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 Getting Ready to Go Back to SchoolSeptember 2007 Is your family ready for a new school year? This month Nurse Rona Renner, host of the radio show Childhood Matters and the parenting expert for the Bay Area Discovery Museum, suggests ways to help kids transition from summer to school. Q. I can’t believe it’s time to go back to school. Any advice to help get the whole family ready for a new year?
I believe that what starts well, ends well – particularly a school year. So make sure that your kids are bringing healthy bodies and alert minds to the classroom. Here are a few things you can do to help your child develop or get back into a school-time routine: • Make sure your kids are getting enough sleep. A sleep-deprived child has a difficult time learning. You may even want to move up bedtime, if necessary. • Get up a little earlier in the morning so you don’t have to rush. Set out clothes, books or backpacks the night before. • Hungry kids find it hard to concentrate, so try to feed your children a healthy breakfast. If you’re short on time, pack something portable like a bagel and cream cheese, waffle with peanut butter or yogurt. • Have dinner together as much as possible. As you eat, ask everyone to say something about their day. Bedtime is another good opportunity to check in and see how things are going at school. • Don’t hesitate to call the teacher if your son or daughter seems unhappy, even if they’re only in preschool. For some children, adjusting to new situations and new expectations takes time and support. And parents, take good care of yourselves. Notice when you’re getting stressed, practice staying calm, and find time to connect with your kids while you all adjust to the start of a new school year. Rona Renner, RN, hosts the parenting radio show Childhood Matters, every Sunday from 9-10 AM on 98.1 KISS-FM. Do you have a question about parenting? Sleep? Setting limits? Send it to asknurserona@badm.org |
Ask Nurse Rona Archives200820072006 |
