Dear Parents, we hope you've been enjoying the summer months and find this newsletter useful for you and your family!
Back to school tips from Peachtree Park Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Staying healthy
-Washing hands frequently throughout the day can help decrease the spread of germs at school
-If your child has a cold, encourage covering a cough or sneeze to help reduce germ spread
-If your child has a fever (100.5F and up) keep them home from school until they are fever free for at least 12 to 24 hours
A balanced diet
-Eating a healthy breakfast before school can help increase energy levels and focus while at school
-Packing a lunch can ensure your child is eating a nutritious lunch and is often less expensive than buying lunch at school
-Encourage drinking water over sugary beverages such as soda, sports drinks, lemonade, and sweet tea
Sleep hygiene
-Children ages 5-12 often need more than 10 hours per night, while adolescents ages 12-18 typically need over 8 hours per night
-Agree to a reasonable bedtime and start a few nights before the first day of school
-Avoid screens of all types 30-60 minutes before desired bedtime
-Reading and listening to music can be ways to help relax without screens before bedtime
Social media
-Currently, at least 76% of teenagers use at least 1 social media site
-Consider making dinner an opportunity for “no phone time”
-Create an open communication for children to feel comfortable if they are experiencing bullying at school or online
Backpack use
-Make sure the heaviest items are closer to the back and that your child is wearing both straps
-Weight of backpack should be no more than 10 to 20% of your child’s weight
Easing the stress of back to school
-Meeting the year’s teachers can set expectations and discuss any existing medical conditions, learning disabilities, etc
-Rehearsing the routes to classrooms, cafeteria, and playground can help reduce anxiety from getting lost or unfamiliar surroundings
-If your child seems nervous, remind them that most children are nervous about going back to school and offer words of encouragement
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