During summer break at our house, we definitely have more a relaxed attitude to with our boys. However, when school is about to begin, it is time to get back into a routine!
ADJUSTING BEDTIME
With September and school just around the corner, it is a good idea for us to start getting back into better sleep routines. I have seen this chart on Facebook several times and I thought it was a great visual to help determine when bedtime should be relative to when your child needs to wake up for school.
Of course, if your child’s bedtime is quite a bit later than what you want to be for September, you will have to gradually move the bedtime up each night at least a week before school starts.
VISITS TO HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
I like scheduling my boys’ eye exams in the summer before school starts. This is so I know that their eye health is good before all the learning starts up again in September.
I also think it is a good idea to go for a dental exam before school starts because if your child needs any dental treatment, they may be able to get things fixed up before school starts up so they don’t need to miss school.
Also, if your child is not up to date on their vaccinations, you can make appointment at your nearest community health center to catch up (in particular, this affects many 4-6 year old children)
HANDWASHING
Handwashing is the best way to prevent spread of germs and to avoid illness. Make sure your kids know WHEN to wash their hands (before eating, after using the bathroom, when they come inside from playing). Make sure they know HOW to wash their hands (use warm water and after hands are wet, apply soap, lather up for 20s-amount of time to sing Happy Birthday two times, rinse and dry)
CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA
When I worked at the hospital, every year in September we would see more children with asthma due to flare-ups once school started. The Lung Association has a great handout about this topic to help plan for the “September spike”.
Though our family is sad to say goodbye to the lazy days of summer, the upcoming school year is also very exciting and we are certainly looking forward to it! Wishing everyone a healthy school year!
