10 Back to School Tips that will keep your child healthy

It is back to school season and stores have been ready with their sales and marketing ploys since June. Now that most people have stocked up on back to school supplies here are a couple of other tips that parents should keep in mind in order to get their kids ready this year.

TALK ABOUT SCHOOL

1. Make sure that your child knows when school is starting. Surprising your child the day before can be unnerving and upsetting. It is best to have a conversation with your kid letting him or her know your expectations and how you want this school year to work out. All advice should be given in love.

ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE

2. If possible, attend an open house. The worse thing about a new school year is that it is new. New teachers, new students, and new friends. All of this “newness” can be scary for a child. An open house will help ease those fears because students will be able to address their fears by making friends, meeting their teachers, and by knowing with their classes will be held.

SET GOALS TOGETHER

3. I mentioned in step one that your child should know your expectations. Yes, share with your child what your goals  are for him or her. At the same time, make sure you find out what their goals are as well. If they have not come up with any goals yet, help him or her develop some and create a plan for success. Some goals would include:

  • Making it to school on time.
  • Always eating breakfast.
  • Preparing their clothes, homework, and lunches the night before.
  • Asking questions in class when he or she doesn’t understand something.
  • Sharing with an adult he or she can trust if there is something going on that is questionable or of concern.
  • Planning to make good grades such as straight A’s.
  • Planning to learn a new skill or talent.

ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO BE INVOLVED

4. Take note of your child’s interest, if he or she has special skills that need to be developed look into local programs such as after school or weekend activities.

DISCUSS ANXIETIES

5. Make sure your child is emotionally ready for school. Find out what fears he or she may have and immediately start looking into ways to lessen those fears.

MAKE SURE ALL DOCTOR’S VISIT ARE UP-TO-DATE

6. Get your child ready by making sure their physical is up-to-date. Schedule appointments with your pediatrician, dentist, and optometrist. Below is a video from Transitions Optical, Inc. that shows their commitment to help students get ready for this school year.

ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD

7. Have a plan on how you will encourage your child this school year. More than anything else your child needs to know that you think he or she is fantastic, but there is always room for improvement.

PLAN FOR MEALS

8. Start planning menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Make sure the meals are well-balanced and full of fresh produce.

TEACH HYGIENE

9.  Mention the importance of cleanliness to your child, which includes washing hands, keeping up good hygiene, and not sharing food with others.

FEED BALANCED MEALS AND/ GIVE YOUR CHILD A MULTIVITAMIN

10. Also talk to your doctor about implementing vitamins into your child’s diet. Some vitamins may be needed and some may not, but it is important to at least check because a good multivitamin can help keep your child’s immune system strong.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Transitions Lenses blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to http://transitionslenses.socialmoms.com/about)

About Transitions Optical, Inc.
Transitions Optical is a joint venture of PPG Industries, Inc. and Essilor International.  The first to successfully commercialize a plastic photochromic lens in 1990, today the company is a leading provider of photochromics to optical manufacturers worldwide.  Transitions Optical offers the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of lens designs, materials and brand names.

Transitions® lenses are the ideal everyday choice for healthy sight.  They are clear indoors and at night.  Outdoors, they automatically darken as light conditions change.  Transitions lenses provide visual comfort, and enhance visual quality by reducing glare and enhancing contrast, helping you to see better today.  Transitions lenses block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays – helping to protect the health and wellness of your eyes – so you can see better tomorrow as well. More info on Transitions Lenses: www.transitions.com

About Eye Didn’t Know That!
Transitions Optical created the Eye Didn’t Know That! program to help people of all ages learn more about healthy vision.  The program was developed by a team that includes eyecare professionals, science and education experts, and Transitions Optical, Inc.  The Eye Didn’t Know That! website offers materials for children, parents, teachers and eyecare professionals to use to teach and learn more about eyecare basics and the importance of eye health and regular comprehensive eye exams.  The information includes fact sheets, games, quizzes, lesson plans and free downloadable materials.  To learn more and to find out what makes your friends and family say “Eye Didn’t Know That!” visit www.eyedidntknowthat.com.

Transitions Lenses on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/transitionsslenses

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