Easing the Transition of Back-to School

This time a year can be hectic and overwhelming for many parents and students.  Below are some wonderful tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, to help with the transition. 

Simplify the first day

• Help ease the anxiety of the first day of school by letting your child know that it is okay to be nervous and that many of their friends AND teachers are most likely feel the same way.   
• Remind them of the positives of going back to school. They'll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh their memories of previous years when they came home from the first day, excited and eager to tell you everything.
• If you feel it is appropriate, drive or walk your child to school and pick them up on the first day.
• As with any school day, be sure your child gets an adequate amount of sleep the night before.

Backpacks 101

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. 
• Put all those pockets to use! Organize the backpack using all of the smaller and larger compartments so they can easily find important items and to maximize even weight distribution.  The backpack should never weigh more than 10-20% of your child’s weight. 
• Remind them to always use both shoulder straps to reduce straining of the muscles. 
• If permitted by the school, consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who carry a heavy load.

Transportation Safety

School Bus 

• If your child’s school bus has seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all times when aboard and tell them to always stay seated while the bus is in motion.
• Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb. 
• Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street and make sure you walk where you can see the bus driver and they can see you.

Car

• All passengers should wear a seat belt and/or an age- and size-appropriate car seat or booster seat. 
• Your child should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle's seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4' 9" in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age).
• Children under 13 years old should not ride in the front seat.
• Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school. You should require seat belt use, limit the number of teen passengers, and do not allow eating, drinking, cell phone conversations, or texting  to prevent driver distraction.

Bike 

• Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride. 
• Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic. 
• Use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic lights and stop signs. 
• Wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility, especially after dark.
• For more information, visit http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm

Walking to School 

• If your child walks to school on their own, make sure it is a safe route with adult crossing guards at every intersection. It’s a good idea to walk with them the first week to be sure they know the route and can do it safely.
• Find a friend in the neighborhood that your child can walk with, or consider organizing a “walking school bus,” in which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school.

Grub Time

• Start the day with a nutritious breakfast to keep your child satisfied until lunch time.
• Look out for cafeteria menus so you can plan ahead for days you or your child would prefer a packed lunch.
• Try to get your child's school to stock healthy choices such as fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products, water and 100 percent fruit juice in the vending machines and cafeteria.

Before and After School Care 

• During early and middle childhood, youngsters need supervision. A responsible adult should be available to get them ready and off to school in the morning and watch over them after school until you get home. 
• If alternate adult supervision is not available, parents should make special efforts to supervise their children from a distance. Children should have a set time when they are expected to arrive at home and should check in with a neighbor or with a parent by telephone. 
• If you choose a commercial after-school program, inquire about the training of the staff. There should be a high staff-to-child ratio, and the rooms and the playground should be safe. There are also wonderful agencies such as College Nannies & Tutors, which provide great role model nannies to care for your children.

Developing Good Homework Habits 

• Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. This space should be quiet and without distractions.
• Schedule ample time for homework and establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during this time. 
• Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's homework for them. 
• If your child is struggling with a particular subject or needs general organization and study skills, a tutor can be a great solution.