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6
VITALITY
Fall 2016
COMMUNITY
oesn’t it seem like
yesterday they
were putting away
their backpacks for the summer?
Soon your kiddos will be filling
them with notebooks and fresh
pencils once again.
And while they’re wishing summer
could last longer, you’re thinking
about back-to-school shopping
and other things on your to-do
list. That might include an annual
checkup and immunizations for your
teen or youngster.
From avoiding homework
hassles to fitting in, here are some
more ways to help your kids have a
successful school year.
HONE HOMEWORK SKILLS
According to the American Academy
of Pediatrics (AAP), parents can help
children learn good homework habits
by designating a time and place and
offering encouragement.
Keep in mind:
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The area should be free of TV or
distracting noises. It could be a
desk or a well-lit kitchen table.
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Have your child help choose the
homework time. Some study better
right after school; others in the
early evening. Or you might offer
guidelines, such as homework
before video games.
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It’s OK to provide occasional
help—without actually doing
the work. Offer plenty of praise
though! If your child struggles
with daily assignments, be sure to
mention this to the teacher.
GETTING THERE SAFELY
Will your child walk or bike to school
or a bus stop?
Do a dry run.
If this is your child’s
first time commuting, drive or walk
the route together before school starts.
Point out any potential hazards, like
busy intersections.
Don’t forget a helmet.
Make
sure your cyclist has a well-fitting
helmet—and uses it every ride. Here’s
a tip: If you let your child pick the
helmet, it’s more likely to be worn.
Review some rules of the
road.
Go over safety around
traffic. For instance:
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Ride with the traffic, not
against it, and stay as far to the
right as possible.
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Stop at all stop signs and lights.
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Look drivers in the eye before
Backpacks:
Get the right fit
A well-fitting and properly worn
backpack can save pain and
strain on kids’ shoulders, necks
and backs. Here are four
backpack safety tips from the
American Occupational Therapy
Association:
1
Insist on the use of both straps.
Slinging a heavy pack over just one
shoulder puts uneven pressure on
the spine. Encourage your child to
wear the waist belt too—this helps
distribute the weight of the pack
more evenly.
2
Adjust the straps.
The pack should
fit snugly against the back.
3
Adjust the bottom.
It should rest
in the curve of the back and
never more than 4 inches
below your child’s waistline.
4
Pack it right.
Children shouldn’t
carry more than 15 percent
of their weight—15 pounds
for a 100-pound child—in their
backpacks. Load the heaviest
items at the center of the pack,
closest to the back.
BACK TO SCHOOL