Back to school. Possibly the most stressful time of the parents year. Clothes, school supplies, haircuts, transportation, and babysitters. So many things to arrange for your child, and every year you have to start it all over again. Then there is your child's health. Last month, we helped you with the vaccination schedule, and now it is time for everything else.
Proper Sleep
The school sleep routine is the easiest. A child needs between 8 and 10 hours of sleep per night, sometimes more for proper health and concentration. Many children do not get enough sleep at night, and it is harmful to their development. A good night sleep is crucial for growth, energy, and concentration. Make sure your child is going to bed early enough to be well rested the next day.
School Sports
Parents need a sports physical for your children if they plan on playing extracurricular sports. Be sure to schedule an appointment soon if you need to be ready for the beginning of school. Austin pediatricians provide thousands of sports physicals at the beginning of every school year, so being seen on time is important!
Safe Medication
Having a medication plan ready for the school is vital. In case you do not know, your child is not allowed to have medication at school, not even a multivitamin. Medications are typically only administered by the school nurse. Make sure you have a schedule in place to make sure your child is taking his medications on time and safely.
Healthy Lunches
School lunches are an important thing to consider. Does your child have a common allergy that can be substituted at school? Is there a more rare allergy you need to be careful of? Will you be packing a lunch instead? All these questions need to be answered as well as researching healthy options for packing a lunch. It may be a good idea to shop for lunch supplies together, this way you can plan healthy lunches they will actually eat. A healthy lunch does no good if the child will not enjoy it.
Sunscreen And Water
An often overlooked thought for children is sun protection. The beginning months of school still see the tail end of the summer heat, so sunscreen and hydration are important. Be sure to apply sunscreen before school on the hotter days and give them a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Finally, it also may be a good time to get vision and hearing checked. There are many learning issues that can arise if your child is not able to read the board or hear what the teacher is saying. Both of these things can be done as part of an annual physical before school starts. Remember, if you have any needs to attend to, We here at Capital Pediatric are here to help. We can provide the answers to simple questions or provide most of your back to school medical needs. Call today to speak to one of us about your needs!
Proper Sleep
The school sleep routine is the easiest. A child needs between 8 and 10 hours of sleep per night, sometimes more for proper health and concentration. Many children do not get enough sleep at night, and it is harmful to their development. A good night sleep is crucial for growth, energy, and concentration. Make sure your child is going to bed early enough to be well rested the next day.
School Sports
Parents need a sports physical for your children if they plan on playing extracurricular sports. Be sure to schedule an appointment soon if you need to be ready for the beginning of school. Austin pediatricians provide thousands of sports physicals at the beginning of every school year, so being seen on time is important!
Safe Medication
Having a medication plan ready for the school is vital. In case you do not know, your child is not allowed to have medication at school, not even a multivitamin. Medications are typically only administered by the school nurse. Make sure you have a schedule in place to make sure your child is taking his medications on time and safely.
Healthy Lunches
School lunches are an important thing to consider. Does your child have a common allergy that can be substituted at school? Is there a more rare allergy you need to be careful of? Will you be packing a lunch instead? All these questions need to be answered as well as researching healthy options for packing a lunch. It may be a good idea to shop for lunch supplies together, this way you can plan healthy lunches they will actually eat. A healthy lunch does no good if the child will not enjoy it.
Sunscreen And Water
An often overlooked thought for children is sun protection. The beginning months of school still see the tail end of the summer heat, so sunscreen and hydration are important. Be sure to apply sunscreen before school on the hotter days and give them a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Finally, it also may be a good time to get vision and hearing checked. There are many learning issues that can arise if your child is not able to read the board or hear what the teacher is saying. Both of these things can be done as part of an annual physical before school starts. Remember, if you have any needs to attend to, We here at Capital Pediatric are here to help. We can provide the answers to simple questions or provide most of your back to school medical needs. Call today to speak to one of us about your needs!
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