. The sports checkup reviews heart and lung health, including diagnosing any breathing or exertion issues like asthma that could be worsened by playing sports. It also includes a sport-specific examination of a child’s muscles and bones.
3. Check your young student’s eyes.
Good vision is critical to children’s success in the classroom and checking your child’s eyes before issues interfere with school is so important. Children may not complain of not being able to see clearly, which makes exams even more important.
4. Don’t take “fine” for an answer.
Depression, anxiety, and stress are big health risks to teens and younger kids. They may not say that they are being bullied or that they are experiencing other stressors. To stay in tune with your child’s mood, make sure you engage in real conversations about what’s going on at and after school.
5. Make sure backpacks fit well.
As school kids get older, they tend to carry heavier books. A load of books with a laptop can weigh as much as 30 pounds. That can spell shoulder, neck, and back strain for young people, and affect their posture. Make sure your child’s backpack fits well, with padding on the shoulder straps that can be loosened and tightened to ensure a snug fit depending on the contents.
