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Picture of kids running into a school.
Picture of kids running into a school.

National Back to School Month


Here are a few tips to help get your child ready to return to school.

ESTABLISH A BEDTIME
During the summer, most kids go to bed later than usual. This can make it hard for them to adjust when school starts up again. A couple of weeks before school begins, establish a "school bedtime" with your children, moving bedtime back in 15 minutes intervals. By the time school starts, they should be ready.

GET INTO A HOMEWORK ROUTINE
Before school starts, help your children get into a routine of completing their homework. Pick an electronic-free place in your home to work on their schoolwork and set aside some time each day for your children to start doing flashcards, to read, and to do some writing assignments. Having this routine in place early on will ease the transition to real homework.

PICK A SPOT FOR SCHOOL GEAR
Decide now where your children will drop off their backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes, and jackets when they walk in the door after school. This will minimize the chaos of running around and looking for their school things every morning. Before school starts, make sure your child knows where their school things belong.

ESSENTIAL SCHOOL SUPPLIES
It is a good idea to send your children with a few essential school supplies on their first day. This will help them feel prepared and ready. Items like a backpack, lunchbox, notebook, pencils, and erasers make great first-day-of-school companions. For elementary students, hold off on purchasing anything else until their teacher sends home a precise list of needed items.

TALK ABOUT ELECTORNICS
Will your children be able to watch TV while doing homework? Can they take their phones to their rooms at bedtime? What about listening to music during school? Make sure your child understands your rules for electronic use during the school year.

PHSYICALS AND IMMUNIZATIONS
By the time your child starts school, they will need to have a series of immunizations and a physical exam. Your local physician can help you determine what is needed and make sure they have received everything they need.

The start of school is an exciting and busy time. Do not wait until the last minute to take care of the above items. If your child needs a school physical or immunizations, call your local physician or the Sabetha Family Practice, (785) 284-2141, where the doctors would be happy to take care of all your needs.
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