Newswise — Children experience greater learning and academic achievement when they are healthy " both physically and emotionally. Experts offer parents the following "back to school" advice that could lead to a healthier and more meaningful year.
* Have your child do a "back to school" physical "A back to school physical is just good to check a child's general health to make sure there are no unknown illnesses or other medical problems," says Dr. Gary Lawrence, pediatrician for the Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania.
A physical could determine if a child's disease immunizations are up to date, although Lawrence reports that "most states have requirements so schools are pretty good about making sure kids are up to date."
* Make sure children can treat their chronic health problems, and school officials are properly informed. Lawrence recommends school-aged kids with chronic health problems like asthma and diabetes, should be properly trained to take care of themselves " like watching their diets for proper sugar intake, knowing when they need insulin, or how to use their inhalers. "Kids with severe allergies should also understand their problems and what they need to avoid, and parents should inform school personnel about these allergies," he says. "With allergies " particularly those involving food, like peanuts " you can't predict how bad the next reaction will be."
* Practice good health at home "The body is more prone to fight off illnesses if it's already healthy," says Lawrence. But good health starts at home. Parents should try and have their children eat well-balanced meals, and make them aware of healthy choices available in the school cafeteria.
They should also make sure their child is getting enough sleep " preferably eight or more hours per night, according to Lawrence.
They need to also practice proper hygiene " like hand washing after using bathroom and before they eat " and discourage them from sharing drinking utensils. "There's a lot of illness outbreaks among sports teams because they're all drinking from the same cup or utensils," says Lawrence.
* Set a child's routine before the start of school Children typically thrive on routines and predictability according to Dr. Debbie Glasser, a licensed clinical psychologist from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. She is past chair of the National Parenting Education Network, and author of the "Positive Parenting" column in The Miami Herald.
"During the summer months, it's helpful for parents to set consistent bedtimes and regular morning routines to get kids ready for going back to school. Regular routines at home can help kids get ready for the stressful mornings of back to school," says Glasser, a mother of three. "If their children are staying up all hours during the summer, they can still gradually help them get back into a regular routine."
"We underestimate the negative effects of stress and the anxiety associated with a hectic morning. Children often take several hours to recuperate from a stressful morning " time that is better spent relaxed and focused on academics," adds Louis Laguna, assistant professor of psychology at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pa.
* Take time to discuss the "tough issues" with your child "Parents need to ensure that they provide effective, positive discipline techniques and appropriate limit setting at home," says Nova's Glasser. "Some common "back to school" concerns include "helping them cope with bullies and teasing, avoiding negative peer pressure and demonstrating appropriate self-control."
Dr. Paul Kettlewell, pediatric psychologist at the Geisinger Health System, advises parents to start by getting to know their children's friends. "You're going to know more about the peer pressure your child is experiencing and how to manage it better if you know something about the other kids they're spending their time with," he says.
Peer pressure could eventually turn to drug and alcohol use. While Kettlewell admits there are no simple answers on the subject, he encourages parents to take a clear stance.
"Many parents are scared by the issue and are not clear to their kids on their position. You need to say they're not acceptable and there will be consequences for using them. Those consequences often involve a limit of their freedom," says Kettlewell.
Parents should also look at their own drug and alcohol behavior. If they use them, Kettlewell reports their kids are more likely to use them too.
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