We are approaching the time when kids and parents start preparing for going back to school. As the time nears, there are numerous tips to prepare and get your kids off to a great start, including PediatriCare’s back to school guide.
Get All Required Shots And Immunizations
Visit PediatriCare of Northern Virginia to schedule your child’s immunization, including measles, mumps, meningitis, pertussis, or chickenpox. Starting the school year on a healthy note will make for a worry-free school year.
Click here to view the recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule.
Address Any Anxiety About Going Back To The Classroom
If your child is going back to the classroom for the first time in months, ease any worries they may have. Talk with them about how safe everything will be. Let them know the school has made changes to keep them safe. Put them at ease about the strides made with vaccinations and nearing herd immunity.
Get your child talking about their fears, if they have them. Then, listen and acknowledge their worries. Above all, make they feel safe.
Make Adjustments To Their Sleep Schedule
The summer has given children more freedom, and bedtimes may have become more flexible. To get them ready to transition to “school time”, start changing their bedtime several weeks before school starts. Start in 15 – 30 minute increments about a month out, and move their bedtime earlier and earlier each week. That way, when it’s time to head off to bed early before a school night, it won’t be quite so painful.
Don’t Forget The Morning And Afternoon Routines
Once school starts everyone will be getting up earlier. Be sure you have planned for making lunches, showering, eating breakfast, and getting out the door in time. Maybe even do a couple of practice mornings before the “big day”.
Set up special areas and timetables for homework and studying. Set specific times for chores and afternoon sports activities. The planning is half the battle. It will just make things easier for everyone one the Fall comes.
All this structure will help them feel like things are back to normal.
Get A Vision Check Before School Starts
Give your kids an extra boost by having their vision evaluated. Schoolwork will be easier if their vision is normal. Note if they are sitting too close to the TV or holding their devices too close. Are they getting headaches? Knowing your child’s vision is normal will prevent many issues once they begin school.
Don’t Hesitate To Make An Appointment
If you notice anything out of the ordinary before or after school starts, bring your child to PediatriCare for an exam. We are here to help.
Contact PediatriCare at (703) 330-3939, or request an appointment online, to schedule immunizations or if there is anything we can do to put your child on the road to a healthy and productive school year.