Make sleep a priority. Most school-age children need 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Overuse of electronic devices can inhibit adequate sleep; put away electronics one hour before bedtime and read a book instead.

If your students are college age, offer gentle reminders about diet, sleep, and exercise, as well as making smart choices about drugs, alcohol, and sexual activity.

3. Be an active partner in your child’s education, health, and wellness.

Before the first day of school, have a “game plan” for expectations for your student as well as the “parent team.” Take time now to get familiar with the school’s website, check supply lists, and note any key dates like “meet the teacher” or back-to-school nights.

Have a conversation now about expectations for homework. Check your child’s backpack every day for notes and homework assignments. Be sure to provide the support needed – both time and help – for homework to be completed successfully.

Talk with your child about their school’s discipline and bullying policies. (This may also be called the student code of conduct and is usually on the school website or in a student handbook.) In addition to policies such as dress code and use of electronics, there are likely details about attendance, vandalism, cheating, fighting, and weapons, as well as specific policies about bullying.

It can be difficult to support your college student, especially if they’re living away from home, without turning into a “helicopter parent.” Be ready for those “emergency” phone calls but try not to overreact and jump into the car. “When a problem arises, ‘move like your feet are stuck in molasses.’

The temptation is to intervene when a child calls home with a problem. Remember that many resources exist at college to help students cope with various situations. Express support but give your children time to solve their own problems—it will ultimately benefit them. Colleges have many safety nets, including resident advisers who are trained to identify and handle just about any problem you can imagine.”

4. Have your medical support team in place before you need it.

Attendance at school is important and should be considered your child’s “job,” but sick children should stay home if they have a fever, are nauseated, vomiting, or have diarrhea. Kids who lose their appetite, are clingy or lethargic, complain of pain, or who just don’t seem to be acting “themselves” should also be allowed take a sick day occasionally.

For your college students, know where the closest urgent care facilities are which accept your insurance plan – both on and off campus – and what their hours are. When you drop them off or go for orientation, make sure to locate the health clinic.

And, if your child does become sick and needs medical help, don’t forget to contact your closest Integrity Urgent Care clinic. We’re here 7 days a week, 8 am-8 pm – after work, after school, and on the weekends. An appointment is never needed! We can help check off those back-to-school physicals and immunizations too. We’re part of your back-to-school support team!
For more information, check out these other blog posts:

Does Your Child Need a School Physical?

Back to School Health Tips

Healthcare and College – What You Need to Know