5 Essential Back To School Health And Safety Tips For Families

The transition from summer’s carefree days to going back to school and being in the structured academic environment again presents a unique set of challenges for many families. With the hustle and bustle of new schedules and demands, it’s easy to overlook essential aspects of wellbeing. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep your kids safe and healthy, whether they’re starting school for the first time or returning after summer break.

Prioritize Immunizations

Vaccines form the basis of preventive health care. They help safeguard children from a host of infectious diseases. Keeping up with vaccinations protects your child and the community by promoting herd immunity.

Before the start of the school year, verify that your kid’s immunizations are up to date. Consult the pediatrician to determine the necessary vaccinations for your children based on their age, health history and the types of diseases prevalent in your region. Strictly observe your child’s recommended immunization schedule to create a protective barrier against contagious illnesses — like the flu, measles, mumps and even COVID-19 — which can affect their health, disrupting their well-being and learning.

Serve A Balanced Diet

A nutritious diet contributes to optimal brain development and proper physical growth. It also helps maintain the high energy levels required to learn and play. Children who eat a balanced diet show enhanced cognitive function exhibited by high learning agility, better problem-solving skills and improved memory — elements that boost academic performance.

When preparing school lunches, aim to balance carbs, proteins and healthy fats. A well-rounded lunch might include a turkey and avocado sandwich on whole-grain bread, a side of carrot sticks and a piece of fruit. Minimize processed foods, sugary snacks and drinks.

Even if your kids get lunch at school, you can still contribute to ensure they eat healthily.

• Get involved in the school’s nutrition program by volunteering on school lunch committees. Your participation can influence menu planning and food sourcing.
• Collaborate with other parents to connect the school with local farmers. This creates a sustainable food supply that supports farm-to-fork initiatives and introduces children to fresh, seasonal produce.
• Monitor the school menu to assess its nutritional value. If you or your child has concerns, communicate them to the administration and allow the time to resolve them.

Remember to provide adequate hydration, whether they carry lunch or get it at school. Encourage kids over 4 to drink five to eight glasses of water throughout the day.

Ensure Safe Transportation

About 120,000 pedestrian mortalities occur among school-going children under the age of 14. This makes safety education crucial, whether your child walks, bikes, takes the bus or carpools.

When it’s time to go back to school, ensure they understand traffic routes and know the safest route to school. Teach your kids to use crosswalks, look both ways before crossing the road, and avoid distractions to and from school. Wearing reflective materials reduces the risk of pedestrian accidents, so invest in bright clothing to enhance visibility if your child walks to school. Remind bus riders to use their seatbelt, remain seated throughout the ride, follow the driver’s instructions and never walk behind the bus.

Consider your child’s age, maturity and developmental level when deciding whether they should bike, walk or take the bus. They should be aware of their surroundings, be familiar with the route and be able to handle unexpected situations should they arise.

Promote Physical Activity

Children require at least an hour of exercise for healthy growth and development. Regular activity promotes physical health and mental well-being, which boosts academic performance. It also helps your child develop habits that will benefit them throughout life.

Encourage your kids to play sports, take dance classes or engage in other physical activities. You don’t have to wait until they return to school to introduce fitness. Begin right now by incorporating exercise into daily activities at home. Take advantage while the weather is conducive to playing outdoors. Both you and your kids get to work out and bond while you do so.

Encourage Proper Hygiene

Cleanliness remains a vital preventive measure against the spread of diseases. Schools are hotbeds for germs, so teach your child to maintain hygiene at home and school.

• Teach proper handwashing: Demonstrate the correct technique for washing hands, emphasizing the importance of lathering, scrubbing for 20 seconds and using a clean towel for drying. Put up colorful reminders near sinks and bathrooms to make handwashing a habit by the time they return to school.
• Sneezing and coughing etiquette: Train kids to use a tissue or their elbow to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing and to discard the tissue immediately to avoid spreading germs.
• Provide hand sanitizers: Invest in portable sanitizers they can carry to school.

Children learn best by example, so practice good hygiene yourself to reinforce these habits.

Health And Safety For Academic Success

Implementing practices that keep your child healthy and safe before they go back to school and as you prepare for the new school year is crucial. Taking proactive steps can contribute significantly to their wellbeing and set the foundation for academic and personal success. Just remember to tailor these guidelines to your child’s specific needs and preferences, as everyone is unique.