A Child's Healthy Start to School
by Leah Belliveau & Christine Haversoriginally published August 2008
One of the biggest events in a child’s and parent’s life is beginning school. The early years of school are filled with new and exciting adventures for children. Parents often wonder what they can do to make sure their child is as healthy as possible for this adventure-filled time. There are several things you can do to help prevent your child from getting sick. Establishing routines, being aware of healthy nutrition and hygiene practices, and taking time to talk to your child about how they are feeling can go a long way in making a healthy start to school.
Going to school requires your child to become used to a daily routine. Routines help children to feel more secure as they embark on new experiences. A manageable and realistic routine helps to lessen the stress of getting to school on time and helps children be at their best for the school day. Getting ready for school by choosing their clothes and making lunches and snacks the night before can help make the morning more enjoyable. A regular bedtime is also important. Children ages four to six require 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Sleep enables the body to recharge, fight infection, grow and get ready for learning. A bedtime routine, including some quiet time, a bath, perhaps a snack, followed by brushing teeth and reading a book together, will help your child fall asleep more easily. A child who is well rested has more energy for learning and playing.
School staff encourage children to bring healthy snacks and lunches. A balanced diet helps children learn, play and grow. Choosing a variety of foods recommended daily in Canada’s Food Guide will give them the nutrition they need. Children’s appetites vary. As they grow children may choose to eat different amounts and foods from one day to the next. A parent’s job is to offer a variety of healthy choices, the child’s job is to choose what and how much to eat. Modeling healthy eating by sitting down as a family at meals and snack times is an excellent way to teach healthy eating habits. Family meals are also a great time to connect with each other and learn about your child’s day.
Being physically active as a family is important for healthy growth and development. Physical activity builds strong bones, muscles and helps develop flexibility, posture and balance. Several short periods of physical activity built into their day will get your child ready for safe activity at school and help develop an active lifestyle.
School entry is a good time to check to see if your child is up to date with their immunizations. In B.C., children ages four and six are eligible for the chickenpox vaccine and a booster for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio. Call your local health unit for more information on immunizations and to book an appointment.
Hand washing is the most effective and easiest way to prevent your family from getting sick. Model good hand washing for your child and show your child how to wash his or her hands properly. All you need is plain soap and water. Antibacterial soaps are not necessary and may add to the growth of “super-bugs.”
Healthy teeth are important to your child’s overall health—for proper speech, to eat well and to have a healthy smile. Now is a good time to visit your dentist. Parents are encouraged to assist with the brushing of their child’s teeth two times per day, with fluoride toothpaste. Snacks or drinks that are not high in sugar are better for teeth. Water is a better choice than juice.
Children who have difficulty hearing or seeing will experience difficulties in learning. It is recommended that all children see an optometrist by age three. Vision checks for children are covered by medical insurance. If you have concerns about your child’s hearing, consult your family doctor or call your local health unit.
Emotional health is as important as physical health. Talking, playing and reading with your child regularly will help him or her develop strategies for encountering different situations, building confidence and self-control. Play with peers helps develop imagination, helps them cooperate and learn to take turns and develop some independence. These are all skills required for a successful transition into school.
Beginning school is a big adventure for children and their parents. Taking time to develop some healthy routines and prepare for school will make the adventure more fun. There are lots of resources available to assist parents in getting their child off to a healthy start. Check out the following websites and enjoy this exciting stage of your child’s life.
Resourceswww.healthcanada.ca/foodguidewww.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/socsec/index.htmlwww.dialadietitian.orgwww.healthcanada.cawww.immunizebc.cawww.actnowbc.gov.bc.caLeah Belliveau and Christine Havers are Public Health Nurses at the Westshore Health Unit.
