Healthy HABITS

for a great school year

Gearing up for a great year? A key factor in school success is making smart and healthy choices a habit in the household, said Dr. Mary Gavin, a pediatrician and senior medical editor at KidsHealth.org. She recommends a routine each day that includes time for: • A healthy breakfast.

• Physical activity and exercise after school, so that kids have a chance to let off steam before settling down to do homework.

• Homework.

• A regular bedtime that allows for enough sleep depending on a child’s age and needs.

Plan meals ahead

The change in schedule doesn’t just affect kids.

“Planning ahead is really the key to getting meals on the table during the busy back-to-school season,” Gavin said. “Plan your meals before the start of the week so that you know what’s for dinner each night. Grocery-shop for everything on your list the weekend before.”

Prepping food on the weekend can help save time during the busy week.

“Wash salad greens and cut up veggies and fruit. Store healthy snacks or lunch items like cheese and crackers in small containers or individual baggies so that all the kids have to do is grab and go,” Gavin said.

Communicate with teachers

“A parent is a child’s best advocate. So it’s important for parents to meet with teachers at the beginning of the school year to share important information about their child,” Gavin said. “Tell teachers about any health problems, food allergies or special needs that your child has — especially those that may affect learning.”

If your child needs special accommodations, parents should set those up for a child ahead of time.

“For example, some kids with vision problems need to sit closer to the chalkboard, others may need more time for tests. If your child needs accommodations such as these, you may need to request a 504 Plan. If your child is struggling in school, talk to your teacher about an educational evaluation,” Gavin said.

Parents can work with educators to design customized 504 educational plans that legally ensure students with physical or mental impairments are treated fairly at school.

If you need help explaining a child’s situation, KidsHealth.org has Special Needs Factsheets for educators that explain how certain health problems may affect learning.

“These are great for parents to give to teachers. We have many health conditions including asthma, diabetes, ADHD, food allergies,” Gavin said.

Visit kidshealth.org/en/parents/classroom/factsheet.

“Share anything about your child’s personality that you think would be helpful to know, such as your child’s preferred learning style, individual strengths or challenges. Also, ask the teacher about expectations for the class so that you can support and reinforce those messages at home,” Gavin said.

Immunize on time

Children entering kindergarten need to have their immunizations up to date to begin school while older kids who’ve missed any vaccines should get them before school starts, Gavin said.

“If your child has an ongoing health problem like asthma, be sure to get all prescription medicines refilled before school starts. If any medicines or devices like an inhaler need to be taken at school or remain with your child during school hours, get a doctor’s note. Make sure the school nurse or anyone else who might be giving medicines or administering an inhaler or EpiPen knows how to use it,” Gavin said.

“Planning ahead is really the key to getting meals on the table during the busy back-to-school season. Plan your meals before the start of the week so that you know what’s for dinner each night. Grocery-shop for everything on your list the weekend before.” Dr. Mary Gavin, KidsHealth.org