3 Steps to Prepare Your Kids to Go Back to School | AFC Urgent Care Memphis

There’s no doubt about it—school is going to look different this year. COVID-19 has changed the way we’re operating these days, and there will be new procedures and protocols in place to protect the health of both students and teachers.

How can you prepare your little ones to go back to school, whether it’s for in-person learning or at home? A few basic steps can take you in the right direction! Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis offers some tips.

Help Your Kids Adapt

This first step is perhaps the most important one this year. There will no doubt be new guidelines your kids will need to follow this year, so you can help them succeed by helping them adapt.

Your first step is to review the changes that are necessary. Review them away from your kids and analyze them, then calmly share them with your students in a reassuring way.

If masks are required, help your child choose some that are appealing and comfortable and teach him or her how to properly wear them over the mouth and nose.

It’s also a good idea to review handwashing and other basic hygiene measures.

Choose a Safe Backpack

For in-person learning, a backpack is important, but did you know that backpacks are often a source of back pain in kids and teens?

You’ll want to choose wisely! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends choosing a backpack with two padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Teach your child to wear it over both shoulders.

When it’s packed, it should weigh no more than 15% of your child’s body weight.

Reset Your Child’s Routines

Summer means going to sleep later and sleeping later in the mornings. School means a change in routine!

Move your child’s bedtime back in steady increments until you get to a point where he or she is getting the amount of sleep recommended based on age. Keep the bedtime consistent even on weekends.

You’ll also need to reset eating habits. So, take your kids to the grocery store and select healthy foods for breakfasts and lunches that will be easy to grab and pack.

Could your child benefit from a wellness check before heading back to school? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Memphis today!