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Back to School Tips

From the American Academy of Pediatrics

• In addition to the tips listed above, your child may need some extra support if he is starting a new school. Talk with your child about his feelings, both his excitement and his concerns about the new school.
• Visit the school with your child in advance of the first day. Teachers and staff are usually at school a few days before the children start. Peek into your child's classroom, and if possible, meet the teacher and principal.
• Try to have your child meet a classmate before the first day so they can get acquainted and play together, and so your child will have a friendly face to look for when school begins.
• Don't build up unrealistic expectations about how wonderful the new school will be, but convey a general sense of optimism about how things will go for your child at the new school.

• Remind children to carry the minimum load, and pack heavier items first, so they are closest to the back.
• When picking up a pack, bend with both knees and lift with the legs.
• Select smaller packs for smaller children.
• Look for packs with wide, heavily-padded shoulder straps. The shoulder straps should be fastened so the pack hugs the center of the back. Waist and side straps may help keep the pack cose up against the back.
• Always wear both straps so the weight is evenly divided.
• Use a wheeled backpack when possible.

Want to see more?

• Jump Starting the School Year
• Peer Pressure: Teaching Our Children to Be True to Themselves
• The Back to School Blues: How to Help Your Child Cope
• Talk about it!