With school a week away for my kids, my brain is whirling with all sorts of things. We did our annual back to school stuff hunt yesterday – and it is truly a hunt! Lists in hand, we trekked off to Target then Staples to gather up their supplies. Of course, it would have been too convenient if everything were in one place – that never happens, especially once you enter the world of higher math where “real” calculators are needed! And, notebooks are now “fashion” items and wouldn’t you know kids have a preference for those. By the way, the cooler appearing ones tend to be the less expensive.
I’ve also noticed a few opening day jitters coming out in odd ways – moodiness, clinginess, a few more “tween” moments. The phone has been ringing off the hook, and not for me!, and the fingers have been clicking away as friends have been returning from their summer vacations and everyone has been struggling to reconnect in an attempt to be sure their friendships today are as solid as they were 12 weeks ago. All to be expected.
As you prepare to get your kids back to school, there is actually a good size list to run through to be sure your kids are in tip top shape. A few years ago I threw together a column with a handy list that I refer to this time of year that I think you’ll find useful – just click here. Regardless of the ages and stages of your list, somethings are timeless as you’ll see on this list!
My Pediatrics Now Back To School Toolbox has other handy back to school topics that will come in useful over the next few weeks as well such as bullies, peer pressure, backpacks and sports topics.
Other important school issues concern health. Here are some useful links on common school health topics:
When to keep kids home when sick
Healthy School Lunches
Bug Of The Week: common childhood illnesses
I know much of this seems premature but I’m a big believer in preparing ahead and I don’t want you to have to fumble around in a few weeks when that first sniffle hits – or when your child comes home angsting over something. Sometimes just having a page bookmarked for the future can give you great peace of mind…even if you never do more than that!
