Preparing for back to school is more than shopping
By Kristi Durbin, MS, BSN, RN, El Paso County Public Health Immunization Division Manager and Jennifer Mussaw, MSW, LCSW, El Paso County Public Health Maternal and Child Health Division Manager
In August, many families are planning their children’s return to school. While parents may be focused on buying backpacks, school supplies and clothes, there may be tasks that didn’t make the to-do list. This could include scheduling doctor’s appointments; ensuring your school knows about your child’s allergies or health conditions and that your child has the proper medication; checking your child’s vaccine status; establishing routines; setting up safe transportation/routes to school; planning healthy meals; and checking in with your child’s emotions as they get ready for this important transition.
Your child’s physical health
Ensuring your children are healthy is a top priority for all parents. August is an excellent time to check in with your child’s health before they hit the books. Consider:
- It can be challenging to set doctor and dentist appointments during the school year. August is an excellent time to schedule an annual well-child visit, sport physical, dental cleaning and/or eye exam.
- While at your health care provider’s office, ensure your child’s prescriptions are up to date.
- Does your child have a health condition requiring care or medication? Does your child have serious allergies? It’s a good time to notify your child’s school and ensure the school nurse knows what care your child may need.
- The state has specific vaccine requirements for children attending schools and child care facilities. Learn more at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/immunization/school-required-vaccines.
For questions or concerns about vaccines, or to schedule a vaccine appointment, reach out to your health care provider or contact El Paso County Public Health’s Immunization Program by visiting elpasocountyhealth.org or by calling 719-578-3199, option 5.
Your child’s safe and healthy routines
Like all people, children are creatures of habit. That’s why it’s so important to help your child develop safe and healthy routines early in life. By planning ahead, you can help your child balance their time between important tasks, make smart choices when transporting back and forth from school and choose nourishing foods.
- Help your child develop a schedule that allows time for study, physical activity, bonding with friends and family, hobbies or skills-building and a regular, reasonable bedtime. Assist your child in creating and sticking to their schedule.
- If your child walks, rides a bike or takes a bus to school, work with them to develop a safe route, navigate traffic and be safe around strangers. The Safe Routes to School Program is a great resource for parents. Learn more at https://codot.gov/programs/bikeped/saferoutes.
- Your child’s return to school means they will be eating lunch (and possibly breakfast) at school. If you plan to pack meals, now is a good time to start thinking about what you might put in your child’s lunchbox. If your child eats a school lunch and/or breakfast, begin talking with them about smart choices. To learn more about your child’s nutritional needs, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Back to School with MyPlate page at https://myplate.gov/back-school-myplate.
Your child’s emotional health
Do you remember being nervous on your first day back to school? Your children may also have those first day jitters. While many kids are excited to return to school, the change can also be stressful. And depending on their circumstances and mental health status, children may experience serious mental health problems during back to school. Remember:
- Communicate with your child. Ask them about their feelings. Don’t forget to listen, acknowledge their feelings and offer reassurance that it’s normal to feel anxious about this change.
- Ask your child what you can do to support them. Work with your child to develop a plan and routines to ease their stress.
Seek help. If your child’s emotions are not improving, reach out to a mental health professional. If your child talks about or shows signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 immediately.
