Back to School

Back to School

By Dr. Summer Beattie, ND  |  This time of year school becomes an extension of your home in many ways because your child is likely to spend a very large part of their waking hours in that environment and away from your care. So as you make sure you have the back to school shopping done, take time to do a checklist of some of the things you believe are important to your child’s health, safety and wellbeing. Review your checklist with your child and with their teachers, classroom assistants, and school administrators. Make sure you are aware of the school’s policies and procedures for handling your concerns, so that you can work together to meet goals and expectations. Some of the most important things on your list will vary and often be unique to your individual child – food/environmental allergies, medications, and physical, mental or academic limitations.  You may be concerned about toxic exposures from cleaners, hand sanitizers, sunscreens or other products the school routinely uses that may not be safe for your child. Other things are more general to the entire student body.  Here is a short list to get you started:

Getting to and from School Safely:

The basic guidelines are to have children walk with an adult whenever possible, and walk with friends.  Choose a safe route and insist your child never take short-cuts.  Remind your child that play such as pushing and chasing is not safe while walking along a roadway.  With the shorter daylight hours and dark rainy days we have here in Alaska, make sure your child wears clothing that makes them easily visible to drivers. They may need to carry a flashlight or wear reflective gear. Review traffic safety for pedestrians and remind them that not all drivers are paying attention, parked cars may have drivers who are getting ready to move, and corners and driveways often have blindspots. If driving, make sure you are following all traffic regulations and have your child in the appropriate safety restraint for his or her age, weight and height.  If your child rides the bus, review safety protocol with the driver.  Teach your child to recognize adults who can be safe – such as the crossing guard, and how to avoid and alert others to potentially unsafe strangers.

Reduce Accidents on the Playground:

Check your child’s clothing to make sure there are no cords or drawstrings that could get caught on play equipment and especially anything that might cause strangulation including necklaces and bike helmets – in winter forego scarves for neck warmers and clip mittens instead of using a string.  Ensure the school is following guidelines for proper playground equipment and maintenance and that proper adult supervision is always in place during use.  Teach children that shoving and crowding on play equipment is not safe.

Proper Sports Equipment:

If your child plays sports, make sure they are properly fitted and using protective gear appropriate to their sport.  A good quality helmet is worth the extra expense.  Make sure coaches and trainers are up-to-date on how to prevent common injuries and that they have the supplies and know-how to recognize and treat them quickly.  In addition, do not overload backpacks your child carries every day.

Bullying:

This is becoming an increasing concern for parents.  It is important that your child’s school have training for staff and programs for kids to help prevent, recognize and address issues as they arise.  Bullying may show up as physical aggression, verbal teasing, abusive language or purposely leaving someone out. Bullying may come from peers or even adults and older children the school expects to be supervisors.  Make sure your child knows that you will not accept this type of behavior from them, even in retaliation.  Your child should understand that telling you or another authority figure at school (principle, teacher, lunch room helper, etc.) is important to keep them and others safe.

Of course the day starts at home.  Proper nutrition, adequate sleep and an a good morning routine will ensure your child is well rested, not feeling rushed or stressed and therefore more alert and better able to be careful.

Dr. Summer Beattie, ND is a graduate of Bastyr University.  She has over 8 years experience as a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in women’s health with an emphasis on environmental medicine.  Having served two terms on the board of directors for the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians, she has also worked in the medical aesthetics field since 2008.  You can reach her at onehealingcenter@gmail.com or
907-209-4611.