Back-to-School Health Checklist for Parents

Back-to-School Health Checklist for Parents

The start of a new school year brings new routines, new teachers, newfriends — and often a few extra germs too! As children return to busyclassrooms and activities, it’s a good time for parents to make health andwellbeing part of the back-to-school preparations.

From sleep and nutrition to hygiene and emotional wellbeing, here’s apractical checklist to help your child start the school year feeling healthy,confident and ready to learn.

✓ Get Sleep Back on Track

Late nights and relaxed routines are often part of the summer holidays,but children need sufficient sleep to support concentration, mood, growth andtheir immune system.

In the days leading up to school, gradually return to a regular bedtimeand wake-up time. Keeping screens away close to bedtime and creating a calmevening routine can also make the transition easier.

✓ Start the Day with a Healthy Breakfast

Busy mornings can make breakfast feel rushed, but a balanced meal canhelp children maintain their energy and concentration throughout the morning.

Aim for a combination of whole grains, protein, fruit and dairy or anappropriate alternative. Simple options such as wholegrain toast with eggs,yoghurt with fruit, or porridge can make nutritious school mornings easier.

And don’t forget hydration — encourage children to take areusable water bottle to school and drink regularly throughout the day.

✓ Check Vaccinations and Health Appointments

Before school gets into full swing, check whether your child is up todate with recommended vaccinations and any routine health appointments.

If your child wears glasses, uses an inhaler, takes regular medicationor has allergies, make sure everything they need is current and that the schoolhas the necessary information.

✓ Prepare for Colds, Coughs and MinorIllnesses

Schools naturally bring children into close contact with one another,making it easier for common infections to spread.

Keep a few age-appropriate healthcare essentials at home, such as athermometer, plasters, saline nasal spray and any medicines recommended foryour child by a doctor or pharmacist.

Always check that medicines are suitable for your child’s age and follow the recommended dose. Checking expiry date is also recommended.

✓ Reinforce Good Hand Hygiene

One of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of germs is goodhandwashing.

Remind children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water,particularly before eating, after using the toilet and after coughing,sneezing or blowing their nose.

Encourage them to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow and toavoid sharing water bottles, cutlery and other personal items.

✓ Check for Head Lice

Head lice are common among school-aged children and are not a sign ofpoor hygiene.

Regularly checking your child’s hair and scalp can help identify themearly. If you discover head lice, ask your pharmacist about suitable treatmentoptions and carefully follow the product instructions.

✓ Think About Backpack Safety

A school bag can become surprisingly heavy. Choose a backpack with twowide, padded shoulder straps and encourage your child to wear both strapsrather than carrying the bag over one shoulder.

Pack only what is needed for the day and regularly clear out unnecessarybooks and items.

✓ Support Their Emotional Wellbeing

Back-to-school season can be exciting, but it can also bring anxiety,particularly when a child is starting a new school, changing class or facingnew academic and social pressures.

Ask open questions about how they are feeling and give themopportunities to talk without pressure. Complaints such as frequent tummyaches, headaches, difficulty sleeping or reluctance to attend school cansometimes be linked to worry or stress.

If you are concerned about your child’s emotional wellbeing, speak withtheir teacher, doctor or another appropriate healthcare professional.

✓ Don't Forget Sun Protection

The return to school doesn’t mean sun protection should be forgotten.Children may still spend considerable time outdoors during breaks, sports andafter-school activities.

On sunny days, consider appropriate sunscreen, a hat and plenty ofwater, particularly during prolonged outdoor activities.

✓ Put Together a Back-to-School Health Kit

Depending on your child’s age and school rules, useful items mayinclude:

• Reusable water bottle
• Tissues
• Hand sanitiser
• Plasters
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Any prescribed medication required during school     hours

Always check the school’s policy regarding medicines and healthcareproducts brought onto school premises.

A Healthy Start to the School Year

Preparing for school is about more than uniforms, stationery andlunchboxes. Establishing healthy routines can help children feel morecomfortable, focused and prepared for the months ahead.

A little preparation now — from restoring good sleep habits to checkingthe medicine cabinet — can make those first busy weeks of school much smootherfor the whole family.

Need help preparing your family's back-to-school health essentials?
Speak to your pharmacist for advice on age-appropriate healthcare products,first-aid essentials, vitamins and supplements, head-lice treatments, sunprotection and everyday family health needs.

This article is intended for general information and does not replacemedical advice. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have concernsabout your child's health or medication.

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