Given how the start of the school season is when we always see a spike in colds, sore throats and ear aches, now’s an excellent time to get your kids back into the habits of hand washing, using tissues, and sneezing into their elbow. Pack tissues and hand sanitizer in their back pack and in their desk at school.
Now is also the time to plan what to do about their backpack. Partner with other parents before you go shopping, to see what books or supplies you need to double up on (one for school, one at home) or can share. Anything that you can do to lighten the load is worth considering. Invest in a solid, properly designed backpack to reduce the risk of back problems. Even if the backpack has wheels, there will always be situations where they can`t avoid lifting or carrying it.
The other thing that I can count on along with colds at the start of the new school year is head lice. While not dangerous from a health perspective, you really don’t want to have to deal with it so remind your kids about not sharing combs or hats. Consider a back-to-school haircut as shorter hair is easier to manage.
Lastly, in the weeks leading up to school's start, it's worth the effort to get your children (and yourselves) back into the school rhythm of when they go to bed and wake up. If you start the process in advance, it will ease the adjustment for everyone (including you!). Get back into the habit of starting the day with enough time for a proper breakfast. Studies have shown that a good breakfast is important if your child is to do their best.
All in all, the start of the school year is an excellent time to set an example for your kids in how to prepare. Done right, it should also save you all from some unnecessary hassles!