With kids heading back to school, there are ways you can help them stay healthy and happy.
Every school day counts. And too many
absences can have a big impact on your child's education and health. School is where children learn, socialize with friends, eat healthy meals, get exercise and find support to help them grow and thrive.
Follow these health tips to help your child start this school year strong.
1. Prioritize healthy routines: sleep, exercise & nutritious meals
Begin with the basics. Make sure your child eats nutritious meals, and gets plenty of
physical activity and sleep. All of these are key to success in school and social life.
Nutritious
meals help kids function better at school.
School meals are a great way to nourish your child's mind. Many children can apply for free or reduced-price
food at school and sometimes during breaks and at child care/after-school programs. Contact your child's school to find out where you can access their application for these meal programs.
Getting enough
sleep is critical to staying healthy and thriving at school. Not getting enough sleep can affect memory, concentration, creativity and learning. In fact, lack of sleep is linked with lower
academic performance, school
attendance and tardiness.
Digital devices like laptops, tablets and cell phones are now a bigger part of the day for most of us. Kids may use them for school work and to connect with friends or play games. The start of the school year is a good time to help your children
set boundaries when using screens at school and at home.
To balance out screen time and help them sleep, encourage your child to make
physical activity a regular part of their day.
2. Stay up-to-date on checkups & immunizations
If your child has not had a
well-child checkup in the last year, schedule a back-to-school physical. At the checkup, your pediatrician can go over treatment plans for your child during the school day. They can also fill out medication and sports physical forms. All kids should get a sports physical, even if they are not involved in sports. The doctor can go over concerns about diet, physical fitness and
body image.
Sharing space in school means it is easy for contagious diseases to spread quickly. During the checkup, ask your pediatrician if your child is caught up on their
vaccines. It's one of the most important steps to help keep everyone healthy in school. When more school kids have immunity, it's harder for diseases to spread. And that means they can continue to learn, grow and thrive.
Health insurance help
When children have health insurance, they are more likely to get the care they need to stay healthy and in school. Don't have insurance? Ask at your pediatrician's office. They can explain health coverage options for your children, such as
Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and
other insurance options.
3. Mental health matters: what to look for & how to help
Childhood and adolescence is an exciting time. It can also be filled with challenges and change. Many children and teens struggle with mental health, so it can help to always watch for signs in your child. Some kids may show signs like struggling in school, sleep problems or physical symptoms. School absences may also be a sign.
Getting support early can make all the difference
Remind your child that they can tell you anything. Show them that you are a welcoming place for them to
talk about their feelings and concerns. Let them know it is okay to ask for help if they feel like they need more support from you.
Other trusted adults like school counselors and social workers are there for them. Some children are absent from school because of bullying and exclusion. Make sure your child knows a trusted adult at school to talk with about bullying, whether it's physical, verbal or social. It can happen at school, on the
school bus, in the neighborhood or through digital devices.
Your pediatrician can also talk through mental health concerns with your child and you. They can help make a plan if your child needs
more help.
Remember
Reach out to your pediatrician with questions about keeping your child healthy so they can stay in school, or if your child isn't feeling well and you're not sure if they should
stay home. You can also contact the
school nurse at your child's school for answers about their health during the school day.
More information