Avoid Illness
Keep your child safe from seasonal influenza (flu), H1N1 influenza and other viruses by teaching your child the importance of proper hygiene. H1N1 (also know as "swine flu") is spread by coughing, sneezing and unclean hands. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends:
- Make sure all family members wash hands frequently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Put used tissues in the trash.
- Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Wash with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
- Stay home if you are sick.
If you suspect your child has influenza, call your pediatrician. A vaccine against seasonal influenza is available, and a vaccine against H1N1 will be available this fall. More information about H1N1 influenza.
Prepare for Success
Prepare for success before the school year begins. Arrange a study space away from distractions such as the TV and decide on a set study time. Your child will need plenty of sleep and proper nutrition to do well in school. Establish healthy routines such as bedtime, limited television viewing, and well balanced meals and healthy snacks. Once school begins, give your child focused attention every day and talk about school. For more information, see Homework Help and Academics.
Backpack Safety
Proper backpack safety is important to your child's health. A filled backpack should not exceed fifteen percent of your child's body weight. Packs should have padded straps, padding against the back, and both straps should always be used to ensure even weight distribution. If your child hunches forward when walking, the pack is too heavy. Make sure there are reflective features on the outside to enhance visibility in the dark. For more information, see Backpack Safety.
Transportation Safety
If your child will walk to school, go over the route together before school starts. Point out where crossing guards will be and remind your child to use sidewalks at all times and to stay away from hazards such as railroad tracks. Point out school-designated safe houses.
For bus riders, review beforehand your expectations for safe behavior and make sure your child knows where and how to get on and off the bus safely and what do to if he or she feels threatened.
Stop Bullying
Ten percent of children report being bullied. If your child is bothered by a bully, the appropriate response is to “walk,” “talk,” and “squawk.” Walk away from the bully, but do not run. Behaving calmly and speaking with control will project strength. Make firm eye contact and tell the bully he or she doesn't scare you. Finally, it's okay to “squawk” to a teacher, parent, or other responsible adult. For more information, see Stop Bullying.
