4 Back to School Concerns

Although you have done this year after year, dealing with back to school doesn’t seem to get any easier. Whether you have a child who is starting school for the first time or a child returning for its ninth year, there will be concerns when it comes to our kids.

Homework
Your kids may not like it, but that’s part of going to school and homework is inevitable. There’s nothing set in stone on when it’s the best time for your child to do their homework. As a parent, you just want your child to complete their homework without complaints. Some would like to do it right from when they walk in the door, others prefer to relax and grab a snack before diving into their homework and then some like to do their homework after dinner.

Whatever you and your child agree on be sure your child upholds his/her agreement. You can both look in their school agenda and see what homework needs to be completed. Be available to help if they need it and check their homework upon completion.

Stress
We all have it even our little kindergarteners can get stressed out. Being open, aware and communicative with your child will help you nip it in the bud without further complications. The only way to know what’s going on is to ask your child about their school day. To help your child cope with stress let them know you’re always there to listen and talk no matter how busy you seem to be. Don’t overload them with extracurricular activities. Most times kids won’t approach their parents, so you have to be aware of their body language.

Food Allergies
This is scary for parents of younger children who go to school. A lot of schools have a no nut policy, but it doesn’t mean another child will never bring an offending item to school. From a parent’s point of view, there’s a possibility of cross-contamination.

It’s crucial for you and your child’s health and safety to speak with the school and its staff members. Provide a list of symptoms your child will get with the allergic food and how to deal with it if it happens.

Teach your child to recognize the food they are allergic to. You may consider getting your child to wear a health bracelet and carry an Epi-Pen in their knapsack. Depending on their age, you can teach them how to use it. The more they understand and are aware of their food allergies, the better equipped they are in handling an incident.

Illness
Any long term absent from school due to illness is a concern for both parents and child. This could mean an incomplete semester for a child in high school. Your best course of action is to speak with the teacher directly and see how your child can catch up and complete the missed work. For a high school student, summer school would be an option.