The back-to-school season can be a very exciting time for children and their families. After a relaxing summer break, reuniting with the classroom and school friends often necessitates the desire to start off on the right foot and get back on track with routines. Fall is indeed the season of labor and harvest, and children start to feel this shift too as school and formal learning start taking a priority again. Listed below are five tips to keep children as healthy and comfortable as possible as they head back to school and into a new season.
Anticipate common illnesses
Many parents are aware of a phenomenon known as the “back-to-school plague.” Common illnesses arise when children are in close contact with each other in indoor environments. Sometimes the illnesses seem relentless in both their frequency and penchant to infect the entire family. Many physicians anticipate the rise in illnesses during the fall months and know this is often how young children build immunity. COVID-19 and other evolving viruses have only added to the complexity of back-to-school health and make it harder for parents and teachers alike.
Hand washing is the most important thing children can do, but it is also wise to expect that children will inevitably come home with something. It is helpful to have items already on hand to help with common illnesses such as oral rehydration solutions for diarrhea episodes (or packets to dissolve in water), fever and pain relieving agents, extra measuring cups, disinfecting wipes, a clean and working humidifier, and an up-to-date first aid kit on hand. Keep in mind that many common illnesses are viral in nature and self-resolve in about a week with proper rest and hydration. If hand washing is not readily available, a sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is acceptable. Teaching children proper hygiene and emulating it through your own actions can be very helpful in keeping illnesses at bay.
Calm any fears or anxiety
The back-to-school season can cause a whole slew of emotions for both children and parents. Some concerns that children may worry about include being away from their parents, meeting new friends, and adjusting to a new routine. Parents can usually see the stress and become distraught with concern and worry. Remember that children can not only sense but even start to emulate the environment around them, so it is helpful to remain calm and attentive during transitional periods. Help young children be aware of their teacher and classroom location by scheduling meet-and-greets and tours whenever possible. If it is new school, it may be helpful to drive by the location a few times and show exactly where pickup and drop off may be. You can also read books to young children about starting school and give them a chance to discuss their concerns. Any type of preparation can be helpful in making the back-to-school transition a smooth one.
Get back to a routine of good habits
I have found it so helpful when my whole family establishes a routine that emerges naturally from our particular needs and desires. When you have found what works for your family during the back-to-school season, children can slowly start acclimating to this routine. About a week before school, adjust bedtimes and wakeup times to match more closely to fall scheduling. Setting a dinner time can be hard with the emergence of after-school activities, but at least trying to accommodate a similar time each day to eat a nutritious meal can be a nice way to get back into the swing of things. Remind children that eating good foods, drinking water, brushing teeth twice a day, sleeping well, and getting enough physical activity can help keep them healthy and provide lots of energy for their day. I am no stranger to being a little lax with some basic routines during the summer months, but I do try to be a bit more mindful when school starts back up again!
Be mindful of over-scheduling
I love when my children are able to obtain outside experiences and skill sets beyond school and home, but (admittedly) none of us truly enjoy the constant running around, calendar shuffling, and strain on important family time. We also like keeping the weekends – and especially Sundays – to ourselves for relaxation and special activities that we do together as a family. Every parent means well when adding to the schedule, but children can often pick up on the stress of a packed calendar and need some free time to decompress after school and other social events, just like adults. With every season, I try to gently remind myself of how much my family and I can comfortably commit to and also try to give my older children some autonomy in deciding which activities and events they wish to participate in.
Focus on the positives and get back to basics
Any parent can attest to the uncertainties and changing times these past few years have brought into family and school life. Children – no matter the age – have more than likely experienced some of these issues through their own eyes and in their own special way. With any major change, it is always important to focus on the positive. Remind children that school – no matter the setting or environment – is to help them learn, be independent, and be participative in their home and community. Let your child know that you are their biggest fan and supporter and will always have their back even if you don’t always have the answers. In times of transition, focus on simple things that bring you together and stir laughter – whether it be weekend day trips, movie or game nights, or even just an increase in family dinners. It can be immensely helpful for both children and parents when everyone has something to look forward to. Having a strong and stable support system at home also gives children the courage to face the unknown and work through times of transition.
