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As the countdown to the first day of school begins, kids gather school supplies and finish summer reading assignments. As a parent, you have some homework to do, too. These “assignments” can help you and your child have a healthier year.
Assignment 1: Get Checkups and Vaccines
 Most schools (by state law) require that children be up-to-date with certain vaccines before they start school. Although we don’t hear much about kids getting serious diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and measles, they still exist in many areas of the world. In fact, immunizations are why we don’t have outbreaks in the United States. Without vaccines, your child is at risk for diseases that can cause permanent harm and even death.
Take these steps to make sure your child is ready to start the new school year in good health.
- Call your child’s doctor and ask if your
child is up-to-date with shots and checkups. If your child is behind on vaccines, it’s not too late. The doctor can catch your child up. For a copy of Dean Health Plan’s immunization schedule, call Customer Service at 1-608-828-1301.
- Ask the doctor when your child’s
vision and hearing were last tested.
Your child may need a well-child
checkup before school starts.
Remember, adolescents need
checkups too.
- Fill out and return any
health and emergency contact
forms from your child’s school.
 Assignment 2:
Plan for Breakfasts, Lunches,
and Snacks
Teaching your child to eat a healthy diet will
promote good habits for a healthy future.
- Make breakfast a snap. Kids who miss breakfast don’t perform as well in school. Kids who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. Breakfast can be as easy as a piece of fruit or juice with cereal and milk. If your child doesn’t like breakfast foods, get creative with a breakfast burrito of eggs, salsa, and cheese. Plan ahead by setting out nonperishable food, such as cereal, the night before.
- Review the school’s lunch menu with your child and talk about how to make healthy choices. Decide with your child when to buy lunch at school and when to brown-bag it.
- Pack creative and healthy lunches. Cut bread
into shapes instead of packing the same sandwich every day. Pack string cheese or chopped vegetables with low-fat dressing or cottage cheese
dip. Please your child’s sweet tooth with a low-fat granola bar, pudding, or fruit salad.
Or try fruit yogurt—if you freeze the
yogurt, it makes a great cold pack.
- Plan healthy snacks. Good
choices for after-school snacks
include a bagel with peanut butter
or a slice of melted cheese, graham
crackers and juice, cheese and crackers,
fruit, yogurt, and cereal. Create a snack drawer with healthy foods and set a specific time for snacks.
Assignment 3:
Keep Your Child Moving
Your child needs at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. Active kids sleep better and perform better in school. Plus, kids who are active have a better chance of being active adults, which can lower their risk for heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes.
- Exercise together. Plan activities such as bicycling, walking, and other active games for weekends. Tell kids about the benefits of exercise. If they see you exercise and know why it’s important, they may be inspired.
- Get your child involved in sports. Find out what sports are available after school through your child’s school or local teams, and let your child pick what seems most fun. Choose a program that encourages teamwork rather than competition. If your child isn’t interested in organized sports, try dance, swimming, bicycling, or nature walks.
Assignment 4:
Create a Learning Atmosphere
Help your child manage homework and spend time wisely by setting some guidelines.
- Limit TV time and know what your child watches. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids watch no more than one to two hours of TV a day. Less TV also leaves more time for exercise.
- Know what sites your child visits on the Internet. You and your child may want to sign an agreement that sets the rules, such as not talking with or e-mailing strangers and not giving out personal information.
- Designate a homework area. It should not have clutter or distractions.
Be a good role model. Your child learns from you. So eat healthy foods, exercise, and don’t smoke. Take good care of yourself!
 Dealing With Bullies
Going to school isn’t always easy for children. It’s even harder if your child has to deal with a bully. By talking to your child before school starts, you can let your child know you are willing to listen and help with any schoolyard conflicts.
Talk with your child about what to say or do if a conflict occurs. Suggest that your child walk away, ignore the person, or ask the person to stop. Listen to your child’s concerns about bullies in school and about school violence. Role-play to help your child work through possible situations. Your child may feel more confident dealing with conflict if he or she has practiced with you first.
Encourage your child to tell an adult about any problems that may come up. Ask your child’s teachers what their policy is for dealing with bullies, and get help from teachers if a problem occurs. Always take bullying and what your child tells you seriously.
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