Summer 2023 is coming to a fast close. Now is the time to get your family back to school ready! 

Nights out under the stars and firefly catching should be replaced with earlier bedtime and routines. Begin adjusting your child’s bedtime now to ensure they get the right amount of sleep. Getting enough sleep not only promotes good health and strengthens your immune system but is shown to have a direct correlation with school performance. Children who get adequate sleep are better able to focus in the classroom and have lower absentee rates. Bedtime routines should be consistent and perhaps include a bath/ shower, reading a book and kiss goodnight. All electronics, phones, tablets, computers, and tv’s should be removed or off in your child’s room. Try to keep the home quiet and calm as possible. 

Start planning healthy lunch box options and quick breakfast ideas for those busy mornings. (see Breakfast for Learning article) If your child plans to pack lunch, involve him/ her in the planning of packing and grocery shopping. As they get older, making healthy food choices and packing lunch themselves will be part of their routine. 

If your back-to-school shopping list includes a backpack make sure it fits your child appropriately, is not too heavy, and has wide padded straps. It should be worn over both shoulders to prevent muscle strain. As the year goes on, clean it out occasionally to keep it from getting too heavy. Proper playground footwear is essential to prevent falls and injury as well as provide protection and support to growing feet. 

Watch for those red flashing lights! Bus safety is important for those who ride as well as drivers being more alert to children at bus stops. Make sure your child walks where the bus driver can see them and looks both ways when crossing the street.. Remind your driving students to buckle up and avoid being distracted with phone, text, music or too many friends in the car. All drivers need to stop when the bus does and to slow down in school zones and on neighborhood streets where children are walking to and from the bus or school. 

Wishing everyone a healthy start to the new school year.