Adventist Health - Back to School Tips

School is back in session! Here are some tips to promote a successful school year for your kids.

Backpack safety

Ensure proper fit by using both straps over shoulders, and chest and waist straps if possible. Do not let the backpack fall more than 4 inches below their waist. If your child walks to and from school, consider attaching reflectors to their bag.

Talk about school often and practice getting ready for school

Practice bedtime/morning routines by laying out their clothes. Set backpacks and shoes by the door for a quick exit. Don’t forget those alarms!

Work on handwriting strength

If you child has not spent time in the summer with their handwriting, they are likely going to be tired, sore and out of practice. Fun activities to promote handwriting strength include: playing with putty, dot-to-dot tracing and coloring.

Earlier bed times

Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s routine and directly relates to attention, behavior, learning, memory and overall mental and physical health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to high blood pressure, obesity and even depression. Recommended sleep for:

3-5 years old: 10–13 hours
6-12 years old: 9–12 hours
13-18 years old: 8–10 hours

Understand and implement sensory strategies

If your child has sensory needs, they likely have strategies they know and use in times of stress. If they have not found one that they like, a variety of strategies and tools out there such as fidgets, putty, cushions or chewies.

Pick out school supplies ahead of time

Picking out school supplies can be an exciting experience for your kids. It allows them to show their personality and build positive anticipation for school. Consider color-coding and extra writing utensils in their backpack. Include name tags on items of importance.