Starting the School Year Safely
As the long, lazy days of summer move into August, it's time to start preparing for the upcoming school year. The key to making a smooth transition from summertime fun to the hustle and bustle of back-to-school time is to be prepared. The following tips will help ensure a healthy, safe and stress-free school year for you and your family.
Travel Tips
When biking to and from school, the most important safety measure your child can take is to wear a helmet. When worn properly, helmets can reduce the risk of injury by up to 85 percent. Before buying a helmet, have your child try it on in the store to ensure that it fits properly and is comfortable. Also, look for a sticker indicating that the helmet is approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Other precautions that your child should take when riding a bike include:
- Riding on the right side of the road (in the same direction as auto traffic)
- Using appropriate hand signals
- Respecting traffic lights, stop signs and crossing guards
If your child walks to school, try to find other children in the neighborhood that attend the same school so they can travel in a group. Map out a safe and easy route that includes well-trained adult crossing guards when possible. Be sure that your child knows to never cross the street against a light, even if there is no visible traffic coming.
If a school bus is your child's mode of transportation, designate a safe place that is set back from the street to wait for the bus. Your child should stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver has indicated that it's okay to approach. Also, teach your children to be aware of street traffic — although drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses, not all do.
Backpack Safety
A good backpack is one of the most essential school supplies. Backpacks that are too heavy or used improperly can cause pain and lead to severe injury. When shopping for a backpack, choose one with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back to reduce pain. Your child should always use both shoulder straps, since slinging a backpack over only one shoulder can cause strained muscles and even curvature of the spine.
Pack as light as possible: backpacks should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of your child's body weight. Help your child to organize his or her backpack for maximum comfort by using all compartments and packing the heaviest items closest to the center. You may consider a rolling backpack for students who carry heavier loads, but keep in mind that these versions must be carried up and down stairs as well as in some inclement weather conditions, such as snow.
The First Day
The first day of school can be intimidating for many students and parents alike. Remind your child that others will probably be a bit nervous about starting the new school year, and remind yourself that teachers are aware of this and will take extra measures to put students at ease. Point out the positive aspects of school to your child, such as seeing old friends and making new ones.
If your child seems especially nervous about starting school, speak to him or her about what may be causing this anxiety. For younger students, it may simply be the fear of the unknown, but for older students, other factors such as bullying and peer pressure may be present. By identifying the cause of the problem, you and your child can work together to find ways to make the school year enjoyable.
Homework Habits
Learning doesn't stop with the conclusion of the school day, so it is important to help your child develop good study habits. Make sure to set aside sufficient time each night for all assignments to be completed, and establish a no-television rule during homework time. It may help students, especially those who are younger, to have a designated workspace in the bedroom or another part of the house that offers a quiet setting and privacy.
Your student will inevitably need help on assignments, but resist the urge to do his or her homework. Instead, be available to answer questions and make sure your child understands the instructions. Guide him or her through the first few problems, and then let your child attempt the rest without assistance. Check the answers upon completion, praise your child for correct responses, and help to fix mistakes.
The Cell Phone Debate
While cell phones are an easy way to stay in touch with your child at all times, many parents feel that the security risks associated with cell phones outweigh the benefits. For this reason, kid-friendly cell phones are now available from most wireless carriers. Models such as Migo™ and Firefly™ have keypads with speed-dial buttons that parents can program.
Although features vary by phone, most come with pay-as-you-go or prepaid plans, and parents can control both incoming and outgoing calls. Sources such as Consumer Reports or CNET, which offer professional evaluations and user opinions on different products, can be helpful in choosing a cell phone, but it is ultimately up to you to decide whether your child is mature enough to use the phone in a responsible manner.
Reviewed by Peter Smith, MD
Date: July 20, 2006
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